The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) says it has commenced negotiations with the winning bidder for construction of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road and Rironi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha Road.
According to KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Board of Trustee emerged the winning bidder out three Privately Initiated Proposals (PIPs) for the Design, Built, Operate, Maintain and Transfer of the roads under the Public Private Partnership arrangement.
Other bidder whose proposals was been rejected include Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Company Limited (SDRBI) and Multiplex Partners Company Limited, a Burundian registered infrastructure development financing firm.
Multiplex Partners was however dropped from the bid after failing to pay the mandatory non-refundable proposal review fee required during PIP submission.
“The firm, Multiplex, accepted the dismissal of their PIP by KenNHA on 1st of August, 2025 due to non-compliance with the provisions of the Act. The firm, Multiplex, accepted the dismissal of the PIP by KeNHA on 5th of August, 2025 noting challenges in submission of their review fees,” said Kimeli.
Following completion of evaluation of the proposal by the consortium, Kimeli said the Evaluation Report has since been forwarded to the PPP Directorate for review and recommendations by the PPP Committee.
“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 in line with the PPP process. This is the process that is currently ongoing,” he noted.
The government is seeking to expand the road to a dual carriageway as part of the Northern Transport Corridor in order reduce congestion on the road and support trade.
Construction and rehabilitation of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road (A8) which begins at Rironi covers an estimated distance of 174km while the Rironi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha Road (A8 South) covers 54km.
“The Northern Corridor carries a majority of Kenya’s imports and exports between the Port of Mombasa and the East African Community (EAC) region, underpinning national and regional economic growth,” he stated.
KeNHA says the road which will be implemented through tolling upon completion with have toll stations as per the National Tolling Policy 2025 which is still being finetuned.
However, for motorists who will opt not to use the infrastructure, Kimeli says KeNHA is seeking to provide an alternative route.
“The shall map out available alternative roads from Rironi to Mau-Summit, where feasible, for consideration and use by the public, who may opt not to use this project. Its is, however imperative to note that the usage of the toll road shall be cheaper as there shall be resultant savings in travel times, vehicle operating costs and safety,” added Kimeli.
The road network is further expected to enhance connectivity between Nairobi, Central Kenya, Rift Valley and Western Kenya regions.
