The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provided a multi-billion-shilling grant to fund preparatory work for the Mau Summit–Malaba route, a planned addition to Kenya’s Northern Corridor network that aims to improve links toward Uganda and the DRC.
AIIB approved a grant to support project preparation for the Mau Summit–Malaba Road Development Project.
The proposed highway would link Mau Summit to Eldoret and onward to Malaba at the Kenya–Uganda border. It is intended to complement the Nairobi–Mau Summit Highway and provide an additional Northern Corridor route toward Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The section forms part of broader plans to improve connectivity along the Northern Corridor and strengthen regional trade links.
A pre-feasibility study for the Ksh130 billion highway project was completed in May 2026, clearing the way for a full feasibility assessment. The full feasibility stage was approved for implementation between July and September 2026. KeNHA and the National Treasury are overseeing a competitive bidding process for the feasibility study, which will consider tolling as a possible mechanism for maintenance and cost recovery.
Related projects and parallel discussions
The government is also discussing AIIB support for the expansion and modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, including a proposed second runway intended to increase capacity for passengers and cargo.
The grant covers preparatory work that should feed directly into the full feasibility study and procurement process. If the feasibility work proceeds as planned, Kenya will move toward detailed design, financing decisions and contracting steps. Tolling is on the table as a funding option, but will be determined through the studies and competitive procurement overseen by KeNHA and the National Treasury.
For traders and freight operators, the project aims to add an alternative route to the Malaba border crossing, potentially easing congestion and improving transit times on the Northern Corridor if construction follows feasibility outcomes. For planners, the AIIB grant reduces upfront funding constraints for study work and advances decision points on route alignment, environmental and social assessments, and financing structures.
The multi-billion road project is a multi-government initiative to foster regional economic integration, expand trade, and open up landlocked nations in Eastern Africa to global markets.
KeNHA's announcement comes after it received a multi-billion-shilling loan from the World Bank to fund the 749-kilometre Horn of Africa road project.
The development comes even as Ruto’s administration moves to advance infrastructure development across the country through major transport projects.
This comes as the government continues to roll out key high-priority infrastructure projects across the country.
Successful applicants will receive grants which will last up to 18 months, alongside advocacy training, technical assistance on budget analysis and mentorship.
The emergency funds are expected to support the health sector in responding to the risk of Ebola, while also helping mitigate El Niño's impact.
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