Ruto Announces Early Completion for Rironi-Mau Expressway, Thika Road in October

The government has adjusted the completion timeline for the anticipated Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway, with President William Ruto confirming that key sections of the project will be delivered ahead of schedule, effectively moving the timeline forward by approximately three months. Speaking on Friday, May 15, during the Thika High School 70th anniversary celebrations, the Head of State stated that the accelerated schedule reflects the current progress of construction works along the corridor. Initially, the project’s first phase had been projected for completion around mid-2027, with expectations targeting delivery between June and July of that year as part of a broader infrastructure development strategy. However, Ruto revealed that the government now anticipates achieving a significant milestone much earlier, with the Rironi-Naivasha stretch scheduled for completion by August this year. “The dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit is progressing at a very fast pace. As I said, by April next year, the road shall have been completed. But foremost, by August this year, the section from Rironi in Kiambu to Naivasha itself, we shall have completed the dualling,” Ruto stated. The announcement represents a notable change in expectations at a time when motorists continue to experience delays due to heavy traffic congestion along the section, which forms part of one of Kenya’s roads being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. At the same event, the President also disclosed that design works for the Thika Road Expressway are nearing completion, with the project expected to enhance connectivity between Nairobi and Thika town once operational. He added that the components are scheduled for launch in October. Meanwhile, this comes amid public concerns questioning the visible progress on the 175-kilometre Rironi-Mau Summit expressway, particularly due to limited observable tarmacking activity months after the project’s launch. In response, the Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships defended the project’s sequencing, stating that the construction process is proceeding according to plan. PPP Director General Engineer Kefa Seda explained that early-stage works are deliberately focused on foundational elements such as subgrade formation, drainage systems, and structural stability rather than immediate asphalt laying. He maintained that bituminous surfacing is the final stage of road construction and only begins after critical structural works such as culverts, bridges, and soil stabilisation have been completed to ensure durability and safety.