The Kenyan government has teamed up with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to kick-start preparations for the long-anticipated upgrade of the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba road, a project expected to significantly improve regional transport and trade.
Through the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Directorate under the National Treasury, the government is working alongside the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and AIIB to begin early-stage project development. In a statement released on Wednesday, February 4, the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management confirmed that the process has begun with a pre-feasibility study.
The study, which is funded by AIIB, will be carried out by a joint team comprising Canada-based CPICS and Kenya’s Avatech Engineering. It is expected to take about four months and will assess the project’s technical design, economic viability, environmental impact, and financial structure.
PPP Directorate Director General Kefa Seda said the findings will play a critical role in shaping the project, helping guide decisions on engineering designs, financing options, and the overall PPP structure.
In parallel, the government has launched procurement for a full feasibility study and transaction advisory services. The consultant for this phase is expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2026.
The Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba route is a vital section of the Northern Corridor, serving as a major trade artery connecting Kenya to Uganda and the broader East and Central African region. Over the years, the highway has struggled with heavy traffic, persistent congestion, and a rising number of road accidents.
To address these challenges, the road is set to be expanded into a dual carriageway, a move aimed at improving safety, easing traffic flow, and supporting regional commerce.
Subject to regulatory approvals and the completion of preparatory work, the government plans to proceed with a competitive PPP procurement process. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, followed by the Request for Proposals (RFP) in early 2027.
If timelines hold, contract signing is expected by mid-2027, after which the selected private partner will assume responsibility for designing, financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the upgraded highway.
The project underscores the government’s broader strategy of using the PPP model to attract private capital and fast-track delivery of large-scale infrastructure.
The initiative builds on earlier support secured in November 2025, when the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) approved a KSh408.6 million grant to fund project preparation for the Mau Summit–Malaba road.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has reported steady progress on the Rironi–Mau Summit section of the corridor, with approximately 25 kilometres currently under construction as part of plans to modernise the entire Nairobi–Nakuru–Eldoret–Malaba highway.