The government has kicked off a series of public consultations on the proposed Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) road capacity enhancement project, billed as one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures in recent years.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on Monday, August 18, 2025, announced that the stakeholder engagement exercise had officially begun.

He emphasised that the process was designed to gather public input, promote transparency, and ensure inclusivity in the development of the 175-kilometre highway.

“This event marks not only the beginning of a critical engagement process but also a crucial step in the journey of delivering one of the most transformative road projects in our nation’s recent history,” Chirchir said in a statement.

The A8 corridor, linking Nairobi to Western Kenya, is a vital part of the Northern Corridor, which also serves landlocked countries such as Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The road is among the busiest trade routes in the region, often grappling with heavy traffic congestion, long travel times, and road safety challenges.

To address these issues, the government plans to expand and upgrade the road through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, similar to the Nairobi Expressway. Under this arrangement, private partners will finance, design, build, maintain, and operate the project, with tolling expected to recover investments.

Chirchir underscored that transparency will remain central to the PPP process, noting that disclosures will be published at every stage, from proposal receipt to project development.

Engagement meetings across counties

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the implementing agency, has scheduled a series of stakeholder forums across counties between September 2 and September 8, 2025. These meetings are aimed at informing the public, building community support, and addressing early concerns.

Kiambu County

Limuru – September 2, Bibirioni Chief’s Office (9:00 am–12:00 pm)

Uplands – September 2, Mathore Chief’s Office (2:00 pm–4:00 pm)

Nyandarua County

Flyover – September 3, Flyover Interchange (9:00 am–12:00 pm)

Nakuru County

Naivasha – September 3, Kayole Social Hall (2:00 pm–4:00 pm)

Mau Summit – September 4, Kamara Chief’s Office (9:00 am–12:00 pm)

Salgaa – September 4, Salgaa Chief’s Office (2:00 pm–4:00 pm)

Nakuru Town – September 5, Kenya Industrial Training Institute (9:00 am–12:00 pm)

Gilgil – September 5, CDF Office/Hall (2:00 pm–4:00 pm)

Mai Mahiu (Nakuru County)

September 8, County Council Hall (9:00 am–12:00 pm)

Economic and social impact

The dual carriageway is expected to ease congestion, reduce travel times, and enhance safety on a corridor that is critical for passenger travel and freight movement. Chirchir noted that the 24-month project will generate employment opportunities across both the formal and informal sectors.

The road will also boost Kenya’s role as a regional trade hub by improving logistics efficiency for goods destined for neighbouring countries.

Earlier this year, the government signed a Ksh190 billion deal with a French consortium under an availability-based payment clause, which would have obligated the state to cover revenue shortfalls for more than a decade. The National Treasury, however, cancelled the agreement, citing its unsustainability.

Following the cancellation, two Chinese firms have emerged as frontrunners in the race for the contract, with final negotiations expected after the stakeholder engagement process.

If successfully executed, the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit project will stand alongside the Nairobi Expressway as a landmark PPP venture. It promises to ease mobility for millions of Kenyans and strengthen Kenya’s regional competitiveness by modernising one of East Africa’s most vital road networks.