Cabinet Approves Rironi-Mau Summit Road Dualling Project to Ease Traffic
The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit road, set to begin in June 2025 and complete by June 2027. This four-lane upgrade aims to improve traffic flow for motorists traveling to Western Kenya. The government emphasizes the need for a Public-Private Partnership to expedite the project, which follows significant congestion issues experienced during peak travel times.
The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the dualling project of the 175km Rironi-Mau Summit road, with construction slated to commence in June 2025. This initiative aims to alleviate the traffic burden experienced by motorists traveling to Western Kenya. The anticipated completion date is June 2027, according to a statement from a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto.
The Cabinet announcement specified that the existing two-way single carriageway will be upgraded into a four-lane dual carriageway, significantly enhancing traffic flow. This improvement is expected to ease transport issues along a corridor known for heavy congestion, particularly during weekends and holidays. However, details regarding the financing model and the companies involved have not been revealed.
The dualling project is part of Kenya’s extensive infrastructure transformation plan, aiming to boost connectivity and promote economic growth. In December 2023, President Ruto indicated intentions to initiate a dual carriageway construction along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba highway to address the severe traffic congestion noted during the festive season.
During a public engagement in Uasin Gishu, President Ruto highlighted the commitment to infrastructure improvement, mentioning past attempts at a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that did not come to fruition. He assured citizens of alternative plans to commence construction from Nairobi to Malaba by 2025 while engaging various companies to execute the project effectively.
The police were compelled to deploy extra officers and a helicopter to manage the severe traffic situation on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway during peak travel periods. This incident has reignited discussions on the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure development to tackle chronic congestion challenges.
Moses Kuria, an Economic Advisor to President Ruto, has called for leveraging a Public-Private Partnership model to expedite the highway expansions effectively. He cautioned against the pitfalls of relying solely on public funding, asserting that fresh approaches to infrastructure development are essential to alleviate congestion.
The approval of the Rironi-Mau Summit road dualling project is a significant step toward improving traffic conditions in Kenya. With a focus on transforming the aging infrastructure into a modern four-lane roadway, the initiative is expected to facilitate better connectivity and economic growth. However, reliance on a PPP model is emphasized as pivotal for sustainable infrastructure development, highlighting the need for innovative financing solutions.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
