The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the planned launch of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) Highway by President William Ruto on Friday, November 28, 2025.

In a public notice dated November 26, 2025, the authority warned motorists of day-long traffic congestion along the busy corridor, calling for early travel adjustments and alternative routing to ease movement.

“The road is envisaged to have significant traffic congestion for the whole day,” KeNHA said.

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KeNHA Warns of Heavy Traffic During Launch

According to the advisory, the launch will take place at various locations along the A8 highway, a key transport artery linking Nairobi to western Kenya.

KeNHA noted that the expected influx of dignitaries, security operations, and public attendance will significantly slow traffic.

The authority said, “The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify the public that on Friday November 28, 2025, the Rironi – Nakuru – Mau Summit (A8) Road will be launched by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto at various locations.”

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Motorists Urged to Use Alternative Routes

To ease pressure on the A8, KeNHA has listed several alternative routes for motorists traveling between Nairobi, Nakuru, and surrounding regions.

Drivers heading to or passing through Nakuru are advised to reroute through:

• Ngong – Suswa – Narok – Mau Narok – Njoro – Nakuru
• Nairobi – Thika – Magumu – Njabini – Ol Kalou – Nakuru
• Nakuru – Kampi ya Moto – Ravine – Makutano
• Nakuru – Njoro – Molo – Mau Summit

KeNHA further urged travelers to reconsider their Friday plans, stating, “We urge all motorists plying these sections of the road to replan their journeys accordingly, and any inconvenience is regretted.”

Background: How PPP Negotiations Shaped the A8 Highway Project

The launch of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) Road comes against the backdrop of a lengthy and complex Public Private Partnership (PPP) process that has unfolded over the past year.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has now formally disclosed the outcome of negotiations and evaluations conducted for the proposed PPP development of both the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) Road and the Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) Road.

The Authority confirmed that the announcement follows months of stalled talks, revised proposals, and a legal review of all submissions under the PPP Act, Cap 430.

According to KeNHA, the process was triggered after the Authority received two Privately Initiated Proposals (PIPs) from Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Co., Ltd (SDRBI) and a consortium comprising the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

“Both proposals were evaluated for the design, build, finance, operate, maintain, and transfer model,” KeNHA stated, highlighting that the PIPs covered 175km of the A8 Road and 58km of the A8 South section.

KeNHA added that the project spans multiple counties, noting that the project traverses Kiambu, Nyandarua, and Nakuru counties.

Both proponents also submitted feasibility studies for a full-corridor and a split-corridor option on 15 September 2025.

According to the Authority, “The alternative proposals were designed to anticipate investment approval delays for Chinese State-Owned Enterprises.”

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KeNHA Director, Luka Kimeli in a Past Event. PHOTO/ KeNHA.