NAIROBI, Kenya – Motorists will have the option of using a toll-free road alongside the planned Rironi–Mau Summit expressway, the government has said, easing concerns over travel costs on the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Thursday named a consortium led by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as the preferred bidder for the 175km expressway, which will charge motorists Sh8 per kilometre when it opens in 2028.
The current A8 road between Rironi and Mau Summit will remain open as a free alternative.
The government has also committed to upgrading parts of the toll-free Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) road, including the addition of dual carriageway sections, to provide a second untolled option.
KeNHA said the preservation of free routes was central to the project’s approval to ensure that motorists “retain choice” between paying for faster travel or using existing networks.
“The consortium has raised the aspect of a free alternative as a likely contested issue,” the agency noted, adding that designation of the expressway as a toll road will require formal approval by the Cabinet Secretary.
Eight Toll Points and a 4.5km Viaduct
The expressway will operate an open tolling system with eight stations spread along the corridor, including two around Maai Mahiu for users who opt into the toll section.
The project will include safety upgrades, improved lighting, drainage works and features for fog-prone and steep areas.
A 4.5km viaduct will cut through Nakuru town to ease chronic congestion that has long slowed long-distance and local traffic.
The government expects the road to slash travel times significantly on a route where gridlock has previously forced travellers to spend many hours — and sometimes nights — on the highway.
Costs and Concession Terms
The Sh180 billion project will run under a 30-year concession, with the private consortium taking on traffic and revenue risks.
This means investors, not taxpayers, will absorb losses if toll revenue falls short of projections.
The base tariff of Sh8 per km for private cars will rise by 1% annually, a lower escalation than a competing proposal that sought Sh10 per km and a 3% yearly increase.
KeNHA said public participation will determine motorists’ willingness to pay, particularly given the continued availability of free alternatives.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, pending detailed environmental assessments, financial structuring, and clarity on land acquisition and compensation.
Negotiations will also address electronic tolling, enforcement, tax exemptions and safeguards to limit revenue leakage.
The project is also expected to create local employment and support small businesses during construction and operation.
