President William Ruto announced that the re‑structured financing and construction plan for the Rironi‑Mau Summit highway will deliver a longer road, wider carriageways and lower toll charges at a total cost of Sh191 billion.

He said the new arrangement saves nearly Sh58 billion compared with the earlier Sh249 billion agreement with a French contractor, which had failed to start any construction six years after being awarded in 2020.

The government paid the French firm $50 million (Sh6.4 billion) to terminate the contract, avoiding potential legal costs and compensation claims estimated between $200 million (Sh25.8 billion) and $300 million (Sh38.7 billion).

Under the revised plan the highway will stretch 210 km, up from 175 km previously, and will feature a 70‑km six‑lane section between Naivasha and Nakuru, replacing the originally planned four‑lane segment.

Motorists are set to pay Sh8 per kilometre in tolls, a reduction from the Sh12 per kilometre rate that would have applied under the earlier contract.

Construction began in November 2026 and has reached 40 percent completion, with the president pledging to keep the project on schedule.

Ruto dismissed criticism of the project as propaganda, asserting that the revised deal offers better value for public money.

He also announced that resources have been secured for feasibility studies to extend the dual carriageway to Malaba via Eldoret, and through Kericho, Kisii and Kisumu.

Further plans include dualising the Nairobi‑Mombasa highway, with construction slated to start next year using alternative financing that will not require additional taxes or public borrowing.