By John Mutiso
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a travel advisory ahead of the launch of the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Road, which is set to take place on Friday, November 28.
In the notice issued on Wednesday, November 26, the agency said the event, to be presided over by President William Ruto, will affect traffic flow throughout the day.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify the public that on Friday November 28, 2025, the Rironi – Nakuru – Mau Summit (A8) Road will be launched by President William Samoei Ruto at various locations,” the notice read.
KeNHA explained that significant traffic congestion is expected and encouraged motorists to use alternative routes.
“The road is envisaged to have significant traffic congestion for the whole day. Consequently, the Authority advises motorists intending to use this road to either reschedule their travel or use alternative routes,” the notice added.
KeNHA listed Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Njoro-Nakuru; Nairobi-Thika-Magumu-Njabini-Ol Kalou-Nakuru; Nakuru-Kampi ya Moto-Ravine-Makutano; and Nakuru-Njoro-Molo-Mau Summit as recommended alternative routes.
“We urge all motorists plying these sections of the road to replan their journeys accordingly, and any inconvenience is regretted,” the notice concluded.
The launch comes after KeNHA revealed that the expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit Expressway was restructured into two sections to accommodate two consortiums, including Chinese firms and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
This followed a $1 billion investment cap on Chinese state-owned enterprises, which requires a lengthy internal review before approval.
KeNHA said the restructuring was necessary after negotiations for the original full-corridor plan for the 233km Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha PPP project failed.
Both the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)–NSSF and Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International (SDRBI) indicated they could not proceed under current Chinese outbound-investment rules.
Under the new arrangement approved by the PPP Committee on November 10, CRBC–NSSF will handle the Nairobi–Naivasha–Gilgil segment and the Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) road covering about 139km, while SDRBI will construct the 94km Gilgil–Mau Summit section.
