National Assembly Committee Joins CS Chirchir to Inspect Nairobi-Nakuru Highway Upgrades

Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, led the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on a site inspection of major road works along the Nairobi to Nakuru corridor on Thursday. The visit, conducted alongside committee chair Hon. George Kariuki, focused on assessing the current status of the Rironi-Naivasha-Gilgil and Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

The expansion of the 138-kilometer stretch into high-capacity dual and six-lane carriageways is a central component of the infrastructure pillar under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Government officials indicated that the project, once operational, will alleviate chronic congestion and improve safety on the Northern Corridor, which facilitates transit for trade partners in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During the tour, the delegation inspected the National Urban Transport Improvement Project (NUTRIP), specifically focusing on the rehabilitation and capacity enhancement of the James Gichuru Road Junction to Rironi Highway (A104). This segment is designed to serve as a high-volume exit route from the Nairobi metropolitan area, connecting to the broader A8 network.

The inspection team also reviewed the Rironi-Gilgil (A8) and Rironi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha (A8 South) sections. These works are part of a broader plan to dual the highway between Rironi and Mau Summit. Current schedules suggest the Kamandura to Nakuru section is targeted for opening by June 2026, which would provide immediate relief to motorists using the busy commercial artery.

Implementation of the Rironi-Mau Summit corridor is being managed through two distinct consortia following a restructuring of the project. China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), is handling the section from Rironi to Gilgil. The Gilgil to Mau Summit stretch is being developed by Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport confirmed that drainage systems are being reinforced throughout the corridor to ensure the long-term durability of the pavement. The committee expressed satisfaction with the steady progress recorded, noting that these strategic investments are necessary to reduce vehicle operating costs and improve Kenya’s logistics competitiveness in the region.

Key highlights of the ongoing works include:

* The expansion of the highway into four to six lanes.

* The construction of grade-separated interchanges at major junctions.

* The integration of pedestrian facilities and non-motorized transport infrastructure.

* Enhanced safety features including street lighting and improved signages.

Construction activities are currently supported by the deployment of multiple work gangs across various segments to maintain the momentum toward a full project completion target in 2027.