Major Road Closure in Nakuru County

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of a section of the Njoro-Mau Summit (B129) Road in Nakuru County. The closure, set to last 22 days, will facilitate essential pavement reconstruction works aimed at improving road safety and travel efficiency. The affected segment is approximately one kilometre past the Keringet Factory and two kilometres before Molo Town.

The road will be inaccessible to traffic from Thursday, October 16, 2025, to Thursday, November 6, 2025. This strategic road connects agricultural zones and serves as a vital link between Njoro, Molo, and Mau Summit. KeNHA has urged all road users to adhere to the proposed traffic management plan for their safety.

Alternative Routes and Traffic Management

During the closure, a temporary diversion has been identified for motorists. However, KeNHA has cautioned that this diversion route features a sharp, restricted curve, making it unsuitable for lorries and long trucks. Drivers of such vehicles heading to Molo and Mau Summit are advised to use the Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) Road via Kibunja Junction as an alternative.

KeNHA's Acting Director General, Luka Kimeli, emphasised that the temporary inconvenience is necessary to ensure the durability of the reconstructed pavement. The authority has stated it will closely monitor the situation and provide updates as the works progress. Road users can contact KeNHA through their toll-free line 0800-211-244 or customer care number 0700-423-606 for inquiries.

Broader Infrastructure Development Context

This reconstruction project is part of KeNHA's broader infrastructure improvement plan, which aims to enhance pavement quality and extend the lifespan of roads across the country. The Njoro-Mau Summit road is a component of the larger Northern Corridor, a critical transport artery connecting the Port of Mombasa to landlocked East African countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The government, through KeNHA, has been actively pursuing the upgrade of major highways. The Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Highway, a 175-kilometre stretch, is undergoing expansion to a four-lane dual carriageway under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This project aims to alleviate persistent traffic congestion and improve road safety along one of Kenya's most accident-prone stretches.

Economic and Social Implications

The closure is expected to cause moderate traffic disruptions, particularly for transporters and farmers in the Njoro and Molo regions, who are advised to plan their logistics in advance. Improved road infrastructure is crucial for stimulating regional economies, creating jobs, and enhancing connectivity, ultimately reducing travel times and vehicle operating costs.

While such projects bring long-term benefits, they often involve temporary inconveniences and require careful management of environmental and social impacts, including potential displacement of persons. KeNHA is mandated to ensure that such projects adhere to environmental and social safeguard measures.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

While KeNHA has provided alternative routes, the specific impact on local businesses directly dependent on the Njoro-Mau Summit road during the 22-day closure remains to be fully assessed. Clarity on potential support mechanisms for affected small and medium enterprises would be beneficial.

The ongoing upgrade of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, which includes the B129 road, is a significant undertaking. The project's overall timeline and the specific completion dates for various sections are closely watched by stakeholders. The government's commitment to prioritising local communities for employment opportunities during these construction phases is a key area of interest.

What to Watch

Motorists and residents should monitor official KeNHA communications for any further updates or changes to the traffic management plan. The progress of the pavement reconstruction on the Njoro-Mau Summit road, and its timely completion, will be a key indicator of efficiency in infrastructure development. Furthermore, the broader developments concerning the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway expansion, including the commencement of construction works and the engagement of private sector partners, will remain a significant focus for national infrastructure development.

Evidence/Data Box

• Road Section Closed: Njoro-Mau Summit (B129) Road, approximately 1 km past Keringet Factory and 2 km before Molo Town.
• Closure Duration: 22 days.
• Closure Dates: Thursday, October 16, 2025, to Thursday, November 6, 2025.
• Alternative Route for Heavy Vehicles: Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) Road via Kibunja Junction.
• KeNHA Customer Service: Toll-free line 0800-211-244 or 0700-423-606.
• Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway Project Cost: Estimated at approximately US$700 million (KSh 90 billion), to be financed by a private Concessionaire under a 30-year Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) arrangement. (Source: JICA, 2018; The Star, 2025)