Why Rironi-Mau Summit Highway Is Moving Faster Than Nairobi-Mombasa Road Project

Kenya’s ambitious road expansion programme has drawn attention after construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway moved ahead while plans to upgrade the Nairobi-Mombasa highway remain at the planning and procurement stage.

The difference between the two major infrastructure projects has raised questions about the role of foreign contractors, financing arrangements and government decisions in determining how quickly road projects are implemented.

The 233-kilometre Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway project was officially launched by President William Ruto on November 28, 2025.

It involves two Chinese companies, China Road and Bridge Corporation and Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International.

The project is divided into two sections, CRBC, working alongside the National Social Security Fund is handling approximately 139 kilometres covering Rironi, Naivasha and Gilgil.

The second section, covering about 94 kilometres between Gilgil, Nakuru and Mau Summit, is being undertaken by Shandong Hi-Speed.

The two sections have an estimated combined investment of more than US$1.5 billion and are being implemented through Public-Private Partnership arrangements.

The financing structure allows private investors to fund construction and recover their investment through toll collections over a 28 year operating period.

Meanwhile, the Nairobi-Mombasa highway expansion has faced several setbacks, an earlier proposal by American investor Everstrong Capital to construct a new 419 kilometre expressway was rejected in July 2025 over concerns about financing, technical capacity and commercial viability.

The government subsequently changed its approach, opting to upgrade the existing 461 kilometre highway into a minimum four lane access controlled toll road.

However, the revised project is still undergoing financial and technical assessments as the government seeks a new private investor.

The contrast shows that the progress of major infrastructure projects depends not only on the nationality of contractors but also on financing, procurement decisions, project design and readiness to begin construction.

For Kenya, the challenge remains turning ambitious road expansion plans into completed infrastructure that improves transport and economic activity.

Sources; https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Hz9njMEb4/

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