Govt denies intentionally creating heavy traffic on Nairobi–Nakuru Highway

The government has responded to growing public concern over traffic congestion along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway, emphasising that the delays are temporary and part of a long-term infrastructure plan rather than a deliberate manipulation to justify future tolling.

Speaking through a statement on Monday, September 1, 2025, Engineer Kefa Seda, Director-General of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Directorate under the National Treasury, said the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway Project is a national priority aimed at addressing persistent traffic challenges along the Northern Corridor.

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“Motorists face daily frustrations from congestion, high accident rates, and economic losses. Routine repairs cannot address these challenges sustainably,” Eng. Seda said.

The project will create a modern dual carriageway with bypasses, service lanes, and enhanced safety measures to ensure smoother, safer, and faster journeys from Rironi to Malaba.

PPP framework defended

Responding to claims that traffic congestion is being manipulated to justify PPP concessions, Seda dismissed the notion as inaccurate and misleading.

He explained that public-private partnerships in Kenya are governed by a robust legal framework requiring technical, financial, legal, social, and environmental assessments.

“PPPs are procured through transparent, competitive processes, regulated by government policy, and designed to ensure value for money,” Eng. Seda said.

He added that any user charges introduced are carefully evaluated, regulated, and benchmarked against affordability.

The PPP Directorate emphasised that misrepresenting PPPs as tools for exploitation or profiteering undermines a system recognised internationally for accelerating infrastructure delivery in developing economies.

Long-term benefits

Eng. Seda stressed that PPPs are built on principles of transparency, accountability, risk sharing, and long-term sustainability.

These safeguards ensure that citizens are not burdened while infrastructure is delivered efficiently to support national development.

The statement comes after uproar from the public regarding the recent traffic congestion on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway on August 28, 2025, which the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) attributed to the National Youth Service Passing Out Day.