President Ruto to Launch Construction of 87 km Kamandura–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha Road in October, Part of 140 km Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway

On August 10, 2025, during a Sunday service at PCEA Joshua Matenjwa Memorial Church in Limuru, President William Ruto announced the government’s plan to commence construction on the 87‑kilometre Kamandura–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha dual carriageway starting October 2025. This initiative forms a critical component of the broader 140‑kilometre Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit dual carriageway, aimed at reducing congestion along Kenya’s busiest transport corridors  .

1. Why It Matters

This upgrade is designed to ease the heavy traffic between Kiambu, Nairobi, Naivasha, and Nakuru—key arteries in Kenya’s central and Rift Valley regions. By improving these linkages, the government aims to bolster regional trade, decongest urban centers, and enhance access to neighboring East African markets  .

2. Project Details

• Start Date: October 2025

• Completion Target: Before 2027 

• Design: Dual carriageway from Kamandura to Mai Mahiu and Naivasha; a six‑lane expansion from Naivasha to Nakuru 

• Interchange Upgrades: Ongoing improvements at Kangemi and Gitaru along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. A new Kamandura interchange, with mandated footbridges for pedestrian safety, will be added  .

3. Strategic Context

The project dovetails with the broader Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway expansion, itself under tendering and funding processes. Moreover, two Chinese firms have recently been ordered to revise their development plan for the Rironi–Mau Summit segment, with work proceeding once KeNHA approves the amendments  .

Why This Matters to You

• Transport Efficiency: Expected to significantly cut travel times between Kiambu, Nairobi, Naivasha, and Nakuru.

• Economic Opportunity: Enhanced freight flow facilitates quicker movement of goods to Uganda and broader East Africa.

• Community Safety: Inclusion of footbridges at Kamandura will improve pedestrian protection in high‑traffic zones.

• Regional Integration: A physical manifestation of government commitment to unifying Central Kenya, the Rift, and beyond.

Fact-Check Snapshot

What to Watch Next

• Watch for official ground‑breaking in October—will come with timelines, budgets, and contractor details.

• Monitor KeNHA announcements on approvals for the Chinese companies’ revised project plan.

• Track impact indicators: projected travel time reductions, new commercial activity along the corridor, and integration with regional logistics networks.

Sources

Primary reporting from Africa‑Press and Kenyans.co.ke confirms President Ruto’s remarks and project timeline  . The Construction Review Online provided further technical specifics  .