The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced that two companies have reached the final stages of negotiations to lead the construction of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit and Rironi–Maai Mahiu-Naivasha highways.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 5, KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli said the authority followed all the necessary procedures in line with the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Act in evaluating and forwarding the proposals for the project’s development.
“KeNHA evaluated the Project Development Phase submissions in accordance with Section 43(9) of the Public-Private-Partnerships Act, Cap 430 and forwarded the Evaluation Report to the PPP Directorate for review and recommendation to the PPP Committee,” the statement read.
Kimeli further revealed that the PPP Committee had reviewed and concurred with the evaluation results, naming the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Consortium as the preferred proponents.
“Subsequently, the PPP Committee, under the National Treasury, concurred that the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and National Social Security Fund Trustees (NSSF) Consortium is the Preferred Proponent, based on the recommendations of the Evaluation Report,” the statement added.
However, Kimeli clarified that the approval granted by the PPP Committee does not yet amount to a final award for implementation.
The process, he said, is still in the negotiation phase between KeNHA and the identified consortium.
“Kindly note that the PPP Committee has not yet approved the award for implementation of the Project. The concurrence granted, only allows KeNHA to commence negotiations with the Preferred Proponent in line with the PPP process. This is the process that is currently ongoing.
“The Authority would like to reiterate here that at every stage of implementation of this project, there shall be high levels of transparency and accountability. All progress updates and decisions are being disclosed publicly in accordance with the PPP Act, Cap 430 and the National Treasury Circular dated 24th April 2025 on Public Disclosure of Privately Initiated Proposals (PIPs),” the statement continued.
Kimeli further noted that the project will be implemented under a tolling model, allowing users to pay for road use while ensuring long-term maintenance and operational efficiency.
“The Government of Kenya, through KeNHA, intends to implement this Project under a tolling model. Road users will, therefore, be required to pay toll fees determined through an approved tariff framework, with rates regulated to ensure affordability, transparency, and sustainability, while enabling the Private Partner to recover investment and maintenance costs during the concession period,” the statement further read.
Kimeli further disclosed that KeNHA will ensure alternative non-tolled routes are mapped out for road users who prefer not to pay the toll charges.
“The Authority shall map out available alternative roads from Rironi to Mau – Summit, where feasible, for consideration and use by the public, who may opt not to pay and use this Project. It is, however, imperative to note that the usage of the toll road shall be cheaper as there shall be resultant savings in travel times, vehicle operating costs, and safety,” he concluded.
