A new dawn as Ruto commissions Rironi-Mau Summit highway
The President said the project represents an investment of over 170 billion shillings and will utilise a world-class Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, positioning Kenya as a leader in innovative financing and modern transport.
“A dawn of a new era”. This is how President William Samoei Ruto described the new mega road project, the 175 kilometre Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road (A8) and the Nairobi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Project.
The head of state launched the project on Friday, November 28, 2025, in Kiambu County, declaringthat the project will bring to an end the daily inconvenience and scenes of heartbreaking tragedy and inefficiencies along the road that Kenyans have endured.
The President unveils a plaque marking the start of the project
Speaking during the launch at Kamandura, in Kiambu County, the President said the project represents an investment of over 170 billion shillings and will utilise a world-class Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, positioning Kenya as a leader in innovative financing and modern transport.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter. We have launched the dualling of these critical roads, a transformative $1.54 billion (KSh200 billion) investment that will finally bring an end to the gridlock, danger, and inefficiency that Kenyans have endured for far too long," he said.
“This ambitious programme is at the heart of our grand vision to transform Kenya, unlocking opportunities in every region and setting our nation firmly on the path towards joining the ranks of developed countries in our lifetime,” he further stated.
The highway project comprises two sections, the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road, which stretches 175 kilometres, and the 58-kilometer Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha Road. Both corridors will be modernised into multi-lane dual carriageways and strengthened to accommodate heavy commercial traffic, supported by new interchanges, dedicated truck lanes, pedestrian bridges, and intelligent transportation technology.
An architectural model of the Rironi-Mau Summit project
The Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha section will be upgraded to link efficiently to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot and the emerging industrial ecosystem.
Further, the corridor is expected to unlock faster, safer, and more efficient movement of people and goods to Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This monumental project will ease movement to the Western region of our country, strengthen regional connectivity, and stimulate trade and economic activity within Kenya and across our borders,” the President said.
He also noted that the project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, with 15,000 young Kenyans gaining expertise during construction, ensuring local contentment and Kenyan businesses at the centre.
In addition, he said future plans include breaking ground on other major dual-carriageway corridors across the country, expanding and upgrading airports and ports, and extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba, starting in January 2026.
This strategic route strengthens Kenya’s role as a key trade and transport hub in the region, driving economic growth and integration.
The construction will be undertaken within two years by a consortium comprising the China Road and Bridge Corporation and the National Social Security Fund Board of Trustees.