Mau Summit Highway project has entered a new development phase after Kenya launched feasibility studies for the planned $1.5 billion highway expansion. The project targets the busy Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba corridor and aims to improve regional connectivity, reduce congestion, and strengthen trade links across East and Central Africa. Furthermore, the initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing one of the region’s most strategic transport routes.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has invited qualified consulting firms to undertake detailed feasibility studies and transaction advisory services for the project. The proposed upgrade covers approximately 245 kilometers of the A8 corridor, which forms part of the Northern Corridor linking Kenya to Uganda and beyond.
The studies follow financing support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Consequently, project preparation activities can now advance toward the next procurement stages. Consultants will assess technical, environmental, social, financial, and engineering requirements before construction begins.
Mau Summit Highway Project Targets Regional Trade Growth
The highway serves as one of East Africa’s busiest freight corridors. Every day, thousands of trucks transport cargo from the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, rising traffic volumes continue to create congestion and safety challenges along the route.
Therefore, the government plans to expand the corridor into a dual carriageway with four lanes. The upgrade will improve traffic flow while increasing road capacity. In addition, authorities plan to incorporate Intelligent Transport Systems and climate-resilient infrastructure features.
Project documents indicate that the consultancy assignment will require between 2,000 and 2,200 professional staff-days. Moreover, the studies are expected to run for approximately twelve months. During that period, specialists will conduct traffic forecasting, engineering investigations, environmental assessments, and economic analyses.
The proposed road will also complement the ongoing Rironi–Mau Summit Highway project. Together, the two developments could significantly improve movement along Kenya’s primary logistics corridor. As a result, freight operators may experience lower transport costs and shorter travel times.
Mau Summit Highway Project Advances through PPP Structure
Kenya plans to deliver the project through a Public-Private Partnership framework. Under this model, a private partner will eventually design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain the upgraded highway. Consequently, the government expects to attract private capital while accelerating infrastructure delivery.
Earlier this year, the PPP Directorate, KeNHA, and AIIB launched a pre-feasibility study to establish the project’s viability. The study is being undertaken by a joint venture between CPCS of Canada and Avatech Engineering of Kenya. Their findings will help shape the project’s financial and technical structure.
Meanwhile, procurement for the comprehensive feasibility study remains underway. Once complete, the government intends to begin competitive PPP procurement. Current timelines indicate that the Request for Qualifications could be issued during the third quarter of 2026. Thereafter, the Request for Proposals may follow in early 2027.
Commercial close is currently anticipated during the second quarter of 2027. Following that milestone, the selected concessionaire would proceed with detailed design, financing arrangements, construction activities, operations, and long-term maintenance.
Industry stakeholders view the project as a critical investment in regional trade infrastructure. Moreover, the upgraded corridor could strengthen Kenya’s position as East Africa’s leading logistics hub while supporting economic growth in Nakuru, Eldoret, and Malaba. Once completed, the road is expected to improve freight efficiency, reduce accident rates, and enhance cross-border trade competitiveness.
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba Highway Upgrade
Location: Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Busia counties, Kenya
Corridor Length: Approximately 245 km
Project Cost: $1.5 billion (KSh130 billion)
Road Classification: A8 International Trunk Road
Development Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
Current Stage: Feasibility study procurement
Study Funding: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Proposed Configuration: Four-lane dual carriageway
Key Features:
- Capacity expansion
- Intelligent Transport Systems
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Road safety enhancements
- Traffic management systems
- Potential tolling infrastructure
Key Benefits:
- Reduced congestion
- Improved travel times
- Lower freight costs
- Enhanced road safety
- Increased regional trade efficiency
- Stronger logistics connectivity
Project Team
Project Owner: Government of Kenya
Contracting Authority: Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)
PPP Coordinating Agency: PPP Directorate, National Treasury
Preparation Financier: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Pre-Feasibility Consultant: CPCS (Canada)
Local Engineering Partner: Avatech Engineering (Kenya)
Feasibility Consultant: To be appointed through ongoing procurement
Transaction Advisor: To be appointed through ongoing procurement
Concessionaire Responsibilities:
- Detailed design
- Project financing
- Highway construction
- Operations management
- Asset maintenance
- Toll system implementation, if approved
Key Stakeholders:
- National Treasury
- KeNHA
- AIIB
- Regional transport operators
- Local communities along the corridor
- East African trade partners
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