This followed the selection of a Chinese-led consortium to build and operate the key highway under a 30-year concession.

Works on the Sh180 billion project (could peak at Sh194 billion) to be constructed under the PPP arrangement are expected to kick off before January 2026, with a two-year completion period.

KeNHA has recommended Standard Gauge Railway builder China Road and Bridge Corporation and National Social Security Fund consortium as the preferred bidder for the 175km project.

The Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) and the 58km Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha (A8 South) highway are President William Ruto’s flagship ventures to ease congestion on the route.

The toll rate, which will increase by one per cent annually, emerged as a crucial factor in the selection process.

It undercut the competing bid from Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Company  Limited which had proposed Sh10 per km, with a three per cent yearly escalation.

The expressway will feature eight toll stations along its route, implementing an open tolling system where motorists pay for the distance travelled.