KeNHA Invites Consultants for Key Mau Summit-Malaba Highway Expansion Project

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a transformative opportunity for consulting firms with the initiation of a 12-month technical feasibility study and transaction advisory services focused on the expansion of the Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba highway. This initiative is particularly notable as it is backed by funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), signaling strong international support for infrastructure development in Kenya. The Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba corridor is a critical regional trade route, and enhancing its capacity is strategic for both economic growth and improving trade logistics across East Africa.

As the Kenyan government seeks to assess the technical, environmental, social, climate, and financial viability of this corridor, this project aims to modernize infrastructure that is pivotal for regional connectivity. The consulting firms invited to submit expressions of interest by June 23, 2026, will play a vital role in shaping the implementation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. This structured approach to project financing is expected to lead to long-term benefits by leveraging both public and private resources, ensuring that infrastructure remains sustainable and efficiently managed.

The scope of the study includes an in-depth assessment of nearly 245 kilometers of roadway, where the chosen consultants will need to integrate technical studies with environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA). This holistic approach not only ensures compliance with local and international standards but also supports the climate resilience goals set out by various stakeholders involved in the project. By focusing on these comprehensive areas of study, KeNHA aims to finalize a project design that can smoothly transition into the procurement phase post-study.

The anticipated timeline indicates that the assignment will commence in September 2026, pending the completion of procurement processes and the finalization of contracts. The consulting firms will be expected to collaborate with a blend of international and local experts across various disciplines, including engineering, traffic management, tolling, environmental and social safeguards, which augments the depth of expertise required to navigate the complexities of such large-scale infrastructure projects.

According to KeNHA's procurement notice, qualifying firms must showcase substantial experience as lead transaction advisors on major toll road PPP projects. This precondition sets the stage for a competitive bidding process where only the most qualified consultants will have the opportunity to be part of this significant development initiative.

The inclusion of AIIB's funding emphasizes the importance of global partnership in infrastructural investment and could set a precedent for future projects in the region. It might also impose certain compliance standards and reporting mechanisms that could affect the delivery schedule and operational management of the project. In conclusion, firms looking to engage in this procurement should prepare thoroughly and align their proposals with the expectations set forth by KeNHA in order to maximize their chances of being selected for this high-profile highway expansion project.