Kenya has taken an important step towards upgrading the Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba Road under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework, with the PPP Directorate, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) commencing project preparation activities.
The process officially began on 3rd February 2026 with the launch of a pre-feasibility study, marking the first stage in structuring the project for private sector participation and setting the foundation for subsequent preparation phases.
The pre-feasibility study is being undertaken by a joint venture between CPCS of Canada and Avatech Engineering of Kenya and will run for approximately four months. Funded by AIIB, the study will provide preliminary technical, economic, environmental, and financial assessments to inform project structuring.
In parallel, procurement is underway for the comprehensive feasibility study and transaction advisory consultancy services, with the selected consultant expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2026 to undertake detailed engineering, environmental and social studies, financial modelling, and transaction design.
The Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba corridor forms part of the Northern Corridor, a critical regional trade and logistics route linking Kenya to Uganda and the wider East and Central African region.
The corridor currently experiences heavy traffic volumes, congestion, and elevated accident rates.The proposed upgrade will expand the road to dual carriageway standards, enhance road safety, improve traffic flow through Intelligent Transport Systems, and incorporate climate-resilient design features to ensure long-term reliability and sustainability of the corridor.
Subject to completion of project preparation and statutory approvals, the Government, through KeNHA, will undertake a competitive PPP procurement process, with the Request for Qualifications targeted for the third quarter of 2026 and the Request for Proposals in the first quarter of 2027.
Commercial close is anticipated in the second quarter of 2027, after which the selected private partner will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the upgraded road.
This initiative reflects the Government’s continued commitment to leveraging the PPP framework to mobilize private investment, accelerate infrastructure delivery, strengthen regional connectivity, and support Kenya’s economic growth and trade competitiveness.
