NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Treasury has sought to allay public concerns over the ownership and tolling of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway, assuring Kenyans that the road remains a fully public asset despite being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
In a statement on Sunday, October 26, Public-Private Partnerships Directorate Director-General Eng. Kefa Seda clarified that the project, currently one of the country’s largest infrastructure ventures, will continue to be owned by the Government of Kenya throughout its lifespan.
“The Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway is a public asset. It remains wholly owned by the Government of Kenya. The private partner is only mandated to design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain the road for a concession period of 30 years,” Seda said.
He explained that under the PPP Act, 2021, the government retains regulatory control and step-in rights in case of non-performance, ensuring that public interest and service delivery remain safeguarded. Upon expiry of the concession, operational control and maintenance will revert to the State through designated agencies.
According to the Treasury, the model allows Kenya to leverage private capital to bridge the Sh4 trillion road infrastructure gap identified in the Road Sector Investment Plan (RSIP III).
The country currently requires Ksh1 trillion for road maintenance and Ksh3 trillion for new developments over the next decade—funding levels that far exceed the current Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) collections of about Sh100 billion annually.
“The PPP model offers a sustainable alternative to borrowing by allowing roads to be financed through a user-pay mechanism while maintaining fiscal discipline,” the statement read.
On tolling, the Treasury said the upcoming National Tolling Policy 2025 provides a transparent and equitable framework that aligns user payments directly with road service delivery.
“Tolling will apply to new or substantially upgraded highways with heavy passenger and freight traffic. Every toll shilling will go directly to maintaining road quality, safety, and efficiency,” the Directorate noted.
It added that toll revenues will be ring-fenced for the same corridor to fund maintenance, safety patrols, lighting, and emergency response services.
A revenue-sharing clause will ensure that any excess earnings beyond agreed traffic benchmarks revert to the government for reinvestment in other road projects.
The Treasury further emphasized that tolling the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway will lower vehicle operating costs through smoother pavements and controlled access while improving travel time predictability and road safety through 24-hour patrols and paramedic services.
“The PPP model ends the cycle of road deterioration that has burdened taxpayers through repeated rehabilitation works,” Seda said, adding that the approach balances fiscal sustainability with long-term infrastructure resilience.
