Naivasha: Public participation forums for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Naivasha-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) highway expansion have concluded successfully. The forums provided residents of Kiambu County with a platform to share their views and expectations on the multibillion-shilling infrastructure project. The three sessions, held in Nyambari, Gathumuri, and Redrock, attracted high community turnout. Participants raised key issues, including the need for pedestrian footbridges and underpasses, prioritization of local labor, community corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and adequate road lighting along the expanded corridor.
According to Kenya News Agency, the A8 highway expansion, which runs from Rironi in Kiambu County through Naivasha and Nakuru to Mau Summit, aims to convert the existing single carriageway into a dual carriageway. The design includes a six-lane section between Naivasha and Nakuru and a four-lane stretch from Rironi to Naivasha and from Nakuru to Mau Summit. The expansion seeks to ease chronic traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and reduce travel times between Nairobi and Western Kenya. It is also expected to improve trade efficiency and stimulate economic growth along one of the country's busiest transport routes.
Mburu Kahangara, Member of Parliament for Lari Constituency, commended the public participation process, describing it as inclusive and productive. 'The meetings have provided a crucial opportunity for our people to share their concerns and recommendations. The community is now more informed about how this project will impact them and the region,' Mr. Kahangara said.
For Kiambu County, the project's impact is expected to be significant. The upgraded Rironi-Naivasha section will enhance connectivity between Kiambu and Nakuru counties, lowering transport costs for commuters and traders. Small and medium-sized enterprises in Lari and neighboring areas are likely to benefit from increased business activity and easier access to regional markets. Improved safety features, including pedestrian crossings, underpasses, and lighting, are anticipated to reduce accidents in densely populated areas such as Nyambari.
Local trader Peter Njoroge, a resident of Nyambari, said the project would ease daily travel and business operations. 'Many of us spend a lot on transport moving goods between Kiambu and Nakuru. Once the new road is complete, costs will go down and travel will be faster, which means better profits for traders like us,' he said.
The project, being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, involves private sector participation in design, construction, and long-term maintenance, easing the fiscal burden on government resources. It is projected to create jobs across both formal and informal sectors during and after construction. 'This highway is not just about transport. It is about opening up our county for investment and improving livelihoods,' Kahangara added.
The ESIA findings and community input will guide the next phase of implementation to ensure that environmental and social factors are adequately addressed before full-scale construction begins.