Motorists travelling along the planned Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) highway will pay Sh8.50 per kilometre once the road becomes operational under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement, according to details released by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
The toll charge is contained in the project agreement published by KeNHA, providing the public with a detailed breakdown of how the long-awaited highway will be financed, constructed, operated and maintained over the next three decades.
The 94-kilometre highway is one of Kenya’s most significant transport infrastructure projects and forms part of the strategic Northern Corridor that links Nairobi with Nakuru, western Kenya and neighbouring countries.
Toll charges outlined in project agreement
According to the published agreement, motorists will initially be charged Sh8.50 for every kilometre travelled on the highway. However, the authority noted that the tariff is subject to future adjustments in line with the concession agreement, regulatory approvals and government policy.
The road will operate as a toll highway under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) model, with Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Co. Ltd (SRDBI) selected as the preferred private investor through the Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) process.
Under the arrangement, the company will finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the road before handing it back to KeNHA after a 30-year concession period.
KeNHA said the agreement was approved by the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Committee after the authority submitted feasibility studies, financial evaluations and procurement recommendations as required under the Public Private Partnerships Act.
Major improvements planned
The project extends approximately 94 kilometres between Gilgil, Nakuru and Mau Summit and is expected to significantly improve one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.
Besides rehabilitating and expanding the existing highway, the concessionaire will construct new interchanges, bridges, viaducts, drainage systems, toll plazas and additional road safety infrastructure aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing accidents.
The project will also include supporting infrastructure designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of transport along the corridor.
KeNHA noted that government financial obligations will remain limited to commitments expressly provided for in the concession agreement, with the bulk of the financing being provided by the private investor.
Expected benefits for motorists and the economy
The authority believes the upgraded highway will substantially reduce travel time between Nairobi and the Rift Valley while lowering vehicle operating costs for motorists and commercial transporters.
The road is also expected to improve movement of cargo along the Northern Corridor, strengthening trade between Kenya and neighbouring countries that rely on the Port of Mombasa for imports and exports.
According to KeNHA, the project is projected to stimulate economic growth by attracting new investment along the corridor, boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.
Improved road safety is another major objective, with modern engineering standards expected to reduce congestion and minimise accidents on a route that experiences heavy traffic throughout the year.
Public invited to review the agreement
KeNHA said publishing the concession agreement is part of efforts to enhance transparency and public accountability in the implementation of major infrastructure projects.
The authority has invited members of the public to review the agreement and submit any questions, comments or requests for clarification through its offices as preparations for implementation continue.
Once completed, the Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit toll road is expected to become one of Kenya’s flagship PPP infrastructure projects, playing a critical role in improving regional connectivity while introducing a user-pay model aimed at supporting long-term road maintenance and sustainability.
