By Erestinah Jane | July 7, 2026
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has released details of the proposed 94-kilometre Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit section of the A8 Highway, confirming that the road will be developed and operated as a toll road under a 30-year concession through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, July 7, KeNHA outlined the scope of the project and disclosed that it has signed a PPP agreement with Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge International Engineering Co. Ltd. (SDRBI) to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the highway.
The authority said the disclosure was intended to promote transparency and keep the public informed about one of Kenya’s most significant road infrastructure projects.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) outlines that the project aims to enhance regional connectivity, improve safety, and stimulate economic growth.”
The Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit corridor forms part of the strategic Northern Corridor, one of East Africa’s busiest transport routes linking the Port of Mombasa with Nairobi and neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The route carries thousands of passenger and cargo vehicles daily and has long experienced severe traffic congestion, particularly during peak travel periods and holiday seasons.
According to KeNHA, the project is designed to expand road capacity, ease congestion and improve travel efficiency while enhancing road safety along a corridor that has recorded numerous traffic accidents over the years.
Under the PPP arrangement, SDRBI will undertake the development and management of the highway for a concession period of 30 years, during which tolls will be collected to facilitate the recovery of construction, operation and maintenance costs. At the end of the concession, the highway is expected to revert to the Government of Kenya in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
The authority noted that the project is expected to generate significant economic benefits by reducing travel time, lowering vehicle operating costs and improving the movement of goods and people along the Northern Corridor. The upgraded highway is also anticipated to strengthen regional trade and support Kenya’s position as a transport and logistics hub within the East African region.
KeNHA further stated that improved infrastructure along the corridor is expected to attract investment, create employment opportunities during construction and enhance access to markets for businesses and communities located along the route.
The Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit project is among several infrastructure initiatives being implemented under Kenya’s Public-Private Partnership framework, through which the government seeks to leverage private sector financing and expertise to accelerate the delivery of major public infrastructure.
The disclosure marks an important step in the implementation of the project by providing the public with information on its financing model, operational framework and expected benefits. Once completed, the highway is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Nairobi, western Kenya and neighbouring countries while supporting long-term economic growth and regional integration.
