Motorists using the James Gichuru–Rironi Road could be required to pay toll charges under a government plan to bring in a private investor to manage the highway.
The National Treasury says it is pursuing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement that would cover the completion of outstanding works, as well as the road’s operation and maintenance.
In its Quarterly PPP Status Update report, the Treasury said it approved the project note in September 2026, allowing the government to proceed with plans to select a private partner.
The arrangement will cover the rehabilitation of the existing road and the introduction of tolling under a management contract.
“Under this management contract project, there will be rehabilitation and completion of outstanding civil works on the road and also tolling on the road,” noted the Treasury.
According to the government, this proposal is aimed at ensuring sustainable management of the road in light of its high use by commuters, passengers, and cargo carriers.
Increased costs for road users
The proposed scheme could increase the cost of using the road to motorists using the road every day, particularly those moving from Nairobi’s western parts to Kangemi, Uthiru, Kinoo, and Gitaru among others.
It should be noted, however, that the Treasury report does not give details regarding the charges and date of start of tolling.
This 25 km road stretches from James Gichuru Junction close to Westlands through different residential areas all the way to Rironi where it connects with the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
The road is part of the Northern Corridor that joins the Port of Mombasa to Nairobi and other neighboring countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Project has faced delays
The road expansion was intended to ease congestion by increasing capacity to three main carriageway lanes in each direction, alongside service roads and improved drainage.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has said the project aims to reduce travel time between James Gichuru Junction and Rironi from about one hour to 30 minutes.
Construction began in August 2017 but faced delays linked to funding challenges. The government later sought alternative financing after the World Bank withdrew its support.
Under the proposed PPP arrangement, a private investor would help complete the remaining works and take part in the road’s long-term management.
The plan is still at the stage of preparing for the selection of a private partner. The final toll rates and the timeline for introducing charges have not been provided in the information released by the Treasury.