Petition filed to stop multi-billion Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit road project
The petitioners argue that the State's plan to revive tolling through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangements amounts to surrendering control of a strategic transport corridor to private and foreign concessionaires.
The High Court in Nakuru has been asked to halt the construction of the newly launched Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road project pending the determination of a petition challenging its legality and economic viability.
In the case filed on Friday, the Motorists Association of Kenya, together with three individuals—Peter Murima, Joyce Wamahiu and Josphat Kamau—are seeking interim orders to stop any construction or preparatory works on the multi-billion-shilling project.
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The petitioners argue that the State's plan to revive tolling through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangements amounts to surrendering control of a strategic transport corridor to private and foreign concessionaires.
Such long-term agreements, they contend, undermine national sovereignty and expose taxpayers to unfair financial burdens.
They further allege that the project is driven by political and commercial interests rather than genuine public need, claiming that both Kenyan and foreign elites stand to gain through toll revenue, long-term leases and logistical control.
According to the petition, successive public officials have intentionally stalled the expansion of the highway for more than a decade, creating a manufactured crisis to justify the privatisation of the road and the reintroduction of toll charges.
The Cabinet Secretary for Roads, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA), the Director of Public-Private Partnerships, China Road and Bridge Corporation, the National Social Security Fund and the Attorney-General have been listed as respondents.
Justice Julius Nangea directed the petitioners to serve all respondents, who now have seven days to file their replies.
The suit comes just hours after President William Ruto officially launched the construction works earlier in the day.
The matter will return to court on December 5 for directions.
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