The long-awaited expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit highway is set to begin in June this year, following Cabinet approval of revised proposals to upgrade the busy corridor into a four-lane dual carriageway.
The 175-kilometre stretch, which connects Nairobi and Nakuru, is a critical transport artery serving Kenya’s western region and beyond. The upgrade from a two-way road to a dual carriageway is expected to ease congestion, especially during weekends and holidays, and spur economic growth through improved logistics and reduced travel time.
The project, which has now attracted interest from several international firms including Chinese companies, comes after the government cancelled a previous contract awarded to a French firm. The cancelled deal, structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), was abandoned over cost concerns. The French firm had proposed toll stations and financing terms deemed exorbitant and unfavorable by the government.
With a fresh tendering process underway, Chinese construction companies have emerged as strong contenders for the contract. The Kenyan government pitched the highway upgrade during the recent China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, highlighting the project as part of broader infrastructure development plans that could eventually see the road extended all the way to Malaba, at the Ugandan border.
Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to significantly open up western Kenya for investment, improve cargo and passenger transport, and support regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Construction is projected to take two years, with the government emphasizing a transparent bidding process and a cost-effective financing model to ensure value for taxpayers.
