The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit road, set to begin in June 2025 and complete by June 2027. This upgrade from a single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway aims to reduce traffic congestion between Nairobi and Western Kenya. The government emphasizes the need for a Public-Private Partnership to efficiently manage funding for infrastructure development.
The Cabinet of Kenya has officially approved the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit road, a project spanning 175 kilometers, with construction slated to commence in June 2025. This initiative is anticipated to alleviate traffic issues for motorists traveling to Western Kenya. The completion date is projected for June 2027, as stated following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto.
According to the Cabinet’s announcement, the existing two-way single carriageway will be upgraded to a four-lane dual carriageway. This significant infrastructural development is aimed at improving traffic flow, particularly between Nairobi and Western Kenya, a route known for heavy congestion during weekends and holidays.
The government has not yet disclosed the financial model or the firms involved in this substantial project. The Cabinet remarked that the construction framework would be finalized, with groundbreaking scheduled for June 1, 2025. This upgrade is integral to Kenya’s broader infrastructure transformation strategy to enhance connectivity and foster economic growth.
Previously, in December 2023, President Ruto revealed plans for a dual carriageway along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba highway, motivated by the severe traffic congestion observed during the festive period. Speaking at AIC Kipkorgot in Uasin Gishu, he assured citizens of the government’s dedication to resolving infrastructure issues in the long term.
President Ruto noted that while a past Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative with a French firm did not come to fruition, new alternatives are being explored. He stated emphatically, “We will begin constructing the dual carriageway from Nairobi to Malaba next year (2025). We are in discussions with various companies to ease congestion and improve transport capacity.”
The National Police Service had to deploy additional personnel, including a helicopter, during peak travel times in December to manage traffic on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. This situation prompted renewed calls for sustainable infrastructure strategies, with many advocates urging the government to pursue long-term solutions.
Moses Kuria, Economic Advisor to President Ruto, has highlighted the need for a PPP approach to expedite highway expansion, warning that dependence on public funding could prove unsustainable. He remarked that the issues on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway underscore the necessity for innovative strategies in infrastructure development, emphasizing that the Rironi-Mau Summit dualling should follow a PPP model.
In conclusion, the Cabinet’s approval for the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit road is a significant step toward improved transportation infrastructure in Kenya. Scheduled to begin in June 2025, this project is expected to enhance connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion in a critical corridor. The emphasis on a Public-Private Partnership approach may prove essential in addressing funding concerns and ensuring timely completion of this vital roadway.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
