Critics warn Rironi-Mau toll road could divide motorists by wealth
National
By
Brian Ngugi and Ken Gachuhi
| Nov 06, 2025
The government’s plan to build the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit toll road is facing growing scrutiny over its promise to provide free alternative routes, with critics warning that the project could create a transport system divided along wealth lines, even as authorities defend it as crucial for economic growth.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has named a consortium comprising the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as the preferred bidder for the 233-kilometre Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway — a vital trade corridor linking the port of Mombasa to landlocked neighbours.
The project, to be funded under a public–private partnership (PPP), will require users to pay tolls or a fee per kilometre for the right to use the road.
In a bid to address affordability concerns, KeNHA said in a statement yesterday that it “shall map out available alternative roads... for consideration and use by the public, who may opt not to pay and use this Project.”
However, the authority’s assurance has failed to quell rising unease about social equity and feasibility.
“The notion of a ‘free’ alternative is an illusion if that road is slower, congested and poorly maintained,” said Ian Njoroge, an independent economic analyst.
“You are creating a first-class road for those who can pay and a second-class, penalty route for everyone else. This will institutionalise transport inequality,” he said.
The planned construction, including the Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha stretch, may take longer than expected. KeNHA said the tender for the multi-billion-shilling PPP is still under negotiation.
“The PPP Committee has not yet approved the award for implementation of the project. The concurrence granted only allows KeNHA to commence negotiations with the preferred proponent,” the agency said.
President William Ruto had earlier announced that construction would begin this month. However, following KeNHA’s statement released on November 5, 2025, the launch may be delayed.
“We are starting expansion of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway in November, and, God willing, the 2027 Madaraka Day will be hosted in Nakuru, and we shall use that road,” said Dr Ruto.
This marks the government’s second attempt to deliver the project. A previous PPP deal with the French-backed Rift Valley Highway Ltd was terminated in May 2025 after the Kenya Kwanza administration termed it unaffordable due to a funding gap and the inability to transfer traffic risk to the private partner.
In its defence, KeNHA insists the tolling model is economically viable, arguing that the new highway will be “cheaper” for motorists when factoring in savings on travel time, vehicle operating costs and safety.
It said toll fees will be determined through an approved tariff framework “to ensure affordability, transparency and sustainability.”
Yet the absence of published cost estimates or official toll rates has fuelled scepticism. Earlier reports suggesting a tariff of Sh8 per kilometre, roughly Sh1,000 between Nairobi and Naivasha, have alarmed regular commuters and transport operators.
KeNHA has also not provided a timeline or budget for upgrading existing roads to serve as viable free alternatives.
“For the average person, a shilling saved today on a toll is more important than an hour saved on a journey,” said Njoroge.
Meanwhile, heavy snarl-ups continue along the current route.