From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 1m 30s
Ruto Claims Kenya Highway Deal Saves US$446M
Kenyan President Ruto says renegotiated highway deal saves US$446m versus cancelled French contract.
In brief
Kenyan President Ruto says renegotiated highway deal saves US$446m versus cancelled French contract. Kenyan President William Ruto claims the new Rironi-Mau Summit highway deal costs Ksh58 billion (US$446 million) less than the cancelled French contract. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Ruto's Highway Deal Announcement
Kenyan President William Ruto stated the renegotiated Rironi-Mau Summit highway deal saves Ksh58 billion (US$446 million) compared to the cancelled French contract.
“The road sits on the main freight route from Mombasa port to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, so its cost and builder matter beyond Kenya.”
Cost Comparison
Ruto said the new road costs Ksh191 billion (US$1.47 billion) versus Ksh249 billion (US$1.92 billion) for the French contract.
“Ruto called the gap "nearly Ksh60 billion".”
French Contract Cancellation
Ruto claimed the French consortium built no road in six years and lacked capacity to build the highway.
“Ruto said court action held up the works, and Kenya paid Ksh6.4 billion (about US$50 million) to exit the contract.”
Exit Costs
Kenya paid Ksh6.4 billion (US$50 million) to exit the French contract, avoiding potential costs of Ksh25.8 billion to Ksh38.7 billion.
“Ruto said he reached out to French President Emmanuel Macron, adding: "I could clearly see that the matter in court would cost us more money than the negotiation we had."”
Toll Road Details
The new road spans 210 km with tolls of Ksh8 per kilometre (US$0.06) versus Ksh12 per kilometre (US$0.09) in the previous agreement.
“Ruto called the financing "innovative" and said it comes "without burdening Kenyans with additional taxes or additional debt".”
Construction Progress
Works are 40 percent complete with completion expected in 2027, though the first stage missed its deadline.
“Transport minister Davis Chirchir now wants it open by December 2026 and blamed a bitumen price rise.”
Construction Partners
China Road and Bridge Corporation builds the first stage with the National Social Security Fund as partner.
“Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International, a Chinese contractor, was assigned the Nakuru to Mau Summit section.”
Political Implications
Ruto faces voter concerns about road costs ahead of the 2027 election, with cheaper road a political argument.
“Ruto said he accepts being called a micro-manager "because I have to be accountable".”
What to Watch Next
Details of extending the dual carriageway to Malaba and Kisumu are pending, with first stage expected open by December 2026.
“The first stage, Rironi to Naivasha, missed its 30 October 2026 deadline, as we reported in our story on the delay.”
The one thing
Kenyan President William Ruto claims the new Rironi-Mau Summit highway deal costs Ksh58 billion (US$446 million) less than the cancelled French contract.
