It is a relief to Kenyans as President William Ruto instructed the contractors to kick off the construction of the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway in July this year. This announcement was made by the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on May 15 on behalf of the President during his visit to Nakuru.
He stated that the dialling works of the Rironu-Mau Summit highway would start in the next two months. The highway upgrade will enhance the safety of road users. Also, the highway would facilitate easier and more effective movement of both people and goods to and from the Rift Valley, Western, and Nyanza regions of Kenya.
Also read: Kenya’s €1.3 Billion Nairobi-Nakuru Dual-Carriageway Deal to be Awarded to a Chinese Contractor
Nakuru-Nairobi Highway Project Factsheet
Length: Approximately 170 kilometers
Project implementation: The dualling project, covering the 175km stretch between Rironi and Mau Summit, is planned to be undertaken through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Construction start date: Construction is expected to commence in July 2025.
Project cost: The initial budgeted construction cost was approximately KSh180 billion (around US$1.8 billion). However, a more recent figure mentioned is KSh 90 billion for the Rironi-Mau Summit section.
Contractors: Initially, a deal with French contractors was canceled. A new deal was signed with the Chinese government for the expansion.
Additional details:
- The project also includes the strengthening and maintenance of the Rironi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha Road (Escarpment Road). The road is approximately 62 kilometers long.
- The upgrade will involve the construction of bridges, underpasses, overpasses, wildlife crossing points, bus bays, and other auxiliary road infrastructure.
- The project is considered a high environmental and social risk project, requiring adherence to international environmental and social standards.
Additionally, according to the Deputy President, the President had already directed the Transport Cabinet Secretary to oversee the project. The CS is also required to ensure a timely delivery of the Ksh90 billion project.
Public-Private Partnership Model
Kindiki also informed the residents that the expansion of the existing highway from single lane to a 170-kilometer four-lane carriageway would be conducted via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
“From the month of July going forward, we will commence the construction works of the highway which connects Rironi in Limuru to Mau-Summit. We shall make it a dual-carriageway in order to reduce the number of accidents,” the Deputy President announced.
“Eventually, we have found a way to build the highway. The President has directed the Ministry of Roads to make sure that the contractors are already on site effective July 1 this year,” Kindiki added.
Chinese Government Awarded the Project Following Termination from French Contractors
President William Ruto’s instructions come a month after he reached a deal with the Chinese government for the expansion works of the highway. This is after Kenya cancelled a similar deal with French contractors on the dualling of the highway.
Kenya reached a decision to end the agreement with French contractors. This was after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) officials revisited the project’ terms and conditions.
Also read: Kenya to Secure Multi-Billion Loan for the Construction of the 124-kilometre Kenya-Tanzania Road
