The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is planning a strategic investment of up to Sh25 billion to acquire a 50% stake in a consortium led by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) for the construction of the Nairobi–Mau Summit highway. This move marks NSSF’s first significant venture into infrastructure development, signaling a notable shift in its investment strategy from traditional government bonds to high-return, long-term assets.
The ambitious Sh170 billion project involves the upgrading of the busy Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit road into a modern dual carriageway. The investment structure is a public-private partnership (PPP), with NSSF and CRBC expected to recover their investment through toll charges levied on motorists using the highway. This innovative model not only ensures the road's completion without straining public finances but also allows investors to benefit from a steady income stream over time.
This project replaces a previous deal that was to be led by a French consortium but was cancelled. With the Chinese-led partnership now taking the lead, the highway development is back on track, promising to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and enhance trade and logistics across Kenya’s most vital transport corridor.
For NSSF, this investment reflects a strategic pivot towards diversified portfolios aimed at boosting member returns. Traditionally invested heavily in government securities, the fund is now exploring infrastructure to secure better long-term gains for contributors. The move aligns with global pension fund trends, where institutions are increasingly looking at infrastructure as a stable and profitable asset class.
As NSSF embarks on this transformative journey, its participation in the Nairobi–Mau Summit highway underscores a broader vision: leveraging national pension funds to drive economic development while maximizing value for Kenyan workers
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