NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has published the project agreement for the Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) road project, confirming that motorists will pay a toll of Sh8.50 per kilometre once the highway becomes operational.
In a public notice, KeNHA said the 94-kilometre project will be implemented under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) model by Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Co. Ltd (SRDBI), which emerged as the preferred bidder through the Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) process.
“The project is being implemented as a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the development of the Gilgil-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Road,” the authority said.
30-Year Concession
KeNHA said the agreement was approved by the Public Private Partnership Committee after submission of the required project development studies, financial assessments and procurement recommendations in line with the Public Private Partnerships Act.
Under the agreement, the concessionaire will finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the highway for a concession period of 30 years.
At the end of the concession, ownership of the road will revert to the government.
“The project assets shall be transferred to KeNHA at the end of the concession period,” the authority stated.
Sh8.50 Per Kilometre Toll
According to the published agreement, the upgraded highway will operate as a toll road, with motorists paying Sh8.50 per kilometre.
KeNHA noted that the tariff may be reviewed in future, subject to the provisions of the project agreement and the necessary government approvals.
“The project will operate as a toll road. Applicable toll tariff is Sh8.50 per kilometre, and any future adjustments shall be implemented in accordance with the Project Agreement and applicable Government approvals and regulatory requirements,” the notice reads.
The authority added that the government’s financial obligations will be limited to commitments expressly provided for under the agreement, with the private partner expected to shoulder the bulk of the project’s financing.
Major Upgrade Planned
The project covers the rehabilitation and expansion of the busy A8 highway linking Gilgil, Nakuru and Mau Summit, a key section of the Northern Corridor connecting the Port of Mombasa with Kenya’s neighbouring countries.
Works will include the construction and rehabilitation of the main carriageway, interchanges, bridges, viaducts, drainage systems, tolling infrastructure, road safety features and other supporting facilities.
KeNHA said the upgraded highway is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time and lower vehicle operating costs while strengthening connectivity between Nairobi, Nakuru and the wider Rift Valley region.
The authority also projected that the project would facilitate trade and tourism, create employment opportunities during construction and operation, and stimulate investment and economic growth along the transport corridor.
KeNHA said publication of the agreement is intended to enhance transparency and public accountability in the implementation of the PPP project.
The authority has invited members of the public to submit comments or seek clarification through its offices as preparations for implementation of the long-awaited highway project get underway.