KeNHA invites Kenyans to Friday’s launch of the Rironi–Mau Summit highway upgrade

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced that the official launch of the construction and dualling of the Rironi–Naivasha–Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) highway and the Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) Road will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025, with the public invited to attend.

The ceremonies, to be presided over by President William Ruto, will be held at Kwa-Mbira, Gilgil, and Mau Summit starting at 8 am, according to a notice issued by KeNHA on Thursday.

"KeNHA wishes to invite the public to the launch of the construction and dualling of the above roads to be presided over by H.E. William Samoei Ruto, PhD., C.G.H. Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, to be held on Friday, November 28, 2025," the notice read. "This follows the successful conclusion of negotiations with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Shandong, who are the contractors to undertake the works following approvals from relevant government agencies."

Ease traffic congestion

The 175-kilometre highway, which connects Nairobi to Western Kenya and neighbouring countries, is expected to ease traffic congestion, boost trade, and improve road safety once completed.

KeNHA has warned motorists of heavy traffic during the launch and advised travellers to either reschedule their journeys or use alternative routes, including Ngong–Suswa–Narok–Mau, Nairobi–Thika–Magumu–Njabini–Ol Kalou–Nakuru, Nakuru–Kampi ya Moto–Ravine–Makutano, and Nakuru–Njoro–Molo–Mau Summit.

The highway project has been divided into two contracts. The A8 section runs 174.9 km from Rironi Interchange to Mau Summit via Nakuru City, while the A8 South segment covers 58 km from Rironi to Naivasha via Maai Mahiu.

China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company, has been contracted to carry out the works.

Four lanes from Rironi

KeNHA confirmed that the project will widen the existing two-lane carriageway into four lanes from Rironi to Naivasha, six lanes from Naivasha to Nakuru City, and two to three lanes from Nakuru to Mau Summit, with a central barrier to improve lane discipline.

The project will also include new and upgraded interchanges, embankment reinforcement, retaining walls, street and high-mast lighting, wildlife and livestock crossing points, bus bays, truck lay-bays, underpasses, and overpasses.

The highway upgrade, one of the largest public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Eastern Africa, will involve toll fees, while alternative routes will remain available for motorists who prefer not to pay.

"Users of the road will be required to pay toll fees determined through an approved tariff framework, with rates regulated to ensure affordability, transparency and sustainability, while enabling the Private Partner to recover investment and maintenance costs. Alternative roads will be identified for the public who may not want to pay," Acting KeNHA Director-General Luka Kimeli said.

During a recent tour of Nakuru, President Ruto revealed that the project is estimated to cost between Sh170 billion and Sh200 billion.

He confirmed that construction will begin in November 2025 and said plans are underway to extend the highway upgrade to Kericho, Kisumu, Malaba, and Eldoret.

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