President William Ruto has launched the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha road projects.
Ruto has termed the multibillion-shilling public–private partnership (PPP) initiative a turning point in Kenya’s infrastructure development and economic ambition.
Speaking in Kiambu County during the event on Friday, November 28, 2025, the president described the project, valued at over KSh170 billion, as a bold break from what he termed as decades of stagnation and limited financing options.
“Today, we stand at the dawn of a new era… This moment is not merely about laying down a new corridor. It is about laying the foundation for a Kenya reborn,” he said.
Ruto said Kenya had historically been constrained by three inadequate choices, funding mega-projects from the national budget, borrowing, or slowing development altogether. None, he argued, was viable.
“If we waited for the national budget… we would have waited a lifetime. If we borrowed, we would have burdened our children for generations. If we taxed more, we would have suffocated families,” he stated.
New financing model
The head of state hailed the project’s PPP structure as a model of innovation, saying it positions Kenya as a continental leader in modern infrastructure financing. The Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit dual carriageway (175km) and the Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha stretch (58km) will be expanded, operated and maintained by private sector investors under a long-term concession, supported by modern safety and traffic-management systems.
“It is an investment of over 170 billion shillings… a living demonstration of what happens when government stops trying to do everything alone and starts doing things smarter,” he noted.
The president said the corridor, linking Nairobi to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and eastern DR Congo, is one of East Africa’s most important trade arteries, yet has long struggled with congestion, delays and fatal accidents.
“Traffic consumed our time, accidents stole our loved ones, and delays cost our economy billions. Today we say: no more,” he remarked.
15,000 jobs
Ruto highlighted the project’s broader socioeconomic impact, noting that at least 15,000 young Kenyans will gain employment and skills during construction.
“This project will not only construct roads but careers and futures, with local content leading,” he said.
He acknowledged the contribution of international partners, particularly Chinese contractors and financiers, saying their expertise will help modernise the corridor while strengthening local capacity.
The president outlined an expansive national plan to upgrade road networks across the country, including the Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi dual carriageway, Machakos Junction–Mariakani highway, Mau Summit–Kericho–Kisumu, Kisumu–Busia road, Athi River–Namanga, Karatina–Nanyuki–Isiolo, Makutano–Embu–Meru–Maua and several other key corridors.
He underscored the scale of Kenya’s infrastructure deficit, contrasting the country’s 22,000km of tarmacked roads since independence with Japan’s over one million kilometres during a similar period.
“This underscores the scale of our long-standing infrastructure gap,” he said.
Ruto reaffirmed plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba starting January 2026, completing a regional transport loop meant to anchor Kenya as East Africa’s logistics hub.
He also reiterated commitments to expand energy generation by 10,000MW, upgrade airports and ports, invest in irrigation, and boost Kenya’s industrial and digital economy through stronger STEM education and research.
To finance these ambitions sustainably, the president announced ongoing establishment of a National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to reduce reliance on debt while building long-term national wealth.
“This approach will reduce our dependence on debt and build long-term national wealth for generations to come,” he said.
Ruto urged contractors, local businesses and communities to uphold transparency and quality in delivering the project, saying its success will define Kenya’s future trajectory.
“This is our moment to rise from the ordinary… to walk confidently and decisively into excellence,” he said, adding that the project will “reshape trade, expand prosperity and elevate lives across our region.”
Read: KeNHA Issues Traffic Advisory Ahead of Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway Launch by President Ruto
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