Mbadi Gives Update on Construction of Nairobi-Nakuru Highway by Chinese Company

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has now said that he has yet to approve proposals for the planned expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit highway, which connects Nairobi and Nakuru.
Speaking on Thursday, August 28, in an interview onCitizen TV, Mbadi noted that discussions for the expansion of the highway are in advanced stages, pending his approval.
According to him, theprocurement process for the 175-kilometre road project is still in progress,but he emphasised that the highway would be constructed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
During the interview, Mbadi confirmed that the government had received proposals from two companies seeking to undertake the multi-billion-shilling project.
Among them is theChina Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a state-owned Chinese company that specialises in infrastructure projects such as building bridges, roads, railways and airports.
He noted that CRBC made a joint bid with theNational Social Security Fund(NSSF) to fund the construction of the road, with the proposals currently under review.
“This is something that is still done at some stage. If I make my comments here and am supposed to give my approval, then I would be biased. I know the procurement process is on,” Mbadi said.
Adding: “It is a PPP project, and NSSF was partnering with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). If this joint venture between CRBC has won it, then be it. I want to see the documents for approval.”
The expansion of the road is expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance trade between Kenya and its neighbouring countries. The project involves expanding the ever-busy stretch to four lanes.
This comes a week after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) commenced stakeholder engagement on the planned expansion of the road, which is estimated to cost Ksh200 billion.
According to KeNHA, the stakeholder engagement meetings are being held to update stakeholders on the Government’s PPP plans for road capacity enhancement, build institutional and community support, and identify early concerns that may affect project implementation.
In the notice dated Tuesday, August 21, KeNHA stated that the stakeholder engagements would take place in Kiambu, Nyandarua, and Nakuru counties from September 2 to September 8 this year.