The government has officially launched a stakeholder engagement exercise for the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha road project, a public–private partnership expected to transform one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.
The event, held at the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) headquarters in Nairobi, was presided over by the cabinet secretary for infrastructure, Davis Chirchir.
It brought together principal secretaries, directors-general, chief executives of state agencies, private sector representatives and project proponents.
The 200km dual project is being billed as one of the most ambitious road infrastructure investments in the country.
It aims to decongest the northern corridor, a vital trade route linking Nairobi to western Kenya and onward to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other regional markets.
According to KeNHA, the upgrade will reduce travel times and improve safety on a highway long associated with traffic jams and accidents.
Chirchir said the project would not only ease the movement of goods but also boost regional trade competitiveness.
“This is a transformative project that will shape the economic landscape of the entire corridor,” he said. “It will enhance efficiency, promote investment and create opportunities for our people.”
Thousands of jobs are expected to be generated during construction, with indirect benefits projected across sectors such as real estate, agribusiness, tourism and logistics.
Analysts note that the improved connectivity could stimulate growth in satellite towns along the corridor, while lowering transport costs for farmers and businesses.
The public–private partnership model will see private investors finance, construct and operate the highway before eventually transferring it back to the government. Officials say stakeholder engagement will be critical in addressing concerns ranging from land acquisition to environmental safeguards.
Construction is expected to begin once financing and technical designs are finalised.
