Motorists using the upcoming Rironi-Mau Summit expressway will pay a base toll rate of Sh8 per kilometre, according to disclosures from the Kenya National Highways Authority. The 175-kilometre project, valued at about Sh180 billion and potentially rising to Sh194 billion, will be constructed under a public-private partnership (PPP) led by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The road, a key part of President William Ruto’s infrastructure agenda, is designed to ease congestion along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit corridor. Construction is expected to begin before January 2026 and take about two years to complete. The expressway will feature dual four- to six-lane carriageways, 15 interchanges, eight toll stations, and multiple safety and service enhancements, including underpasses, footbridges, and wildlife crossings.
The Sh8 per kilometre rate applies to passenger cars and 4WD vehicles in the first operational year of 2028, with a one percent annual increase to accommodate inflation and exchange rate shifts. This rate is notably lower than the competing Sh10 per kilometre bid and the Sh22 per kilometre charged on the Nairobi Expressway.
The project will be financed through a structure of 75 percent debt and 25 percent equity, with NSSF’s involvement signalling strong local participation. The consortium will also bear the traffic and revenue risks, safeguarding taxpayers from potential losses.
Authorities plan to conduct further public consultations to ensure affordability and gather feedback from motorists. In addition, a 4.5-kilometre viaduct through Nakuru town will help bypass congestion, improving travel efficiency along the corridor.
Once operational, the expressway is expected to transform travel between Nairobi, Nakuru, and the western region, cutting travel time and boosting trade along the Northern Corridor. The initiative underscores Kenya’s growing collaboration with China under the Global Development Initiative, strengthening ties in infrastructure, green growth, and economic development.
