Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced the construction of a long awaited expansion of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road into a dual carriageway by July this year.
Speaking to mourners in Molo on Thursday, Kindiki said the multi billion project is marked as one of the major ambitious infrastructure undertakings under President william Ruto’s administration.
He said the road is designed to serve regional integration, economic growth and improved road safety.
‘This is a pivotal step in Kenya’s infrastructure development. The about 170-kilometre project is estimated to cost Sh 90 billion ranking it among the most major projects under Kenya Kwanza administration ,” said Kindiki .
He added the government has secured funding through a public-private partnership (PPP) stretching that it will be completed by July 2027.
‘The transformative project will enhance the movement of goods and people between Nairobi and the western parts of Kenya, particularly the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions. It will not only reduce traffic congestion and road accidents but also stimulate economic activities, generate thousands of jobs, and significantly benefit local communities ,”said the DP.
The Rironi-Mau summit road is a key section of the Northern Corridor, a vital artery for transport and trade linking the Port of Mombasa with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Its expansion is expected to drastically reduce travel times and improve safety on one of the most treacherous and congested roads in the country.
“We have instructed the contractors to mobilize and commence construction. Once completed, the upgraded route will boast four-lane dual carriageways, with select critical stretches expanded to six lanes to accommodate heavy traffic flow,” he added.
Kindiki acknowledged the tragic loss of lives on the Elburgon-Njoro road, where 12 people perished in a recent accident instructing engineers from the Ministry of Roads and Transport to conduct an immediate reassessment and redesign of the road’s black spots.
While offering condolences to the affected families, Kindiki said the government must act with urgency to implement long-term solutions that will eliminate these deadly sections and save lives for the citizens.
Beyond the Rironi-Mau summit road, the second in command added the government is also looking to further cement Kenya’s position as a regional logistics powerhouse through the continued expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
“Plans are underway to extend the railway from Naivasha to the Uganda border, with phases 2B and 2C set to roll out soon .The expansion will not only boost our regional trade links but also strengthen Kenya’s role as the logistical backbone of East and Central Africa,” the Deputy President remarked.
The project also aligns with the government’s broader economic agenda, promising employment opportunities, improved logistics for businesses, and easier access to markets and essential services.
For local communities along the route, including traders, farmers, and transport operators, the development presents a chance for revitalization and increased prosperity.
In a shift from infrastructure to governance, Kindiki called on the nation’s leaders to maintain unity and refrain from divisive politics.
“The era of violence and inflammatory politics is behind us. We must embrace peace and respect for divergent views to help this country progress economically ,” said Kindiki.
He called for unity urging Kenyans to ignore leaders opposing the governments saying they are only out to fuel division for their own political interest .
“Let us be patient and support the government because we are committed to fulfilling all the campaign pledges we made to Kenyans. Our agenda is to complete all the stalled projects and initiate new ones ,” he noted.
