Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway to Get Smart Traffic System Under KSh184 Billion Project
Motorists using the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit corridor are set to benefit from an intelligent traffic management system as part of the ongoing highway upgrade.
The system is among the planned features of the approximately 175-kilometre highway project, which has been listed at a combined cost of about KSh184 billion.
The planned intelligent traffic management system is intended to improve the monitoring and management of traffic along the corridor.
The project also includes modern tolling infrastructure, grade-separated interchanges, bypasses and additional road-safety features.
A major trade corridor
The Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit route is one of Kenya's most important transport corridors.
It connects Nairobi to parts of the Rift Valley and serves traffic moving towards western Kenya and neighbouring countries through the Northern Corridor.
Improvements to the road could therefore have a direct impact on the movement of people and goods.
For logistics companies, manufacturers and retailers, better road infrastructure can reduce travel times, vehicle operating costs and the disruptions associated with congestion.
Construction is already progressing on sections of the project, with earthworks, drainage and bridge works underway, according to a National Treasury project update issued on August 18.
The government is also working to resolve outstanding administrative and financial issues to keep implementation on track.
The project is being implemented under a public-private partnership model, reflecting Kenya's increasing reliance on private capital to finance large infrastructure projects.
For the business community, the highway is likely to remain a closely watched project because of its potential impact on logistics, trade and regional connectivity.
The eventual introduction of tolling will also be an important consideration for motorists and commercial transport operators.
