The Rironi-Naivasha section of the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway is expected to receive a new tarmac surface by December 2026 as construction works continue along the busy route.

The contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), said the project remains on schedule and that motorists should begin seeing more completed sections as construction moves into the pavement and asphalt stage.

Project officials said construction is currently focused on earthworks and major structures, with overall progress estimated at about 20 per cent.

The early stages of the project have involved work that is not immediately visible to motorists, including foundations and other major structural preparations. Officials expect the pace of construction to increase once pavement and asphalt works begin.

The Rironi-Naivasha stretch forms part of the wider Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway project, which is expected to improve traffic flow along one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.

The project is also expected to improve road safety and reduce congestion that has frequently affected motorists travelling between Nairobi, Naivasha and Nakuru.

Officials said the wider 233-kilometre Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway remains targeted for completion in 2027, with the critical Rironi-Nakuru section expected to become usable around Madaraka Day next year.

The contractor has also indicated that modern technologies, including solar energy, are being considered to support facilities along the road once it becomes operational.

If the December target is achieved, motorists using the Rironi-Naivasha route could soon begin experiencing significant changes as the new road surface and other sections of the major highway take shape.