An artistic impression of the highway/COURTESY
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has publicly disclosed details of the project agreement for the Gilgil-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) road project.
The agreement confirms that motorists will pay a Sh8.50 per kilometre toll once the highway becomes operational, subject to future adjustments and regulatory approvals.
In a notice, KeNHA said the project will be undertaken under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) model by Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Co. Ltd (SRDBI) after the company was identified as the preferred bidder through the Privately Initiated Proposal process.
"The project is being implemented as a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the development of the Gilgil-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Road," the notice states.
KeNHA said the project agreement follows approval by the PPP Committee after the authority submitted the required project development studies, financial assessment and procurement recommendations in line with the Public Private Partnerships Act.
The road project covers approximately 94 kilometres of the busy A8 highway linking Gilgil, Nakuru and Mau Summit, one of Kenya's busiest transport corridors serving the Northern Corridor and connecting the Port of Mombasa with neighbouring countries.
According to the disclosure, the concessionaire will be responsible for financing, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the road for 30 years, after which the asset will be handed back to KeNHA in the agreed condition.
"The project assets shall be transferred to KeNHA at the end of the concession period," the authority said.
The project will include construction and rehabilitation of the main highway, associated interchanges, viaducts, bridges, drainage structures, tolling infrastructure, road safety features and other ancillary facilities intended to improve efficiency and safety along the corridor.
KeNHA said the government's financial commitments are limited to those expressly provided for in the project agreement, noting that the project will primarily be financed by the private partner, with any government support subject to legal approvals.
"The project will operate as a toll road. Applicable toll tariff is Sh8.50 per kilometre, and any future adjustments shall be implemented in accordance with the Project Agreement and applicable Government approvals and regulatory requirements," the notice says.
KeNHA said the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs while improving connectivity between Nairobi, Nakuru and the Rift Valley region.
The authority added that the upgraded highway is expected to facilitate trade, tourism and regional integration, create employment opportunities during construction and operation, and stimulate investment along the transport corridor.
"The project is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs, enhance connectivity between Nairobi and the Rift Valley region, facilitate trade and tourism, create employment opportunities during construction and operation, and stimulate regional economic growth and investment," the notice states.
KeNHA said publication of the agreement is intended to promote transparency and public accountability in the implementation of the PPP project, while allowing members of the public to access information permitted under the law.
The authority invited members of the public to submit any clarifications or feedback through its offices as preparations begin for the implementation of the long-awaited highway project.
