Infrastructure

Mau Summit–Malaba Road Project Wins Sh410M Grant

The grant will fund a study of the 243 km road’s design and climate resilience.

Updated on

November 27, 2025

grant money — The money will support a feasibility study of the 243 km road. (Photo: Courtesy)

Kenya’s plan to dual the Mau Summit–Malaba Road has received a boost after Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) approved a Sh410 million grant.

The grant will support a study of the 243 km road’s design, safety, and climate readiness.

The study will also assess toll affordability and develop a transparent PPP structure aligned with international standards capable of attracting private investment. In addition, the study will produce contract and tender documents required for project procurement.

“It will also foster a transparent, bankable PPP aligned with International Financial Institution standards and able to mobilise substantial private investment as well as prepare the project’s PPP structure, contract, and tendering documents,” China-backed MCDF said.

The new feasibility assessment builds on an ongoing pre-feasibility study funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which is leading the project’s development.

The study follows a formal request from the Kenyan government to fast track the Mau Summit–Malaba upgrade, which is expected to become AIIB’s first standalone investment in Kenya and its first PPP structuring project in Africa.

The MCDF believes the upgrade of Mau Summit–Malaba road will reduce transport costs, lower accident rates, ease traffic congestion, and cut carbon emissions by limiting long truck idling along the corridor.

Meanwhile, the grant’s approval comes two days before President William Ruto launches the dualling of the 170-kilometre Rironi–Naivasha–Mau Summit road on November 28.

Speaking about the project, Ruto said, “This will facilitate movement, boost trade, and end decades of traffic gridlock, congestion, delays, and disastrous road incidents.”

The Rironi–Naivasha–Mau Summit project will be built by China Roads and Bridges Corp. in partnership with Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering.

The project covers two major roads, the A8 running from Rironi to Mau Summit through Nakuru and the A8 South running from Rironi to Naivasha via Maai Mahiu.