The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has strongly opposed the government’s decision to hand over the construction and management of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway to a consortium led by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), calling it discriminatory and a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Friday, MAK condemned the proposed concession agreement, highlighting that it is unfair for motorists using the Northern Corridor to pay tolls while other major roads, including the Thika Superhighway and Kenol–Marua Road, remain toll-free.
“This move represents pure discrimination against Western-bound citizens and an alarming threat to Kenya’s sovereignty and economic independence. It is unacceptable to impose toll charges on Kenyans travelling westwards along the Northern Corridor while users of other major highways enjoy free access,” the association said.
The association questioned why the government is entering a 30-year deal with a foreign contractor instead of financing the road directly through public funds or development loans. MAK argued that Kenyan taxpayers already contribute enough revenue to fund such projects without handing over ownership to outside entities.
“Can Kenya truly not afford Sh200 billion to upgrade its own national highway without surrendering it for 30 years?” the lobby asked, cautioning that the deal mirrors projects in countries like Sri Lanka and Zambia, where foreign investors ended up controlling strategic national assets.
Economic and Security Concerns
MAK emphasized that the Northern Corridor is Kenya’s main economic artery, connecting the Port of Mombasa to the western region and neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. The association warned that transferring control to foreign entities could compromise both national security and economic sovereignty.
The lobby also pointed out that Kenya has successfully carried out major road expansions, including the Nairobi Bypasses, Kenol–Marua, Isiolo–Moyale, and Dongo Kundu projects, without tolls or private ownership.
“Your access to the Port of Mombasa, and by extension your economic freedom, is now compromised for the next 30 years. Our roads are public assets, not commodities for foreign control,” MAK stated.
Treasury Approval Moves Project Forward
The protest comes a day after the Treasury approved the project through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee, allowing construction of the A8 Highway corridor to commence.
The committee confirmed that the feasibility report submitted by CRBC and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) met all financial and technical requirements.
The approved consortium includes CRBC, NSSF, and Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International. The 175-kilometre highway will start at Rironi in Kiambu County, pass through Nyandarua, and end at Mau Summit in Nakuru County.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) estimates the Ksh200 billion project will begin soon, marking a major step toward expanding western Kenya’s transport network.
