PS Kiptoo chairs meet to clear final approval for Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit project

Solicitor General Shadrack Mose (left), Roads PS Joseph Mbugua and Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo during the meeting on November 25, 2025/X

Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo Tuesday chaired a high-level Public-Private Partnership (PPP) committee meeting that reviewed the final approval stage for the Nairobi-Naivasha-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway, bringing the long-awaited project to the brink of implementation.

The meeting, held at the National Treasury, is the last major procedural step before construction begins on the expansive upgrade of one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.

The project now heads to its final sign-off, ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony to be presided over by President William Ruto this Friday, November 28, 2025.

Ruto is expected to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at Total Police Station in Mau Summit, Kuresoi North Constituency. 

A host of local leaders, senior government officials, and private sector partners will witness the official start of works on the transformative highway.

Kiptoo said the committee’s review marked “a decisive milestone” in Kenya’s efforts to modernise its road network through structured public-private partnerships.  

He noted that the Nairobi-Mau Summit corridor carries immense economic weight, linking the capital to the Rift Valley, western Kenya, and the region beyond. 

“This project has reached its final shape after years of planning, detailed negotiations, and technical assessments,” he said.

“We are now at the threshold of delivering a modern, efficient, and safer highway that will significantly ease travel and support economic growth along this vital route.”

Under the supervision of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project will cover a total of over 230 kilometers, spanning from Rironi to Mau Summit (A8) and branching off to Naivasha via Maai Mahiu (A8 South).

The upgrade will see the existing stretch expanded into a dual carriageway, complete with modern interchanges, improved safety features, pedestrian infrastructure, and facilities designed to ease chronic congestion.

The road, which handles thousands of passengers and heavy commercial vehicles every day, has long been plagued by traffic snarl-ups and accident hotspots. 

Once complete, the new highway will reduce travel time, lower transport costs, and open up economic opportunities for businesses and communities across several counties, including Nakuru, Baringo, Kericho, and Uasin Gishu. 

It is also expected to “unlock fresh investment, support jobs and strengthen regional connectivity,” adding that its approval aligns with the government’s infrastructure modernisation agenda.

Following Friday’s launch, preparatory works and deployment of heavy machinery are expected to begin immediately, marking the start of one of the country’s most significant road construction undertakings in recent years.

The project is part of the Ruto administration’s broader plan to revitalise national infrastructure, boost competitiveness, and support long-term economic transformation. 

KEY FEATURES:

A8: Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Upgrade 

The A8 section, stretching approximately 175 kilometers, will undergo major reconstruction and expansion. The Nairobi–Naivasha stretch covering 58.9km will be upgraded into a dual 4-lane carriageway. 

The Naivasha–Nakuru West segment covering 58.9–123km will expand to a dual 6-lane carriageway, easing congestion through high-traffic zones. 

The Nakuru–Mau Summit extending from the 123–175.7km section will feature a dual 4-lane carriageway, improving access to the western economic corridor. In Nakuru town, a full viaduct section will be constructed to maintain smooth urban flow.

The project will also include the establishment of six toll stations along the A8 route, enhancing sustainability and maintenance financing under the PPP model. 

A8 South: Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha Road 

The A8 South link, spanning 56.8 kilometers, will complement the main highway and enhance regional connectivity. 

The Nairobi–Maai Mahiu segment will be upgraded to a dual 4-lane carriageway, incorporating climbing lanes to navigate steep terrain. 

The Maai Mahiu–Naivasha stretch will be rehabilitated and resurfaced, ensuring durability without lane expansion.

Two toll stations will be installed along this section. 

Safety will be a key focus, with new features addressing fog-prone zones, steep gradients, improved drainage, road signage, and lighting. 

Motorists using the upcoming road will pay a base toll rate of Sh8 per kilometre, according to disclosures by KeNHA.  

The toll, which will rise by one per cent annually, was a decisive factor in selecting the CRBC–NSSF consortium as the preferred bidder under a 30-year concession.  

The Sh180 billion project, which could peak at Sh194 billion, will begin before January 2026 and completed within two years.