NAIROBI, KENYA – The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, announced it will map out and maintain alternative routes for motorists who opt not to use the proposed Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit toll expressway. The announcement, made by Acting Director General Luka Kimeli, is a direct response to growing public resistance against the planned tolling of one of East Africa's most vital economic corridors.

The multi-billion shilling project, intended to be financed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), has faced criticism from stakeholders, including the Motorists Association of Kenya and residents in areas like Naivasha, who argue that the tolls amount to double taxation on top of existing fuel levies. KeNHA, however, maintains that using the tolled expressway will ultimately be more economical for motorists due to significant savings in travel time, reduced vehicle operating costs, and improved safety.

The project involves upgrading 175 kilometres of the A8 road from Rironi to Mau Summit and 58 kilometres of the A8 South road connecting Rironi to Naivasha. This highway is a critical artery of the Northern Corridor, which links the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, and other landlocked nations, handling a significant portion of regional trade. The current road is frequently plagued by severe traffic congestion, with daily vehicle counts estimated at 20,000 and projected to grow annually.

Project Status and Financing Model

After a previous PPP agreement with the French consortium Rift Valley Highway Limited was terminated in May 2025 due to affordability concerns and financing gaps, the government re-initiated the process. KeNHA has since designated a consortium comprising the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Kenya's National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as the preferred proponent for negotiations. Officials have clarified that this is not a final award, and negotiations are ongoing under the PPP Act.

The government has defended the PPP model as a necessary alternative financing mechanism to develop crucial infrastructure without increasing public debt, given Kenya's constrained fiscal environment. The National Treasury's PPP Directorate has assured the public that the highway will remain a state-owned asset under full government regulatory control throughout the 30-year concession period. The project's cost is estimated to be between KSh 170 billion and KSh 200 billion.

The Tolling Controversy and Public Concerns

Public backlash has centered on the proposed user fees. Disclosures from KeNHA suggest a base toll rate of KSh 8 per kilometre for passenger cars, with a one percent annual escalation. This has fueled concerns about the rising cost of transport and its knock-on effect on goods and services, particularly for low-income Kenyans. Critics, including the Motorists Association of Kenya, have questioned the selection of a state-owned Chinese firm as a 'private' partner and warned of potential hidden liabilities for taxpayers.

In response, KeNHA and the Treasury have emphasized transparency, stating that the tolling structure will be guided by the draft National Tolling Policy (2025). This policy reportedly includes provisions for exemptions for emergency vehicles and preferential rates for local residents. Furthermore, all revenue collected will be ring-fenced for the corridor's maintenance, operation, and safety services. Any revenues exceeding projections would be shared with the government.

Despite a presidential announcement that construction would begin in November 2025, KeNHA's clarification on the ongoing negotiations suggests the project's start date may be delayed until 2026. The project is a cornerstone of Kenya's Vision 2030 and is expected to significantly decongest the highway, boost regional trade efficiency, and improve road safety upon its completion, which is targeted for within 24 months of commencement.