NAIROBI, Kenya — The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a grant to finance preparatory studies for the proposed Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba road under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
The National Treasury’s Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Directorate said the project formally entered the preparation phase following a kick-off meeting held on February 3, 2026, with appointed consultants.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and AIIB, and will begin with a pre-feasibility study to assess the technical, economic, environmental, and financial viability of the upgrade.
According to a statement issued by the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management, the consultancy will be undertaken by a joint venture between CPCS of Canada and Avatech Engineering of Kenya over an estimated four-month period.
The pre-feasibility study, funded by AIIB, will inform the project’s structuring and guide subsequent preparation stages, including detailed feasibility studies and transaction advisory services.
The Treasury said procurement for the full feasibility and transaction advisory consultancy is already underway, with the selected consultant expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2026.
These services will cover detailed engineering designs, environmental and social impact assessments, financial modelling, and transaction structuring required to prepare the project for private sector participation.
The Treasury noted that the road currently experiences heavy traffic volumes, congestion, and elevated accident rates, underscoring the need for urgent capacity and safety upgrades.
Under the proposal, the road will be expanded to dual carriageway standards, incorporate Intelligent Transport Systems, and include climate-resilient design features to enhance long-term sustainability and reliability.
Subject to completion of project preparation and statutory approvals, the government plans to undertake a competitive PPP procurement process.
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is targeted for the third quarter of 2026, followed by issuance of the Request for Proposals (RFP) in the first quarter of 2027. Commercial close is anticipated in the second quarter of 2027.
The selected private partner will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the upgraded road.
Treasury said the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to leveraging the PPP framework to mobilise private capital, accelerate infrastructure delivery, strengthen regional connectivity, and support Kenya’s economic growth and trade competitiveness.
