The gridlock that has defined the Nairobi-Nakuru highway may soon be a memory. Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir led a high-profile inspection tour of the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway project today, expressing optimism that the expanded carriageway will be fully operational ahead of schedule.

The project, a critical artery connecting Kenya to Uganda and the Great Lakes region, has been plagued by funding delays and compensation disputes. However, Chirchir announced that the "bottlenecks have been uncorked," with the French consortium VINCI Highways accelerating works on the treacherous Kamandura-Mai Mahiu section.

Unlocking the Economy

"This is not just a road; it is an economic corridor," Chirchir stated. The highway handles 80% of cargo destined for the region. The expansion to a dual carriageway is expected to cut travel time between Nairobi and Nakuru by half, reducing the cost of doing business.

• Safety First: The CS highlighted the inclusion of interchanges and footbridges to reduce accidents. The Rironi-Mau Summit stretch is notoriously deadly, claiming hundreds of lives annually.
• The Toll Question: While praising the progress, Chirchir remained tight-lipped about the proposed tolling stations. The user-pay model remains a sensitive political issue, with motorists wary of additional costs in a tough economy.

A Race to the Finish

With the rainy season approaching, the pressure is on contractors to complete the drainage systems. Chirchir’s tour is a signal that the government considers this project a legacy deliverable. If completed on time, it could be the silver bullet for the Rift Valley's logistics nightmare.