​”Real Reason Uncovered” Why Rironi-Mau Highway Project Has Stalled

A global shortage of bitumen paired with skyrocketing import costs has severely delayed progress on the multibillion-shilling Rironi-Mau Summit highway, missing its expected completion deadline and leaving thousands of motorists stranded in persistent traffic jams.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir broke his silence following a site inspection along the busy corridor, revealing that supply chain disruptions linked to Middle East tensions have cut off essential raw materials.

Surging global oil prices have seen the local price of bitumen jump from KSh 90 to KSh 200 per kilogram in just six months, forcing contractors to slow down active tarmacking works.

​The severe shortage has hit shipping lines running through the Strait of Hormuz, directly affecting key road construction projects across East Africa.

With the initial completion timeline missed, CS Chirchir reassured the public that the government is assembling larger supply shipments to stabilize costs and speed up operations.

Contractors have recently laid the first layer of Dense Bituminous Macadam around Lari, with state officials pushing to open critical stretches between Rironi and Naivasha before the upcoming December holiday rush.

​For official updates on road development projects, national infrastructure policy, and safety standards, citizens can visit the Ministry of Roads and Transport portal.

​Despite government assurances, the unexpected highway delays have sparked sharp political debate, with opposition figures questioning contract management and funding structures.

As festive travel approaches, all eyes remain on the Ministry to see if key sections will open in time to ease traffic pressure along the busy western corridor.

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