Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking during the Nakuru
Town East Economic Empowerment event on Sunday/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has affirmed the government’s plan to hasten the dualing of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway, saying construction works are to commence before the end of this month.
Speaking on Sunday during the Nakuru Town East Economic Empowerment event, the Deputy President said the highway will significantly ease transport between Nairobi and the western parts of the country.
“The construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway beginning this August will be a game-changer in the movement of people and transportation of goods in a safer, faster, and effective way, accelerating the socio-economic transformation of the Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza Regions and connecting Kenya to the East African Community,” said Kindiki.
He emphasized the highway's importance as part of the Northern Corridor and the Trans African Highway, noting its role in enhancing regional transport.
His remarks come a few weeks after President William Ruto announced that the government has allocated Sh2.5 billion to complete stalled projects in the county.
The Rironi–Mau Summit road, part of the larger Nairobi–Nakuru–Malaba corridor, is set to be upgraded into a dual carriageway stretching approximately 170 kilometers.
Once complete, it will significantly ease traffic congestion along one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors, serving not just Western Kenya, but also Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and other regional markets.
The highway expansion is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under a Design–Build–Finance–Operate–Maintain–Transfer (DBFOMT) model, with a concession period of 30 years.
The Deputy President also shared the government’s achievements in expanding electricity access.
He said the number of homes connected to the national grid has risen from 2.7 million to 10.6 million since 2022.
“In another 3 to 4 years, every home in the Republic of Kenya will be connected to electricity,” he said.
On health and housing, Kindiki said the government has expanded the Social Health Authority, increasing coverage from 8 million to 25 million Kenyans.
He said the aim is for every household in Kenya to have access to medical insurance and decent housing.
To support small businesses, Kindiki highlighted the upcoming Nyota Programme. He said the initiative will provide 70 businesses in every ward with Sh50,000 to help them grow.
“Tunaamini ukiinua watu mashinani, hiyo ndiyo bottom-up,” he said.
The Deputy President also spoke about the government’s efforts to unite the country and promote development through sports and infrastructure.
