Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway to Charge Motorists Ksh8 Per Kilometre, Sparks Public Outcry

Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway to Charge Motorists Ksh8 Per Kilometre, Sparks Public Outcry

Motorists will soon dig deeper into their pockets to use the upcoming Rironi-Mau Summit expressway. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed a toll rate of Ksh8 per kilometre, triggering mixed reactions across the country.

“Ksh8 Per Km, Plus Annual Increase”

According to KeNHA’s Thursday notice, the toll will rise by 1% annually to adjust for inflation and exchange rate shifts.

“China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) & National Social Security Fund Trustees (NSSF) align with the Contracting Authority’s Output Specifications and PPP Act Cap 430 requirements with a proposed toll rate of Ksh8 per Km with a 1 percent escalation rate per annum,” the notice read.

The expressway will feature eight toll stations and use an open tolling system. Motorists will only pay for the distance they travel.

“175 Km of Modern Infrastructure”

Stretching 175 km, the highway will begin at Rironi in Kiambu, pass through Nyandarua, and end at Mau Summit in Nakuru County. It will include:

• 15 interchanges
• 8 footbridges
• 25 km of service lanes
• 8 wildlife crossings
• 41 U-turns
• 41 underpasses
• 118 bus bays

Passenger cars and small four-wheel vehicles will pay the base rate. The highway is expected to be operational by 2028.

“Treasury Gives Green Light”

The National Treasury approved the Ksh200 billion project after its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee reviewed the proposal. Construction is set to begin before January 2026 and will take two years.

“We expect groundbreaking soon. This road will transform regional connectivity,” a KeNHA official said.

“Motorists React with Frustration”

Despite promises of improved infrastructure, many Kenyans are unhappy with the toll rate.

“Ksh8 per kilometre is too much. What about daily commuters?” one driver asked.

“Why should we pay more every year? Inflation is already killing us,” another lamented.

“PPP Model Raises Accountability Concerns”

The expressway will be built and operated under a 30-year concession by CRBC and NSSF. CRBC also built the Standard Gauge Railway.

“We need transparency. Who regulates toll hikes and service quality?” a transport analyst questioned.

As construction nears, Kenyans brace for both progress and pressure, hoping the expressway delivers value beyond cost.

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Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway to Charge Motorists Ksh8 Per Kilometre, Sparks Public Outcry