Mavoko Smart City project has moved into a new development phase after the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) invited bids for an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPCF) partner. The proposed 1,000-acre development in Mavoko, Machakos County, will combine housing, commercial districts, industrial zones, hospitality facilities, and supporting infrastructure within a master-planned community.
Earlier government planning documents estimated the project would require about KES 507.4 billion ($3.9 billion), placing it among Kenya’s largest planned urban developments. Moreover, the latest tender signals renewed momentum for a project that has remained on the country’s urban development agenda for more than a decade.
Mavoko Smart City Project advances integrated construction plans
The EPCF tender seeks a private development partner to prepare a feasibility study, develop the master plan, design infrastructure, mobilise financing, and deliver the pilot phase. Therefore, the selected consortium will guide the project from planning through early construction before expanding development in phases. This approach allows infrastructure investment to match market demand while limiting implementation risks.
According to the tender documents, planners will adopt the internationally recognized 15-minute city concept. Consequently, residents will reach workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and recreation areas within short travel distances. In addition, the design promotes walking, cycling, and efficient transport connections while reducing congestion.
The master plan will combine residential neighborhoods with commercial centers, industrial parks, hospitality developments, specialized warehousing, and institutional facilities. Furthermore, planners will install modern roads, utilities, digital infrastructure, and public spaces that support sustainable urban growth. The development will also encourage investment across several economic sectors instead of relying solely on residential construction.
Planners will incorporate green building practices and smart technologies throughout the project. Accordingly, the development will reduce its long-term carbon footprint while improving operational efficiency. Designers will also provide accessible facilities for children, older persons, and people living with disabilities. As a result, the project aims to create an inclusive community that meets modern urban planning standards.
Mavoko Smart City Project strengthens Nairobi metropolitan growth
The project site occupies a strategic position near Nairobi and enjoys direct access to major transport corridors. Moreover, the location sits close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Konza Technopolis, strengthening its appeal for manufacturers, logistics companies, businesses, and residents. Consequently, the project could become a major mixed-use investment destination within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
The latest proposal also expands earlier NSSF housing plans for the Mavoko landholding. However, the revised vision introduces a complete smart city instead of a residential estate. Therefore, the project will integrate housing, employment centers, commercial facilities, industries, hospitality developments, and public amenities within one coordinated urban environment.
Interested firms must submit their proposals before the July 17 deadline. Afterward, the evaluation committee will assess the submissions and identify the preferred EPCF partner. The successful bidder will then complete feasibility studies, environmental assessments, engineering designs, and financial planning before launching pilot construction. Subsequently, the project team will expand development in phases according to market demand and investment readiness.
Once complete, the development will join Kenya’s growing portfolio of master-planned smart cities. Furthermore, the project will strengthen regional infrastructure, attract private investment, create construction employment, and support long-term economic growth across Machakos County and the wider Nairobi Metropolitan region.
Kenya’s pipeline of master-planned urban developments continues to expand beyond Mavoko. Likewise, the recently launched Jabali Towers Construction Project in Tatu City has entered the construction phase after China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) secured the main contract for the 88,000m² mixed-use development. Together, the two projects highlight growing investment in integrated communities that combine housing, commercial space, hospitality, and employment centers to support sustainable urban growth.
Project fact sheet
Project name: Mavoko Smart City Project
Location: Mavoko, Machakos County, Kenya
Project owner: National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
Project type: Mixed-use smart city development
Estimated investment: Approximately KES 507.4 billion (about US$3.9 billion)
Site area: Approximately 1,000 acres
Development model: Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPCF)
Current stage: Tendering for EPCF development partner
Tender scope:
- Feasibility study
- Master planning
- Engineering design
- Financing
- Pilot development
- Infrastructure construction
Main project components:
- Residential housing
- Commercial centers
- Industrial parks
- Warehousing and logistics facilities
- Hospitality developments
- Institutional facilities
- Public open spaces
- Roads and transport infrastructure
- Water supply systems
- Sewerage infrastructure
- Power distribution
- ICT and smart city infrastructure
Urban planning concept: 15-minute city
Key sustainability features:
- Green building principles
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Smart technologies
- Universal accessibility
- Energy-efficient utilities
Strategic advantages:
- Close to Nairobi
- Access to major highways
- Near Standard Gauge Railway
- Near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Links to Konza Technopolis
Expected implementation: Phased development beginning with a pilot phase
Project team
Project owner and client: National Social Security Fund (NSSF)
Delivery model: Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPCF)
Development partner: To be appointed through international competitive tender
Master planner: To be appointed
Lead architect: To be appointed
Funding partner: To be selected under the EPCF model
Main contractor: To be appointed after tender evaluation
Project manager: To be appointed
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