Transport CS Davis Chirchir says the Rironi–Naivasha highway section is expected to open to motorists in early December 2026, as a parliamentary committee inspects progress on the major road project.
Chirchir gave the assurance on Friday, October 30, during an inspection of the Rironi–Mau Summit road project by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.
The inspection followed a joint meeting between the committee and officials from the Ministry of Roads and Transport to assess progress on the project, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity along a key transport corridor.
The Cabinet Secretary said more than 90 teams were working on the project to meet the deadline, with construction progressing at approximately four kilometres per week.
“Honourable Members, I want to thank you as a Committee for coming to see what the Government is doing with public funds. This is one of our major projects aimed at opening up our country. We want to finish the dualling of the Nairobi–Naivasha section by December and open it for use,” Chirchir said.
He noted, however, that some design works would remain at the Naivasha Junction, where the government plans to construct an interchange incorporating an overpass and an underpass.
Government addresses bitumen shortage
Chirchir said the government had secured sufficient bitumen for the project despite reports of shortages in the country, adding that construction was continuing towards the December target.
He said the contractor was expected to move to the Gilgil and Mai Mahiu sections, which are also earmarked for dualling to improve transport links.
The wider project is intended to strengthen connectivity along a major route serving the Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western regions, as well as facilitating trade and transport links with parts of East and Central Africa.
MPs commend progress on road project
Committee Chairperson George Kariuki and other members welcomed the progress, saying the inspection had provided an opportunity to assess the use of public funds and the project’s potential benefits.
“We are here to oversight what the Ministry is doing and so far we are impressed with the project because we can see there is value for public funds. This road has a positive impact on Kenyans, it will open up business between our counties and ease transport for other road users. As a Committee, we are happy,” Kariuki said.
The committee chairperson also urged leaders to support infrastructure projects rather than politicise them.
He further thanked the Cabinet for approving the securitisation programme, which he said had generated more than Sh200 billion to support road infrastructure development in the country.
Government targets underperforming contractors
Chirchir said the government was tightening scrutiny of contractors to protect public funds and address cases in which firms abandon projects after receiving payments.
“We are now keen on their performance records. All contractors are undergoing due diligence that is done in a strict way, this is to ensure value for public money,” he said.
The government’s December target will be a key milestone for motorists using the busy Nairobi–Naivasha corridor, although some works at the Naivasha Junction are expected to continue beyond the planned opening.
