By K, KNA
The Kenya National Highways Authority has continued engaging the public through sensitization and stakeholder consultation exercises, concerning the upcoming Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Highway and Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha Road (A8 South) construction project.
The Authority conducted public participation meetings at strategic locations including Bibirioni and Mathore, as part of the ongoing consultation process.
The engagement aims to gather opinions from local communities, business operators and road users along the highway corridor to address their concerns and expectations before major infrastructure development commences.
Eng. Julia Ondeyo, Deputy Director of KeNHA, announced a project to expand the road network to alleviate accidents and congestion issues, reducing delays for road users.
She emphasized the critical importance of community input in designing infrastructure that serves public interest, while minimizing disruptions to existing businesses and residential areas.
“When we return, we will revisit and review the designs, adjusting accordingly to incorporate, where applicable, the views expressed by the people from the construction stage through post-construction operations,” she said.
The Rironi-Mau Summit Road, spanning approximately 175 kilometers, is to be expanded into a dual carriageway highway through a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.
The project is expected to transform transportation along the busy Northern Corridor, benefiting businesses along the route. Motorcycle riders have requested dedicated service roads separated from heavy trucks and commercial vehicles.
Kijabe Member of County Assembly, Nyutu Wamware emphasized that the project should align with county government initiatives to ensure smooth integration with existing service roads along the highway.
“KeNHA has assured that landowners whose property will be affected will receive appropriate compensation,” he said.
The engagement exercise continues with additional meetings scheduled at the Flyover Interchange and Kayole Social Hall, providing further opportunities for public participation in project planning.
KeNHA welcomes public attendance at these meetings to contribute ideas for incorporation into the road project design, with officials emphasizing that community feedback will directly influence final construction specifications.