The government has announced a push to unlock several stalled road projects, including the critical expansion of the Rironi–Naivasha–Mau Summit highway, despite ongoing challenges in appointing contractors.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir revealed that while the procurement process for contractors is still underway, the government is making efforts to clear payments that had previously delayed construction on other roads.

Speaking before the Senate, Chirchir confirmed that no contractor has yet been awarded the Rironi–Mau Summit project, which remains in the evaluation phase under the Public-Private Partnership framework.

“As we speak, we don’t have a contractor. They are currently being evaluated through the PPP process. They are at the development phase,” he said.

The government aims to start construction on the 175-kilometre stretch by the end of August if the procurement process is completed successfully. The highway, a vital part of the Northern Corridor linking Nairobi to western Kenya and neighbouring countries, has long been a bottleneck due to heavy traffic congestion.

Chirchir emphasized the urgency of the project: “We are working with speed because we do appreciate that Kenyans have suffered on this road with the kind of congestion. Sometimes people are sleeping on the road.”

The planned upgrade involves dual carriageways on the main A8 highway and a new bypass around Rironi, Mai Mahiu, and Naivasha, also to be dualled. The project is expected to last 24 months, with completion targeted for June 2027.

Several proposals have been submitted to the Kenya National Highways Authority, including from Multiplex Partners, China Road and Bridge Corporation, and Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Company.

While the latter two have received approval to advance, the government cancelled a previous Ksh190 billion contract with a French firm earlier this year after concerns emerged.

Once completed, motorists will be charged toll fees as per the National Tolling Policy. The government says it has settled arrears owed to contractors on other stalled roads to fast-track work on critical infrastructure.