The government of Kenya has announced plans to expand the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway and set June 1, 2025 as the official start date for constr
The government of Kenya has announced plans to expand the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway and set June 1, 2025 as the official start date for construction. The project involves upgrading the existing 175-kilometer A8 highway from Rironi to Mau Summit into a four-lane dual carriageway.
This highway forms a crucial part of the Northern Corridor, which links Nairobi to western Kenya and neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The improved road is expected to ease traffic congestion, especially during weekends and national holidays, and improve the overall flow of trade and travel along the corridor.
Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway
Initially structured as a public-private partnership (PPP) with Rift Valley Highway Limited, the project faced setbacks when the government terminated the contract in early 2023 due to financial challenges and the lack of an alternative toll-free route.
Following the termination, the government sought new investors, holding discussions with Chinese partners to revive the project under new terms. The construction is expected to take 24 months and is projected to be completed by June 2027. Once completed, the highway is expected to reduce traffic congestion, particularly during weekends and public holidays, while improving travel efficiency and promoting regional economic growth.