The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Directorate has granted two Chinese firms the green light to conduct feasibility studies and commence procurement for the construction of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway.
The nod earlier this month signals that both firms that submitted privately initiated proposals (PIPs) on the project in May are still in the running for the multi-billion shilling project.
A consortium comprising China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge Group Co. submitted its interest in the project to the Kenya National Highway Authority (Kenha).
The PPP Directorate has given its approval to both entities, allowing them to proceed to the project development phase, which includes contract management.
“PIPs were submitted by two proponents, namely China Road and Bridge Corporation Kenya (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Consortium and Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge International Engineering Co. Ltd (SDRB),” the PPP Directorate notes in recently published disclosures.
“On July 2, 2025, the two PIPs were approved to progress to the project development phase.”
The project comprises two main sections: Section A8, which extends from the Rironi Interchange to the Mau Summit turnoff, covering 174.9 kilometres.
Artist’s impression of Nairobi to Mau Summit toll road once it is completed.
Photo credit: File
The A8 South Section, meanwhile, runs from the Rironi Interchange to the Naivasha Interchange via Mai Mahiu and covers 56.38 kilometres.
The two Chinese firms are jostling for the multi-billion shillings deal after the government terminated a Sh197.1 billion (1.3 billion euro) highway expansion deal with the French consortium-- comprising Vinci Highways SAS, Meridian Infrastructure Africa Fund, and Vinci Concessions SAS.
The government was forced to pay the consortium Sh6.2 billion as termination charges for the project after the French firms threatened to challenge the cancellation of the deal at the London Court of Arbitration.
President William Ruto subsequently pitched the project to the Chinese before the privately initiated proposals were submitted to Kenha.
The two Chinese firms will be expected to come up with project development/feasibility study reports, after which the government will turn to contract negotiations.
The PPP Directorate cites seven stages to public-private partnership projects, including proposal, preparation, procurement, project contracting, implementation, delivery, and transfer.
The Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway forms a critical part of the Northern Corridor and the Trans-African Highway, which serves as a vital transport artery linking East and Central African Countries to the Port of Mombasa.
“The highway plays a key role in supporting the movement of goods and services across the region, accommodating a substantial volume of heavy commercial traffic that is essential for regional trade and economic development,” the PPP Directorate said.
