A partnership between China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has been awarded the contract to construct and manage the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway, a project valued at Sh170 billion.
The selection came after the consortium proposed a lower base toll and accepted to absorb traffic and revenue risks, making the highway more affordable for motorists compared to rival bids.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) confirmed that the consortium’s offer met all technical, financial, environmental, legal, and social conditions outlined by the Treasury’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee.
“The Committee approved the recommendation of the evaluation report, which named the China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and National Social Security Fund (Trustees) consortium as the preferred proponent, subject to fulfilment of the technical, financial, environmental, social, and legal conditions outlined in the evaluation report,” KeNHA said.
PPP Director-General Kefa Seda explained that the primary factor for selecting the CRBC–NSSF bid was its lower base toll. “Base toll [for CRBC–NSSF] was lower,” Seda noted.
Unlike competing offers, the consortium will carry the risk if traffic volumes fall, removing potential financial pressure from the government.
The 175-kilometre highway will link Rironi Interchange to Mau Summit Turnoff and include a 56.38-kilometre section between Rironi and Naivasha via Mai Mahiu, leaving no free alternative route.
The project is expected to be completed within two years from its scheduled start before January 2026 and will operate under a 30-year concession. NSSF has committed Sh20–25 billion, acquiring half of the equity stake.
Affordable tolls, modern infrastructure for motorists
The Kenya National Highways Authority has disclosed that the base toll for the Rironi–Mau Summit expressway will be Sh8 per kilometre, set to increase by one per cent annually.
This rate is lower than Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Company’s proposal of Sh10 per kilometre with a three per cent yearly escalation.
The dual carriageway will feature eight toll stations, 15 interchanges, eight footbridges, 25 kilometres of service lanes, eight wildlife crossings, 41 U-turns, 41 underpasses, and 118 bus bays.
Passenger vehicles and 4WDs will pay the base rate from 2028, with toll adjustments intended to account for inflation and foreign exchange changes. KeNHA also recommends further negotiations to ensure the rates remain fair for road users.
Financing will combine 75 per cent debt and 25 per cent equity, with NSSF’s participation marking one of Kenya’s largest local infrastructure investments. The consortium will absorb traffic and revenue risks, protecting the government from potential losses.
Motorists will benefit from safer roads, reduced travel time, and modern features including climbing lanes, improved drainage, street lighting, and a 4.5km viaduct through Nakuru to bypass urban congestion.
Preparatory works have already started, and over 3,000 Kenyans have been engaged through 65 public forums to discuss the project’s impact on communities, local leaders, county governments, NGOs, transporters, and business associations.
President Ruto’s administration sees the project as a key milestone in his infrastructure agenda, connecting Central, Rift Valley, and Western Kenya, while also supporting regional trade and economic growth.
“Everyone knows what the people of Western, Nyanza and parts of the Rift Valley have gone through because of that road. They should be able to commend this government for the effort we have put in,” Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri said.
The project aligns with China’s Global Development Initiative and follows the success of the Nairobi Expressway. Once completed, the expressway is expected to transform the corridor’s traffic dynamics, support trade along the Northern Corridor, and enhance road safety for commuters and commercial transport.
