The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has suffered a fresh setback in the planned expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit Expressway after residents of Naivasha objected to the tolling of the road.
The highway, which connects Nairobi and Nakuru, is expected to be constructed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with motorists required to pay toll fees for the next 30 years.
During a public sensitisation forum held in Nakuru County on Thursday, September 4, Naivasha residents protested the introduction of toll fees and instead urged KeNHA to provide an alternative route for those unwilling to pay the charges.
Among those opposing the tolling was a former Member of County Assembly (MCA), who rallied residents to reject any plans to introduce charges for using the highway.
The MCA described the introduction of the tolls as double taxation, arguing that motorists are already paying a fuel levy intended for the construction and maintenance of other roads.
While meeting with KeNHA officials, residents urged the authority to consider constructing a footbridge across the new highway to facilitate safe crossing for school-going children.
They also called on KeNHA to build service lanes to allow residents in densely populated areas along the highway to access their homes more easily.
In response to the concerns, a KeNHA official noted that design work for the road expansion is still ongoing, following a feasibility study that confirmed the road needs to be upgraded.
The KeNHA officer further revealed that two Chinese companies have already submitted proposals to undertake the road expansion works and have already identified areas that need three to four lanes.
He stated that they are in the process of collecting public input from residents along the highway, adding that all views will be incorporated into the final design, which will also address the placement of toll stations.
The latest development comes a week after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confirmed that the highway’s expansion is planned to begin before the end of the year.
According to the CS who spoke on Friday, August 29, during an interview on Citizen TV, Mbadi disclosed that discussions for the expansion of the highway were in advanced stages, pending his approval.
Mbadi confirmed that the government has received a proposal from China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The Treasury CS noted that CRBC submitted a joint bid with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to fund the construction of the road.
"This is something that is still at a preliminary stage. If I comment here and am then supposed to give my approval, I would be biased. I know the procurement process is ongoing," Mbadi revealed.
"It is a PPP project, and NSSF is partnering with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). If this joint venture with CRBC has won it, then so be it. I want to see the documents before approving," he added.
