The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has opposed the government’s decision to hand over the construction and management of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway to a consortium led by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The association describe the move as discriminatory and a threat to Kenya’s sovereignty.
MAK, in a statement issued on Friday, condemned the concession agreement, saying that it is unfair for motorists using the Northern Corridor to pay toll fees while other major roads like the Thika Superhighway and the Kenol–Marua Road remain free.
“This move represents pure discrimination against Western-bound citizens and an alarming threat to Kenya’s sovereignty and economic independence. It is unacceptable to impose toll charges on Kenyans travelling westwards along the Northern Corridor while users of other major highways enjoy free access,” the association said.
The lobby questioned why the government was entering into a 30-year deal with a foreign contractor instead of financing the road directly through public funds or development loans.
According to MAK, Kenyans contribute sufficient tax revenue to fund such projects without surrendering ownership to external players.
“Can Kenya truly not afford Ksh200 billion to upgrade its own national highway without surrendering it for 30 years?” the association posed, warning that the deal mirrors foreign-funded projects in countries like Sri Lanka and Zambia, where China took over strategic national assets.
National Security
MAK further warned that the Northern Corridor serves as Kenya’s main economic lifeline, connecting the Port of Mombasa to the western region and neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan, arguing that the handover of control to foreign entities risked undermining national security and economic sovereignty.
At the same time, the association argued that Kenya has successfully expanded major roads such as the Nairobi Bypasses, Kenol–Marua, Isiolo–Moyale, and Dongo Kundu projects without imposing tolls or surrendering ownership to private companies.
“Your access to the Port of Mombasa, and by extension your economic freedom, is now compromised for the next 30 years. Our roads are public assets, not commodities for foreign control,” it added.
Treasury Approval
The protest comes a day after the Treasury approved the project through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee, paving the way for construction of the A8 Highway corridor to begin.
The committee found that the feasibility report submitted by CRBC and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) met all the required financial and technical conditions.
The approved consortium includes CRBC, NSSF, and Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International companies, which are set to undertake the 175-kilometre road linking Nairobi to Nakuru. According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Ksh200 billion project will begin at Rironi in Kiambu County, pass through Nyandarua, and end at Mau Summit in Nakuru County.
