The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has taken a major step towards the upgrade of the strategic Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba Highway after inviting firms to undertake feasibility studies for the proposed KSh130 billion project.
The 245-kilometre highway is expected to enhance transport efficiency along one of East Africa’s busiest trade corridors, connecting Kenya to Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework and is part of ongoing efforts to modernise Kenya’s transport infrastructure while supporting regional integration and economic growth.
Key Step Towards Highway Expansion
In a notice issued on Tuesday, KeNHA announced the commencement of the consultancy procurement process, seeking qualified firms to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies before construction begins.
The authority said the studies will provide critical information needed to guide the design, financing and implementation of the highway upgrade.
The initiative follows the securing of financing support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), paving the way for the project’s next phase.
Comprehensive Studies Planned
The selected consultant will undertake detailed technical, environmental, social, financial and engineering assessments to determine the viability of the project.
Among the key assignments will be traffic surveys and forecasting, engineering investigations, preliminary and detailed designs, environmental and social impact assessments, climate resilience studies and tolling analysis.
KeNHA noted that the consultancy is expected to require between 2,000 and 2,200 professional staff-days and will be undertaken over an estimated 12-month period.
The authority is particularly seeking firms with extensive experience in large-scale transport infrastructure projects, expressway developments and Public-Private Partnership road projects funded by international development institutions.
Boosting Regional Trade and Connectivity
Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to significantly reduce travel times along the Northern Corridor, which serves as the primary trade route linking the Port of Mombasa to several East and Central African countries.
The project is also expected to lower transport costs, improve road safety and increase the efficiency of cargo movement across the region.
Major towns along the corridor, including Nakuru, Eldoret and Malaba, are projected to benefit from increased economic activity, improved accessibility and new investment opportunities.
Strengthening Kenya’s Logistics Hub Status
The Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba Highway forms a critical component of Kenya’s long-term infrastructure development strategy aimed at reinforcing the country’s role as a regional logistics and transportation hub.
By improving connectivity with neighbouring countries, the project is expected to facilitate trade, strengthen regional integration and support broader economic transformation efforts across East Africa.
KeNHA said the consultant will be selected through the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method in accordance with procurement guidelines established by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
