Questions emerge as belated changes in Rironi — Nakuru — Mau Summit dual road force emergence acquisition of more land

Cost overrun signal: Design changes have triggered “emergency” land purchases, pointing to new cost variations on the already-massive Sh183.7 billion project.

Design changed after award: Contractors recommended adding multiple interchanges and bridges/underpasses not in the original design — meaning the scope grew after the deal was struck.

Land acquisition method: National Land Commission (NLC) is using “early entry” — accessing and using land before formal transfer or compensation is complete — across Kijabe, Limuru, Kirenga, and Naivasha. About 25 hectares have been earmarked for compulsory purchase across Kiambu, Nakuru and Nyandarua Counties

No final figures yet: Valuation on the newly marked land hasn’t been done, so the actual additional cost to taxpayers is still unknown — officials admit only that there “may be some slight variations in the final budget.”

Sh816 million already budgeted (over four years to June 2026) just to compensate displaced landowners — separate from any new emergency purchases now underway.

History of project turmoil:

Originally a Sh150bn deal with a France-backed consortium (Vinci), meant to be recouped via 30 years of tolling.

A standoff over a Sh299bn service fee across 13 years, plus a Treasury-disclosed secret Sh23 billion annual fee, prompted President Ruto to cancel the French deal in 2024.

Project then shifted to two Chinese contractors — China Road and Bridge Corporation/NSSF (Nairobi–Gilgil–Naivasha–Mau Summit) and Shandong Hi-Speed (Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit) — under a revised commercial framework (Investment cost dropped from $1.93bn to $1.342bn, and government’s annual commitment dropped from ~Sh23bn to none, with revenue risk shifted to the private sector).

Timeline pressure: State wants the Rironi–Naivasha section done by December 2026, full project by June 2027 — a tight deadline given the design is still being altered mid-construction.