The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has clarified that the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) and Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) highway projects have not yet been officially awarded, with talks between the Authority and the preferred bidders still underway.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, KeNHA said negotiations are ongoing with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of Trustees Consortium, selected as the preferred proponents following a thorough evaluation process.
While the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee under the National Treasury has agreed with the evaluation outcomes, formal approval to implement the projects has not yet been granted.
“The concurrence granted only allows KeNHA to commence negotiations with the Preferred Proponent in line with the PPP process. This is the process that is currently ongoing,” the Authority noted.
KeNHA stressed that the procurement is being carried out with “high levels of transparency and accountability,” following the PPP Act, Cap 430, and the Treasury’s circular on public disclosure of privately initiated proposals.
“All progress updates and decisions are being disclosed publicly in accordance with the PPP Act, Cap 430, and the National Treasury Circular dated 24th April 2025 on Public Disclosure of Privately Initiated Proposals (PIPs),” the statement added.
The two highway projects cover about 175 kilometres from Rironi to Mau Summit and 58 kilometres between Rironi, Maai Mahiu, and Naivasha. They form part of the Northern Corridor, Kenya’s key transport link connecting Mombasa to Uganda and other neighboring countries.
The projects were first launched in 2016, but the initial PPP agreement with Rift Valley Highway Limited was terminated in May 2025 due to unresolved traffic risk-sharing issues and concerns over affordability.
“The termination was necessitated by the fact that efforts to have the Private Party bear the traffic risk were futile,” KeNHA explained, noting that the financing structure would have required extra debt and additional budget beyond what the government could sustain.
Following this, KeNHA received three privately initiated proposals to redesign and implement the projects. Two proposals, from CRBC with NSSF and from Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Company, met the necessary compliance standards and moved forward to feasibility and development phases.
KeNHA also confirmed that the upgraded highways will operate under a toll system to ensure sustainability and proper maintenance.
“Road users will be required to pay toll fees determined through an approved tariff framework, with rates regulated to ensure affordability, transparency, and sustainability,” the Authority said, adding that alternative routes will be available for motorists who choose not to use the toll roads.
Acting Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli reaffirmed KeNHA’s dedication to public interest, accountability, and strict adherence to the PPP process.
“The Authority assures the public that the project will be executed in a manner that upholds public interest, promotes economic efficiency, and delivers safe, reliable, and sustainable road infrastructure for present and future generations,” Kimeli said.
