NAIROBI — The ongoing Rironi–Mau Summit Highway upgrade is set to redefine travel between Nairobi and Western Kenya, Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has said.
The 233-kilometre road, one of the busiest and most critical corridors in the country, has long been plagued by congestion, slow movement up the escarpment, and traffic bottlenecks in Nakuru town.
Speaking on the project, Omollo emphasized its significance for commuters, traders, and long-distance transporters.
“This highway is being rebuilt for the people who use it every day — commuters, traders, students, and long-distance drivers. We want safer, faster, and more reliable journeys for everyone along this corridor,” he said.
The road upgrade is divided into phases. From Rironi to Naivasha, the highway will feature four lanes, providing room for both personal vehicles and public service vehicles to move comfortably.
The Naivasha–Nakuru section will expand to six lanes to accommodate the high volume of heavy trucks, buses, and other long-distance transport.
Nakuru town will see an elevated road constructed to ease congestion, allowing traffic to flow above the city’s busiest streets.
Beyond Nakuru, the highway will continue as a four-lane road to Mau Summit, ensuring smoother access to Western Kenya.
Dr. Omollo highlighted that the benefits extend beyond commuters.
“This road is more than asphalt and concrete. It strengthens trade, connects communities, and ensures goods, students, and families reach their destinations safely and on time,” he said.
Improved travel times will allow market vendors and farmers to move goods efficiently, while students and families can spend less time on the road and more time on daily activities.
The project is managed by China Town and Bridge Corporation and Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International, which are handling different phases simultaneously to accelerate construction.
Once completed, the highway will operate as a toll road at KSh 8 per kilometre, with alternative routes provided for drivers seeking options.
Additionally, the Westlands–Rironi road is being widened to six lanes, improving access to the highway from Nairobi.
With work already 82% complete, commuters can expect smoother movement and reduced congestion even before the full highway upgrade is finished.
Dr. Omollo noted that the project aligns with broader national goals of improving infrastructure, facilitating trade, and boosting economic growth.
The upgraded highway will enhance supply chains, enable faster delivery of agricultural produce, and create safer conditions for long-distance drivers.
By the end of 2027, travel from Nairobi to Western Kenya is expected to be faster, safer, and more predictable, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s infrastructure development.
