By Michelle ndaga
Nakuru, Kenya – The government has intensified efforts to modernize the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) and Nairobi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha (A8 South) highways in a bid to address chronic traffic congestion and improve road safety.
The projects, spearheaded by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), were the focus of a recent stakeholder forum in Nakuru that brought together government agencies, transport operators, local leaders, and community representatives. The approach reflects a shift toward collaborative governance in infrastructure development, moving away from the traditionally top-down model.
According to a 2023 World Bank report, Kenya loses an estimated $250 million annually due to road inefficiencies, underscoring the economic urgency of upgrading the busy A8 corridor. The stakeholder-driven strategy mirrors the successful rollout of the Nairobi Expressway in 2018, which followed 12 stakeholder meetings and has since reduced travel time by 40 percent.
Road safety remains a pressing concern, with Kenya Traffic Police data showing that 1,200 accidents were recorded along the A8 corridor in 2024 alone. In response, the new designs will feature wider lanes, improved signage, and modern safety enhancements aimed at reducing fatalities and accidents.
Transport experts note that the A8 corridor, which serves as a critical trade and passenger link between Nairobi, Nakuru, and western Kenya, is essential for sustaining the country’s economic growth. The upgrades are expected not only to decongest traffic but also to enhance efficiency in the movement of goods and services.
