The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a public advisory warning motorists to expect major traffic disruptions along the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Highway this Friday, November 28, as President William Ruto prepares to launch the long-awaited road project.
In a notice released Wednesday, KeNHA said traffic along the busy corridor will be heavily affected throughout the day as the Head of State presides over a series of inauguration events at different points of the highway.
“The road is envisaged to have significant traffic congestion for the whole day,” said Acting Director General Luka Kimeli.
"We advise motorists intending to use this road to either reschedule their travel or consider the alternative routes provided.”
The Authority has recommended four diversions to ease pressure on the A8, which carries some of the country’s heaviest daily traffic linking Nairobi to the Rift Valley and western Kenya.
Motorists travelling from Nairobi to Nakuru have been urged to use either the Ngong–Suswa–Narok–Mau Narok–Njoro–Nakuru route or the Nairobi–Thika–Magumu–Njabini–Ol Kalou–Nakuru road.
Those already within the Nakuru region have been advised to consider the Nakuru–Kampi ya Moto–Ravine–Makutano corridor or the Nakuru–Njoro–Molo–Mau Summit route.
KeNHA said the advisory is meant to minimise inconvenience during the presidential event and ensure safety for all road users.
"We urge all motorists plying these sections of the road to replan their journeys accordingly, and any inconvenience is regretted,” Kimeli added.
The Rironi–Mau Summit expansion is expected to be one of Kenya’s most transformative infrastructure projects, aimed at easing congestion, improving road safety, and boosting economic activity along the northern corridor once construction begins.
Friday’s launch marks the project’s formal commencement, with thousands of residents, transport operators and local leaders expected to attend the presidential events.
This will pave way for the commencement of this eagerly awaited project that has faced years of negotiation, review, and anticipation from motorists and businesses along the corridor.
Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo Tuesday chaired a high-level Public-Private Partnership (PPP) committee meeting that reviewed the final approval stage for the project.
Following the launch, the contactor is expected to immediately move into the mobilisation phase, which includes deployment of contractors, equipment, and traffic management teams across the affected sections.
Early works such as road marking, diversion preparation, and safety installations will begin in the weeks that follow, setting the stage for full-scale construction.
The upgrade of the highway, one of the country’s most important transport arteries, will significantly cut travel time, reduce accidents, and improve the movement of goods between Nairobi, the Rift Valley and the western region, which depend heavily on the route.
The road, once completed, is expected to be a major boost to the Northern Corridor, supporting trade, tourism and regional integration efforts while easing the strain on one of the busiest highways in East Africa.
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 A8 section, stretching approximately 175 kilometers, will undergo major reconstruction and expansion.
The A8 South link, spanning 56.8 kilometers, will complement the main highway and enhance regional connectivity.
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.
