The government has reaffirmed that the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway will remain a state-owned asset, despite being developed through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Officials emphasized that tolling on the busy corridor will be strictly regulated to protect public interests, maintain quality standards, and ensure long-term infrastructure sustainability.
In a statement on Sunday, the Directorate of Public Private Partnerships sought to calm growing public concern over the involvement of the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The agency stressed that the PPP model is purely a financing mechanism, not a transfer of ownership.
“This highway is a strategic national asset and remains under the full ownership and jurisdiction of the Government of Kenya,” said PPP Director-General Eng. Kefa Seda.
“What we are implementing is a globally recognized model where the private sector finances and maintains infrastructure for a defined period, but ultimate control, regulation, and policy direction remain with the State.”
He explained that Kenya’s constrained fiscal space has pushed the government to embrace PPPs to fund major projects without adding to public debt. The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which recently stood at 78 percent, has fallen to about 64 percent, with a target of 55 percent by 2028.
Under the arrangement, the private partner will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the highway for 30 years, recovering costs through regulated tolls while bearing operational risks.
Toll revenues will be ring-fenced for road maintenance and safety improvements, with excess earnings shared with the State for reinvestment in other projects.
Eng. Seda assured that all details, including toll rates, concession terms, and revenue-sharing mechanisms, will be made public before the final agreement is signed.
The project, which handles nearly 40 percent of Kenya’s trade traffic, is expected to improve safety, reduce travel time, and boost regional trade competitiveness.
