NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya will break ground on the long-awaited dualling of the Rironi–Nakuru–Eldoret highway before the end of August, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has confirmed.
Addressing senators on Wednesday, Chirchir said the project — a key infrastructure upgrade along the Northern Corridor — is being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with investor proposals currently under evaluation.
“We plan to undertake the dualling of the Rironi–Nakuru and Nakuru–Eldoret highways under the PPP framework. Several concession proponents are already in the development phase,” Chirchir said.
The CS clarified that the multi-phase project will stretch from Rironi, where the current dual carriage ends, all the way to Eldoret and eventually Malaba, deepening regional trade and connectivity between Nairobi and Western Kenya.
“We’re looking at Rironi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Mau Summit, all the way to Eldoret. The A8 and A8 South sections will both be covered,” he explained.
The A8 South corridor includes the Rironi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha bypass, offering an alternative to the heavily trafficked Nakuru route.
Although no contractor has been formally awarded the tender, Chirchir said technical assessments — including geotechnical soil testing — are already underway to prepare the ground for construction.
“You’ll notice ongoing drilling works along the route as engineers check soil profiles. We expect the results in 10 days, after which we can move toward awarding the contract,” he said.
The project is in line with President William Ruto’s earlier announcement on June 11 during a meeting with Nakuru leaders at State House, where he revealed that road works would commence in August 2025.
Ruto emphasised the importance of completing a significant portion of the project by 2027, stating that the four-lane section from Rironi to Naivasha will be followed by an expanded six-lane stretch to Nakuru City.
The upgraded highway is expected to dramatically ease congestion on one of East Africa’s busiest trade arteries, improve road safety, and enhance the movement of goods and passengers across the country and to neighbouring states.
The Rironi–Mau Summit highway upgrade was initially delayed following the cancellation of a previous contract amid concerns about project structuring. The current PPP model is seen as more sustainable and transparent.
Chirchir assured lawmakers that the procurement process remains open and competitive, with strict oversight from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
“This is a transformative project. We’re committed to delivering it in a manner that ensures value for money, transparency, and efficiency,” he said.
