CS Davis Chirchir has announced plans to introduce cable cars, hotels and redesigned curio shops at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint, aiming to turn the roadside attraction into a major tourism destination.Speaking during an interview with Kenyan Historian Enock Sikolia, Chirchir said the proposed cable cars would connect the A8 highway with the A8 South section across the escarpment.
The planned suspended cabins aim to provide visitors with stunning aerial perspectives of the Rift Valley, Mount Longonot, and the surrounding scenery, creating a fresh experience for those driving along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Chirchir mentioned that the government also intends to improve curio shops and entice investors to establish hotels in the area.
These initiatives are designed to encourage travelers to take more time, explore the surroundings, and spend money.
This proposal comes at a time when road expansion projects have impacted local traders who have been operating around the viewpoint for many years.
Many businesses were dismantled to accommodate the construction, raising concerns among vendors selling handcrafted items, souvenirs, and local products.
Some traders have requested that the government either provide alternative locations for their businesses or allow them to return once construction is complete.They emphasize that their livelihoods support both workers and families.
Chirchir did not specify when the cable cars will be installed or share details about the project’s budget, financing, or procurement processes.
Additionally, there is uncertainty about how accommodating the current traders will be managed.
This redevelopment is part of the broader Rironi-Mau Summit highway project, with the government aiming to open the 60-kilometer stretch from Rironi to Naivasha to traffic by the end of 2026.