The Cabinet has approved the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit road, set to begin in June 2025, with a completion goal of June 2027. This project aims to transform the existing road into a four-lane dual carriageway to ease traffic congestion between Nairobi and Western Kenya. The government plans to implement sustainable financing through Public-Private Partnerships.
The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the dualling of the 175km Rironi-Mau Summit road, with construction scheduled to commence in June 2025 and anticipated completion by June 2027. This upgrade aims to enhance the existing two-lane carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway, improving traffic flow for motorists traveling between Nairobi and Western Kenya.
The Cabinet, led by President William Ruto, stated that while the project’s framework will be finalized soon, no specific details regarding financing or the companies involved have been disclosed. This project is crucial for alleviating the severe traffic congestion often experienced, especially during weekends and holiday periods.
In December 2023, plans for a dual carriageway along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba highway were announced, responding to serious congestion issues. President Ruto affirmed the government’s commitment to address infrastructure challenges, revealing ongoing discussions with firms for effective congestion management solutions by 2025.
The National Police deployed extra resources during recent traffic crises, underscoring the pressing need for sustainable infrastructure improvements. Economic Advisor Moses Kuria highlighted the significance of adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, warning against dependency on public financing for long-term road enhancements. He stated, “The mess on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway is… proof that we need new approaches to infrastructure development. The Rironi-Mau Summit dualling must be carried out on a PPP basis.”
The Cabinet’s approval of the Rironi-Mau Summit road dualling marks a significant step towards improving traffic flow and connectivity in Kenya. With construction set to begin in June 2025, the project aims to alleviate congestion in a critical transport corridor. The emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships suggests a shift towards sustainable infrastructure financing as the government seeks long-term solutions to prevalent traffic issues.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
