How Chinese laws forced govt to hire 2 firms for the Ksh184B Rironi-Mau Summit Highway
The government has explained why it was forced to engage two Chinese construction companies to undertake the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway project instead of relying on a single contractor, saying lengthy approval procedures in China threatened to delay the completion of the busy highway. Principal Secretary for Roads Joseph Mbugua has revealed that the decision to […]
The Kenyan government has disclosed that it was compelled to engage two Chinese construction firms, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International, for the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway project due to strict Chinese law. This decision was prompted by concerns that awarding the entire project to a single contractor could push the contract value past the US$1 billion threshold, triggering additional approval requirements in China that could significantly delay the start and completion of the project.
These additional approvals are necessary for contracts exceeding the US$1 billion mark, as they require higher-level approvals from the Chinese government, a process that could extend the project timeline beyond the desired two-year construction period.
The government chose to divide the construction between the two companies to circumvent these administrative hurdles. CRBC will handle the first phase, which includes enhancing existing sections of the A8 highway from Rironi to Gilgil and from Rironi to Naivasha. This phase is estimated to cost US$743 million (approximately KSh96.56 billion) and aims to alleviate congestion in the Nairobi-Nakuru transport corridor.
On the other hand, Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International will manage the second phase, focusing on the Nakuru-Mau Summit section, which involves expanding the existing single-carriageway into a dual carriageway. This phase is projected to cost US$678 million (approximately Ksh88.11 billion).
By collaborating with two contractors, the government aims to avoid bureaucratic obstacles and deliver the multibillion-dollar infrastructure project within the set timeline. The Rironi-Mau Summit Highway expansion will increase connectivity between Nairobi, Nakuru, Mau Summit, and other East African regions, significantly improving transportation and trade between Kenya, Uganda, and other neighboring countries.
This project has long been a pain point for motorists, especially during peak travel seasons, such as Christmas, when heavy traffic and lengthy delays are common.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
