Kenya launched preparatory activities for the upgrade of the Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba highway under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement aimed at easing congestion and boosting regional trade.
The Public Private Partnerships Directorate under the National Treasury, in collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has initiated a pre-feasibility study for the project, marking a key step toward its implementation.
A kick-off meeting held on February 3, 2026, brought together government officials and appointed consultants, a joint venture between CPCS of Canada and Avatech Engineering of Kenya.
The consultants are expected to conduct the study over the next four months, assessing the project’s technical, economic, environmental, and financial viability. The study is fully funded by the AIIB.
According to project planners, procurement for a comprehensive feasibility study and transaction advisory services is already underway.
The selected consultant is expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2026. The consultancy will undertake detailed engineering designs, environmental and social impact assessments, financial modelling, and transaction structuring required to prepare the project for private sector investment.
The Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba road forms a vital section of the Northern Corridor, a major trade and logistics route linking Kenya to Uganda and the wider East and Central African region.
The highway currently faces heavy traffic congestion and high accident rates, posing challenges to trade efficiency and road safety.
The planned upgrade will convert the road into a dual carriageway, integrate Intelligent Transport Systems to improve traffic management, and incorporate climate-resilient infrastructure features to enhance durability and sustainability.
Subject to completion of project preparation and statutory approvals, the government, through KeNHA, plans to initiate 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 the first quarter of 2027. Commercial close is expected in the second quarter of 2027.
Under the PPP model, the selected private partner will be responsible for designing, financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the upgraded highway.
The project underscores the government’s broader strategy of leveraging private sector investment to accelerate infrastructure development, enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen Kenya’s trade competitiveness.
