Nairobi, Kenya – The Ministry of Transport has revealed that contractors working on the Rironi–Mau Summit highway expansion project have already opened several sections of the corridor to begin preliminary construction works.
This update was shared by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir during an inspection tour with members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on Thursday, March 12.
According to the ministry, the early works include the design and construction of key sections of the road, starting with Section One, which covers the first five kilometres (Km 0+000 to Km 5+000), and Section Two, which stretches approximately 3.2 kilometres between Km 55+000 and Km 58+200.
Officials also confirmed that contractors have already opened multiple stretches between kilometre 0+000 and kilometre 22+000 along the corridor to facilitate early-stage works.
MPs Inspect Progress of the Project
During the inspection visit, technical teams from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the project contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation briefed lawmakers on the progress made so far.
Members of Parliament also interacted with residents along the route and assured them that the government remains committed to completing the project, which is expected to improve travel along one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.
Road Expansion Plans
The project will involve major upgrades to key sections of the highway. The Rironi–Naivasha section, which covers about 59 kilometres, will be expanded into a dual carriageway, while the Naivasha–Gilgil section, measuring around 22 kilometres, will be upgraded into a six-lane dual carriageway.
Lawmakers also urged the contractors to prioritise local labour to help create employment opportunities for communities living near the project areas.
Project Timeline and Cost
Earlier this month, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo revealed that the 81-kilometre Rironi–Gilgil section is expected to be completed by mid-2026, while the wider project—including Rironi–Naivasha–Gilgil (A8) and Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) roads—is expected to be fully completed by April 2027.
The entire Mau Summit highway expansion project is estimated to cost about KSh170 billion and is being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
During construction, the project has already created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while also promoting the use of locally sourced construction materials such as sand, gravel, and cement to boost local economies.
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