How Much You Will Pay to Use the Dual Nairobi–Nakuru Toll Road

Kenyans using the upcoming Nairobi–Nakuru dual carriageway will pay up to Ksh1,400 in toll fees for a one-way trip once the project is completed. A return journey will cost Ksh2,800, according to details from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

The toll charges are based on a proposed rate of Ksh8 per kilometer, which will increase by 1 percent annually to account for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.

Motorists travelling between Rironi and Naivasha (58 kilometers) will pay Ksh464 for a one-way trip and Ksh928 for a two-way journey.

The Ksh170 billion project will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by a consortium led by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

Construction is expected to begin this year and is earmarked for completion targeted in June 2027.

The road will then be operated by the consortium for 28 years (2028–2055) to allow investors to recoup costs through toll collection.

The plan includes six toll stations along the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) section and two more on the Nairobi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) route.

KeNHA says the project aims to ease congestion on the busy corridor connecting Nairobi to Western Kenya and regional markets while maintaining toll rates lower than those on the Nairobi Expressway.

As detailed in the project brief, the operator will also include an electronic system for the payment of toll fees to enable ease. This is the model currently being used for the Nairobi Expressway, which was also constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

"The proponent brings proven expertise in toll road development and operation, including advanced traffic management systems, electronic toll collection, and sustainable construction practices," read the project brief in part.

"The proponent will also bring cutting-edge solutions that will not only result in high-quality and durable road infrastructure but also drive operational efficiency and long-term performance."

Prior to the 2022 elections, the Nairobi-Mau Summit road project had been awarded to a consortium led by France's Vinci SA Highway. The project was to cost Ksh190 billion (1.3 billion euros)- Ksh20 billion more than the current cost.

The deal was canceled by President William Ruto's administration, which resulted in the payment of a Ksh6 billion fine.

Similar to the current deal, the French companies were to recoup their investments through the payment of toll fees.

As explained by the government, lack of alternative free options and the the high toll fees by the French companies were some of the reasons behind the cancellation of the deal. However, in actual comparison the toll for small cars under the French company deal would have been cheaper with an estimated cost of Ksh800 per trip - Ksh600 less than the current Ksh1,400.

Trucks were to pay as Ksh6,641 to use the road if the French company had won the deal. However, the rate of heavy trucks under the Chinese firm - NSSF consortium is yet to be known.