On November 28, 2025, President William Ruto officially broke ground on the Rironi–Mau Summit Road project at Kamandura, Kiambu County. This landmark infrastructure development, valued at USD 863 million, covers Phase I of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) and the Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) corridors. Spanning 139 kilometers from Nairobi to Gilgil and Naivasha, the project is slated for a two-year construction period followed by a 28-year operational phase, marking a significant step in modernizing Kenya’s primary transit routes.
The project is being implemented through a strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). President Ruto emphasized that this model represents "smart governance," allowing the state to deliver critical infrastructure without increasing the national debt burden or raising taxes. By leveraging private capital and NSSF's investment, the government aims to bypass traditional budgetary constraints and accelerate the "Kenya reborn" vision through high-impact industrial collaboration.
Beyond local transit, the highway serves as a vital regional gateway linking East Africa to the Western and Northern corridors. The upgrade includes grade-separated interchanges, overpasses, and underpasses designed to enhance safety and lower vehicle operating costs. By facilitating the seamless movement of agricultural produce and international trade, the project directly supports Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), solidifying the nation’s standing as the leading trade and transport hub in the region.
Source: Ministry of Roads and Transport
