BREAKING: Treasury Approves KSh 200 Billion Rironi-Mau Summit Dualing Project

Kenya’s National Treasury has given its official approval for the construction of the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway, a massive infrastructure undertaking valued at an estimated Sh200 billion. The 175-kilometer road, which links the capital Nairobi to Nakuru, will be developed by a partnership involving the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and Shandong Hi-Speed.

This critical project, being executed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework on a Design–Build–Finance–Operate–Maintain–Transfer (DBFOMT) model, aims to transform the busy A8 road from a single carriageway into a modern four-lane dual highway. The upgrade is seen as vital for easing persistent traffic congestion that plagues one of Kenya’s most important transport corridors, which also serves as a gateway for trade to landlocked East African nations.

The consortium that was approved, featuring CRBC and NSSF alongside Shandong Hi-Speed, saw its Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) succeed following a comprehensive evaluation by the relevant authorities. The project’s previous iteration under a French consortium had been cancelled by the current administration over concerns regarding cost and risk allocation.

With the Treasury’s green light signaling the conclusion of the procurement approval stage, the project is now set to move into the development phase. Previous pronouncements by government officials had indicated that groundbreaking was targeted for mid-2025, with an expected construction duration of around two years, aiming for completion by 2027. The upgrade is set to significantly enhance travel time, reduce vehicle operating costs, and boost commercial efficiency along the Northern Corridor. Motorists will recover the investment through toll fees levied over the concession period.

Questions remain on the toll figures, and we will provide timely updates once the information is available. Mjengo Hub will also be conducting willingness to pay (WTP) surveys for similar projects across the country. Stay tuned!