Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi rejected accusations that the government inflated the cost of the Rironi‑Mau Summit Road, attributing the higher price to design revisions and the cancellation of a prior contract with a French firm.

Speaking at the NCBA Economic Forum in Nairobi on 3 November, Mbadi noted that a politician had claimed the project would have cost between Ksh150 billion and Ksh200 billion before the French contractor withdrew.

Mbadi urged critics to consult technical experts before making such statements, suggesting they could seek advice if they lacked expertise.

He explained that the road’s design was altered, notably expanding the Naivasha‑Nakuru segment to eight lanes, which increased overall construction costs.

Mbadi defended the decision to terminate the French contract, saying the original agreement placed significant commercial risk on the government and the wider economy.

His remarks followed Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua’s claim that Chinese officials had refused to release funds for the project, labeling it risky ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gachagua also disputed Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir’s explanation that bitumen shortages caused construction delays, insisting contractors lacked financing.

Chirchir has maintained that bitumen supply disruptions have pushed the expected opening of a 60‑kilometre section to early December 2026.

The 233‑kilometre highway is being built in phases, with China Road and Bridge Corporation and the National Social Security Fund handling the Rironi‑Naivasha‑Gilgil and Rironi‑Mai Mahiu‑Naivasha routes, while Shandong Hi‑Speed Road and Bridge International works on the Gilgil‑Nakuru‑Mau Summit stretch.