Infrastructure

Nairobi-Nakuru Highway Upgrade Gains Momentum

The project involves resurfacing Rironi to Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road.

Updated on

April 3, 2017

Heavy traffic jam on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway. PHOTO | FILE

The planned expansion of the Nairobi –Nakuru– Mau Summit road has moved closer to reality with 10 foreign companies pre-qualified for the multi-billion-shilling project.

The firms, which responded to the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) qualification request, will bid to expand the 180km Rironi to Mau Summit Road into a dual carriageway.

The project will involve the re-carpeting of Rironi to Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road and the erection of toll stations along the highway under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.

KeNHA had invited proficient local and international firms to express interest in undertaking the project, but none of the local contractors impressed the agency.

KeNHA says it will now evaluate the bids and request pre-qualified firms to submit technical and financial proposals.

“It is after this stage that the eventual winning bid will be announced to undertake construction of the project,” the agency said.

The Nairobi-Mau Summit Road, part of the Northern Corridor, is one of eastern Africa’s most important roads as it connects western Kenya to the port of Mombasa and Nairobi.

The expansion will significantly reduce the travel time between Nairobi and Mau Summit while ending the perennial traffic jam experienced in Nakuru town and around Gilgil.