A section of the Rironi-Mau Summit highway, expected to be completed and opened to motorists by October 31, remains under construction. Despite earlier assurances of completion within a specific timeframe, the project faces delays. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir had announced in September that the Rironi-Naivasha section would be completed within one and a half months. However, a spot check revealed ongoing construction, with contractors and workers on site.
The Rironi-Naivasha section of the highway was initially expected to be completed by October 31, but CS Chirchir has now revised the timeline to December. During an inspection of the construction works in Naivasha, he stated that the contractor was nearing completion of earthworks and would soon begin tarmacking. The Chinese contractor will then begin construction of the Mai Mahiu-Naivasha and Naivasha-Gilgil sections.
The project, undertaken under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)-National Social Security Fund consortium, aims to improve the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Corridor. This major artery facilitates the movement of people and goods between Nairobi and western Kenya. The first section covers about 138 kilometres, comprising the 81-kilometre Rironi-Gilgil road and the approximately 57-kilometre Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha section.
Motorists and traders along the highway expressed concerns about the delays, urging the government to expedite the remaining works. Kenneth Munene, a tout operating along the highway, stated that they were eager for the project to be completed so that normal operations could resume. Stephen Ngare, a hawker, noted that the expanded road would help reduce accidents along the busy route.
The completion of the Rironi-Naivasha highway section is expected to open up businesses and ease traffic, particularly during the festive season. National Assembly Transport and Infrastructure Committee Chairman George Kariuki lauded the progress, urging the minister to ensure the road is in good shape before the festivities.
However, the project faces challenges, including an acute shortage of bitumen, a key material used in road construction. CS Chirchir attributed the shortage to conflicts in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have increased bitumen costs from Sh90 per kilogramme to Sh220 per kilogramme in the past six months.
The Rironi-Mau Summit highway project, officially launched by President William Ruto on November 28, 2025, is expected to be completed by June 2027. The project will improve transport and road safety, and traders hope the government will allocate them designated spaces to resume business once the project is completed.
Key points
- The Rironi-Naivasha highway section, initially set to open on October 31, will now be opened in December.
- The project faces challenges, including an acute shortage of bitumen, which has increased costs.
- The completed highway is expected to open up businesses and ease traffic, particularly during the festive season.
