Kenya and AIIB Launch Preparations for Mau Summit to Malaba Road Dualing

The National Treasury’s Public Private Partnerships Directorate, in collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), has formally commenced preparatory activities for the dualing of the Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba road. This initial phase involves a four-month pre-feasibility study funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which held its project kick-off meeting on February 3, 2026.

A joint venture between CPCS of Canada and Avatech Engineering of Kenya is carrying out the current assessment. The team is tasked with evaluating the technical, economic, environmental, and financial viability of the 243-kilometer corridor. This study is intended to provide the groundwork for the project’s structure before more detailed engineering and financial modeling take place.

The Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba section is a primary component of the Northern Corridor, serving as the main logistics artery between the Port of Mombasa and landlocked countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, the two-lane road is characterized by heavy freight traffic, significant congestion, and a high frequency of accidents.

Under the proposed upgrade, the existing road will be expanded to a four-lane dual carriageway. The design specifications include the integration of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to manage traffic flow and the application of climate-resilient engineering to ensure the infrastructure can withstand regional environmental shifts. Once completed, the highway is expected to operate as an access-controlled tolled facility.

The government has outlined a clear procurement timeline for the multi-billion shilling project. Following the completion of the pre-feasibility study, the procurement of a consultant for a comprehensive feasibility study and transaction advisory services is expected by the second quarter of 2026. This consultant will be responsible for final engineering designs and social impact assessments.

Acording to the PPP Directorate, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. This will be followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP) in the first quarter of 2027. If the schedule holds, then a commercial close with a private partner is projected for the second quarter of 2027. The selected private concessionaire will then take over the design, financing, construction, and long-term maintenance of the highway.

This development follows a recent grant of $3.15 million from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) aimed at supporting the project's preparation. The Mau Summit-Malaba expansion is intended to link directly with the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road project, creating a continuous high-capacity expressway from the outskirts of Nairobi to the Ugandan border.

Government officials noted that the use of the PPP model is a strategic choice to mobilize private capital and reduce the direct burden on the national budget while accelerating the delivery of critical regional trade infrastructure.