Nairobi — After years of delays, construction on the critical Rironi-Mau Summit Highway is finally set to begin this August. President William Ruto made the announcement Wednesday, signalling renewed momentum on a project long seen as vital to easing travel through Kenya’s Rift Valley.
Speaking at State House Nairobi during a meeting with Nakuru leaders, the President confirmed that the technical groundwork is almost complete. “We have agreed with the contractors to speed up the project and complete it by 2027. If not, they should have done a substantial portion of it by that time,” he said.
The long-awaited highway will feature four lanes from Rironi to Naivasha and expand to six lanes from Naivasha to Nakuru City. Improvements are also planned for the busy Maai Mahiu-Naivasha road routes that carry much of the cargo and passenger traffic from Nairobi to western Kenya and beyond.
The President’s remarks come amid growing pressure to deliver on stalled infrastructure and water projects in Nakuru County one of the country’s economic hubs.
Dam Deal with Italy Revives Hopes
In a key development, President Ruto revealed that the government has struck a deal with the Italian Government to resume construction of the stalled Itare Dam in Kuresoi North. The dam, once completed, is expected to ease water shortages in Nakuru City.
“When complete, this dam will solve the persistent water shortages being faced by the people of Nakuru,” he said.
The dam project, initially launched in 2016, had been plagued by financing troubles and legal battles. Its revival could have a significant impact on the region’s water supply and agriculture.
Billions Pledged for Roads, Power, and Stadiums
Alongside the highway and dam, the President announced that KSh2.5 billion has been earmarked to complete other road projects in the county many of them stalled due to budget constraints.
A further KSh2.5 billion will go into the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, aiming to bring electricity to 21,000 households in the area. “We have agreed with contractors that they must complete them by this December so that we move to the next phase,” he said.
Efforts to unlock the stalled construction of Lanet Airport are also underway, with the government now working to resolve a contractual dispute.
Military engineers, meanwhile, are expected to help finish the Afraha Stadium and begin building a new facility at Olenguruone.
Economic Zone and Education Boosts
Turning to economic expansion, the President said that groundwork for the Naivasha Special Economic Zone was progressing. “We have bought 5,000 acres in Naivasha to develop infrastructure in readiness for this project,” he said.
He also welcomed a new agreement between county governments and the Office of the Controller of Budget that now allows counties to issue bursaries. The deal is expected to speed up the disbursement of funds to needy students across Kenya.
Healthcare and Jobs Abroad
President Ruto said the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) had already covered healthcare for 4.5 million Kenyans over the past eight months at a cost of KSh41 billion. But he noted only 35 per cent of Nakuru’s residents are registered with SHA and urged local leaders to push awareness.
On youth employment, the President encouraged local leaders to help prepare young Kenyans for overseas job markets. “Every month, over 10,000 Kenyans are leaving to work abroad. In the past two years, 400,000 young Kenyans have found jobs abroad. Prepare them to work anywhere in the world,” he said.
Security Message to Police
Addressing security concerns, particularly in Nakuru’s urban and rural pockets, the President issued a sharp warning to law enforcement. He urged police to act firmly against criminal gangs regardless of whether offenders are civilians or officers.
“Security of Kenyans and their property is their constitutional right. Whether criminals are in civilians or uniform, they must be dealt with decisively,” he said.
Among the leaders present were Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Senator Tabitha Karanja, and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. A host of MPs and MCAs also attended.
The announcements signal a flurry of activity aimed at rebooting development in one of Kenya’s fastest-growing regions. But as with past promises, the real test will be in execution and whether deadlines are finally met.
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