Why motorists will now pay Ksh8 per km to use Rironi–Mau Summit Motorway
By Cynthia Lodite, October 25, 2025The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has released a detailed report confirming that motorists using the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road will pay a toll rate of Ksh8 per kilometre.
In the report, KeNHA noted the payment will include an annual escalation rate of 1 per cent once the project is completed.
Also watch: Nyoro opposes toll charges on Rironi–Mau summit road
The report, which has been published on KeNHA’s official website as of October 22, 2025, indicated that a proposed tolling model emerged from the evaluation of a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) submitted by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
“Based on comparative assessment, the Evaluation Committee concluded that China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) & National Social Security Fund Trustees (NSSF) align with the Summary Brief Report for Project Development Phase documents of Privately Initiated Proposals for Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain, and Transfer of Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) and Nairobi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) Roads Contracting Authority’s Output Specifications and PPP Act Cap 430 requirements with a proposed toll rate of KShs. 8 per km with a 1 per cent escalation rate per annum,” the statement reads.
Reasons for charge
The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) noted that the rates are meant to recoup the Ksh180 billion to Ksh200 billion, which will be sunk into the project, and that the charges will also account for inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and economic conditions.
Also watch: Residents reject Toll charges on Rironi–Mau Summit expressway
According to the report, the project includes approximately 175 kilometres of the A8 road and 58 kilometres of the A8 South section.
“The project, comprising approximately 175 km of the A8 Road and 58 km of the A8 and A8 South Road, respectively, is a strategic component of the Northern Corridor and the Trans-African Highway,” the statement reads in part.
On the other hand, KeNHA described the move as a strategic component of the Northern Corridor and the Trans-African Highway, a network crucial for boosting regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and economic integration across East and Central Africa.
“It is critical for regional connectivity, economic integration, and trade facilitation across East and Central Africa. The existing corridor suffers severe congestion and safety challenges due to high traffic volumes, necessitating capacity expansion, safety enhancements, and operational efficiencies,” the statement reads.
Ruto Rironireveals funding strategy
President William Ruto recently clarified that the government is set to build the Rironi-Mau Summit under the Public-Private Partnership, unlike other roads that were previously fully funded by the government.
According to the Head of State, the Rironi-Mau Summit and the upcoming Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba railway will both be constructed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to avoid worsening Kenya’s national debt burden.