The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the long-awaited dualing of the 175km Rironi-Mau Summit road, with construction set to begin in June 2025. This major infrastructure upgrade is expected to ease congestion and improve travel efficiency for motorists heading to Western Kenya.
In a statement issued after a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto, the government confirmed that the project is scheduled for completion by June 2027. The dual carriageway will replace the existing two-lane highway, significantly enhancing traffic flow along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit corridor.
The Cabinet directed the finalization of the construction framework and set June 1, 2025, as the groundbreaking date for the four-lane highway. However, details regarding the financing model and the firms involved in executing the project were not disclosed.
The road expansion aims to address severe traffic congestion that frequently disrupts travel between Nairobi and Western Kenya, particularly on weekends and national holidays. The upgrade is part of Kenya’s broader infrastructure transformation strategy, which seeks to enhance connectivity while promoting economic growth across the region.
Government’s Commitment to Expanding Road Infrastructure
President William Ruto has consistently emphasized the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions. In December 2023, he announced plans to develop a dual carriageway along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba highway, citing the severe gridlock experienced during the festive season.
Speaking at AIC Kipkorgot in Uasin Gishu, Ruto acknowledged the existing transport challenges and reassured Kenyans that the government remains committed to long-term road expansion projects.
“We had a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program with a French company, but it didn’t materialize. However, we have an alternative plan. The commitment I want to give you is that in 2025, we will begin constructing the dual carriageway from Nairobi to Malaba. We are in discussions with various companies to ensure this project reduces congestion and enhances transport capacity,” Ruto stated.
Calls for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Road Development
The Nairobi-Nakuru Highway’s persistent traffic crisis has sparked renewed calls for sustainable infrastructure solutions. During the December 2023 holiday season, the National Police Service had to deploy additional officers and even a police helicopter to manage traffic along the route.
Moses Kuria, President Ruto’s Economic Advisor, stressed the need for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach to accelerate highway expansion. He warned that relying solely on public funds and debt financing is unsustainable.
“The mess on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway is further proof that we need new approaches to infrastructure development. The Rironi-Mau Summit dualing must be carried out on a PPP basis,” Kuria stated.
As the government moves forward with this crucial project, all eyes are on the implementation plan and funding strategy. The successful completion of the Rironi-Mau Summit dual carriageway will be a game-changer for transportation and economic growth in Kenya.
