President William Ruto has said the construction of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road will transform travel across the busy corridor, easing traffic, reducing accidents and significantly cutting economic losses linked to congestion.
Speaking during the launch of the project, the President described the road as a lifeline that had long been strained beyond capacity.
“For too long, this Rironi–Mau Summit Road carried more than it could bear. Traffic consumed our time, accidents stole our loved ones and delays cost our economy billions. Today, we say no more,” Ruto said.
He noted that the upgraded highway will rely on modern engineering, innovation and strict accountability measures to ensure it delivers tangible benefits to Kenyans.
“With modern engineering, innovation and accountability, this road will cut travel times, reduce accidents and save lives,” he said.
The President added that the construction phase will open up opportunities for thousands of young people, with the project expected to absorb at least 15,000 youths who will acquire technical skills and work experience.
“The Rironi–Mau Summit Road construction project will create thousands of jobs, with 15,000 young Kenyans gaining skills as they help build this highway. It will not only construct roads, but careers and futures, with local content leading and Kenyan businesses at the centre,” he said.
Ruto further outlined a broader national infrastructure expansion plan aimed at boosting Kenya’s competitiveness and improving connections to regional markets. He said the government will upgrade airports and ports, and extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu, and later to Malaba, starting January 2026.
“We will expand and upgrade our airports and ports, and beginning in January 2026, we shall extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba,” he said.
He added that these infrastructure investments will lower the cost of doing business, improve logistics efficiency and strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional transport hub.
“These infrastructure efforts will boost competitiveness, lower business costs, and connect Kenya more efficiently to regional and global markets,” Ruto said.
