NAIROBI, Kenya — Motorists will have a free alternative route once the Sh180 billion Rironi–Mau Summit expressway opens in 2028, the government has confirmed, following concerns over the Sh8 per kilometre toll charge proposed for the 175-kilometre highway.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced on Thursday that a consortium led by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) had been selected as the preferred bidder to construct and operate the expressway under a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP).
According to KeNHA, the existing A8 road between Nairobi and Mau Summit will remain toll-free, ensuring motorists retain the freedom to choose between the expressway and the current route. However, officials expect the free road to experience heavier congestion as motorists opting for faster travel shift to the tolled expressway.
“CRBC and NSSF have raised the aspect of a free alternative as being a likely contested issue and the need for NNM to be declared a toll road by the Cabinet Secretary,” read part of the KeNHA project brief.
In addition, the Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) route will be upgraded to dual carriageway standard and remain toll-free, offering budget-conscious travellers a second no-cost option.
The toll system will feature eight open stations across the route, including two at Maai Mahiu. The expressway will also include safety enhancements such as fog-warning systems, improved lighting, drainage, and a 4.5-kilometre viaduct through Nakuru town to ease urban congestion.
The base toll rate of Sh8 per kilometre for passenger cars and four-wheel drives will increase by 1 P.c annually, lower than a rival bid proposing Sh10 per kilometre with a 3 P.c escalation.
Before final approval, the government will conduct public consultations to assess motorists’ willingness to pay for the expressway, given the availability of free alternatives.
Under the concession agreement, the CRBC–NSSF consortium will absorb traffic and revenue risks, meaning taxpayers will not bear losses if usage falls below projections.
The project is expected to begin construction in 2026, pending completion of environmental assessments, cost audits, and land compensation agreements.
Economists have welcomed the dual-route approach, describing it as a balanced solution that allows commercial operators and wealthier motorists to pay for premium infrastructure while preserving access for ordinary citizens.
“This model ensures inclusivity and fairness while sustaining investment in transport modernization,” said a transport economist familiar with the project.
The expressway is also projected to create thousands of jobs during construction and enhance business opportunities for local suppliers and service providers.
KeNHA said the government and consortium are negotiating key terms — including tax exemptions, electronic tolling systems, and dispute resolution frameworks — ahead of final financial close.
When completed, the Rironi–Mau Summit expressway will stand as Kenya’s longest tolled highway, connecting Nairobi to the western corridor and significantly cutting travel time along one of East Africa’s busiest trade routes.
