The government has intensified efforts to fast-track the construction of the 170-kilometre Rironi–Mau Summit Highway, a transformative infrastructure project aimed at modernising transport along the Northern Corridor. This initiative, a critical component of the country’s transport upgrade agenda, is poised to ease traffic congestion and boost regional trade and economic integration.
The highway will begin in Rironi, Kiambu County, pass through Nakuru County, and end at Mau Summit. As part of the wider Nairobi–Nakuru–Malaba corridor, the project is vital for connecting Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and other regional markets. Once completed, the dual carriageway is expected to reduce travel time, cut vehicle operating costs, and facilitate more efficient movement of goods and passengers.
Government leaders are working collaboratively through a multi-agency Steering Committee to align planning and inter-agency coordination ahead of the project’s commencement. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring timely implementation and overcoming potential bureaucratic hurdles that could delay progress.
Structured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the highway project will be delivered through a Design–Build–Finance–Operate–Maintain–Transfer (DBFOMT) model, spanning a 30-year concession period. Construction is scheduled to begin in August, with completion targeted for mid-2027.
The upgraded road is anticipated to have far-reaching socio-economic benefits, including the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs during and after construction. Beyond employment, it is expected to stimulate investment, enhance logistics efficiency, and improve regional connectivity.
As the government prioritises infrastructure to drive economic growth, this highway represents a flagship development under the PPP framework. The project is not only geared toward improving transport but also aimed at unlocking the economic potential of multiple counties and facilitating cross-border commerce.
Authorities have expressed confidence in the project’s strategic value and pledged to work with all stakeholders including local communities, development partners, and private sector players to ensure its success. With proper execution, the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway is set to be a game-changer in the region’s transport and economic landscape.
