The National Treasury, through the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management, has kicked off preparations for the 243km Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba Road upgrade under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
In a statement, the Treasury said the PPP Directorate, in partnership with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has commenced preparatory activities with the launch of a pre-feasibility study.
“This marks a critical early step in structuring a bankable and sustainable PPP project that will attract private sector participation,” Public Private Partnerships Director GeneralKefa Seda said in a statement.
The process formally began with a kick-off meeting held on February 3, 2026, bringing together government officials and the appointed consultants, a joint venture between Canada-based CPCS and Avatech Engineering of Kenya.
The consultants are expected to carry out the assignment over approximately four months.
According to the Treasury, the AIIB-funded pre-feasibility study will deliver preliminary technical, economic, environmental and financial assessments to guide project structuring and inform the next stages of preparation.
“The study will provide a sound basis for decision-making as the Government advances the project towards full feasibility and transaction structuring,” Kefa noted.
Meanwhile, the procurement process for a comprehensive feasibility study and transaction advisory consultancy is ongoing, with the successful consultant expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2026.
The Treasury said these services will support detailed engineering designs, environmental and social impact assessments, financial modelling and transaction design.
The Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba Road is part of the Northern Corridor, a vital regional trade and logistics route linking Kenya to Uganda and the wider East and Central African region.
The corridor currently faces heavy traffic volumes, congestion and high accident rates.
“The proposed upgrade will expand the road to dual carriageway standards, improve road safety, enhance traffic flow through Intelligent Transport Systems, and integrate climate-resilient design features,” he said.
Subject to the completion of project preparation and statutory approvals, the Government, through KeNHA, will undertake a competitive PPP procurement process.
The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is targeted for the third quarter of 2026, followed by the Request for Proposals (RFP) in the first quarter of 2027, with commercial close expected in the second quarter of 2027.
Under the PPP model, the selected private partner will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the upgraded road.
The Treasury said the initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to leveraging PPPs to mobilise private investment, accelerate infrastructure delivery, strengthen regional connectivity and enhance Kenya’s economic growth and trade competitiveness.
It signals a major push to modernise one of Kenya’s most important transport corridors.
The move follows the recent launch of the construction of the Rironi-Naivasha-Mau Summit highway by President William Ruto.
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