Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has clarified that he is yet to approve the proposed construction of the Nairobi–Nakuru highway by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Thursday, August 28, Mbadi explained that while discussions on the multi-billion-shilling project are at an advanced stage, the final nod rests on due process under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
According to Mbadi, the government has received proposals from two companies keen on undertaking the expansion. One of the bidders is CRBC, which has submitted a joint bid with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The consortium is seeking to finance and implement the project under the PPP model.
“This is something still under consideration. If I make my comments here, yet I am the one to give approval, then I would be biased,” Mbadi said. “The procurement process is ongoing. If the joint venture between NSSF and CRBC has won it, then so be it—but I must first review the documents before granting approval.”
The Nairobi–Nakuru highway, one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors, plays a critical role in connecting Nairobi with the Rift Valley and Western Kenya, as well as facilitating trade with Uganda and other neighbouring countries. The proposed expansion, which will see the stretch widened to four lanes, is expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve the flow of goods and services.
The project, estimated to cost Ksh200 billion, comes at a time when the government is increasingly turning to PPP arrangements to finance major infrastructure works amid constrained public finances.
Last week, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) launched a series of stakeholder engagement forums to build support for the project and address possible concerns. The meetings, scheduled to run from September 2 to 8, will cover Kiambu, Nyandarua, and Nakuru counties.
In its notice dated August 21, KeNHA explained that the engagements are meant to update stakeholders on the PPP plan, gather feedback, and ensure smooth implementation once the project takes off.
