The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has outlined the key features of the 94-kilometre Gilgil–Mau Summit Highway, detailing the major upgrades planned for the busy transport corridor. KeNHA is supervising the construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road. Photo: Raymond Omollo. Source: Twitter The project is part of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway that is being dualled by President William Ruto’s administration under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The road traverses Nakuru and Baringo counties in the Rift Valley and is being undertaken by China’s Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge International Engineering Co Ltd (SDRBI).
“The project covers a total of 94 kilometres of the A8 Road. It will be implemented by Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge International Engineering Co. Ltd. (SDRBI) under a 30-year design, build, finance, operate, maintain, and transfer (DBFOMT) public-private partnership (PPP) agreement,” KeNHA stated in a project disclosure published in MyGov on Tuesday, July 7. What are the features of the Gilgil-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road? The project involves the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of approximately 94 kilometres of the A8 Road. The associated interchanges include a viaduct in Nakuru city, bridges, drainage structures, tolling infrastructure, road safety features, and other ancillary facilities required to deliver a safe and efficient highway service. KeNHA noted that the project will operate as a toll road, setting the rate at KSh 8.50 per kilometre, indicating that motorists will pay KSh 799 for the stretch. “The applicable toll fee is KSh 8.50, while any future adjustments will be made in accordance with the project agreement, relevant government approvals, and applicable legal requirements,” it stated.
Kenyan athletes Construction works along the Rironi-Nakuru Highway. It is anticipated that the project will increase road safety, decrease travel time and vehicle operating costs. It will also improve connectivity between Nairobi and the Rift Valley region, facilitate trade and tourism, create jobs during construction and operation, and encourage investment and economic growth in the area. Upon the expiration or termination of the 30-year concession, the project assets will be handed over to KeNHA in the condition and quality specified in the project agreement, in accordance with the applicable handback requirements, performance standards, and remaining asset life criteria. When was the upgrade of the road launched? President Ruto initiated the building of the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road restoration in November 2025 to improve connectivity between Nairobi, the Rift Valley, and Western Kenya. The overall project cost will be $1.33 billion (KSh 171.9 billion). The project is a component of a larger national plan that uses PPP agreements to modernise important transportation infrastructure. The upgrade aims to resolve long-standing issues along the Nairobi–Nakuru corridor, where drivers frequently encounter heavy traffic jams.
