The long-awaited dualling of the Rironi–Nakuru Highway is set to commence by the end of August 2025, according to Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. Speaking before the Senate on Wednesday, CS Chirchir announced that the project will be implemented through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, with concession proponents currently in the development phase.
The extensive infrastructure project will stretch from Rironi, where the current dual carriageway ends, through Nakuru and Eldoret, and ultimately to Malaba, significantly enhancing the Northern Corridor a key transport artery linking Nairobi to Western Kenya and neighboring countries.
“We plan to undertake the dualling of the Rironi–Nakuru and Nakuru–Eldoret highways under the Public Private Partnership process,” Chirchir stated, adding that proposals are under evaluation and no contractor has been awarded the tender yet.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is overseeing the procurement process, which covers both the A8 and A8 South sections. A8 South includes the Rironi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha bypass, while the A8 segment covers Rironi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Summit.
Technical preparations are already underway, with teams conducting geotechnical investigations to assess soil conditions along the route. “You’ll notice drilling activities on-site, which are meant to determine soil profiles to support engineering designs,” Chirchir explained.
President William Ruto, during a June 11 meeting with Nakuru leaders at State House, Nairobi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to launching the road works in August. He assured that most technical designs are nearly complete.
According to the President, the upgraded highway will feature four lanes from Rironi to Naivasha, including the Maai Mahiu–Naivasha stretch, while the section from Naivasha to Nakuru City will be expanded to six lanes to accommodate heavy traffic.
“We have agreed with the contractors to fast-track the project and ensure substantial progress by 2027,” said President Ruto.
The project is expected to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and boost economic activities along the corridor.
