Kenya has taken a significant step towards enhancing regional trade and integration with the approval of a grant to support the feasibility study of the 243 km Mau Summit–Malaba Road.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the development following a meeting with Multilateral Cooperation Centre for Development Finance (MCDF) CEO Zhongjing Wang and his delegation at the Railways offices.
Mudavadi described the corridor as “vital for cross-border trade” and a critical enabler of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol, which promotes the free movement of goods, services, and capital.
He emphasized that improving this route will position Kenya as a strategic anchor for regional mobility, boosting economic activity along the corridor.
“This project aligns with our long-term vision of building a globally competitive, first-world economy over the next three decades,” Mudavadi said, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to collaborating with strategic partners to deliver sustainable infrastructure that drives shared growth.
The grant from MCDF is part of broader efforts to strengthen high-quality infrastructure across developing economies.
Mudavadi also acknowledged the growing partnership between Kenya and the People’s Republic of China, noting that China’s continued support—from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to trade and investment initiatives—remains pivotal to Kenya’s development trajectory.
Kenya has recently been admitted as an observer member of the MCDF Governance Committee, with Mudavadi expressing interest in full membership to further deepen engagement.
The Mau Summit–Malaba Road feasibility study is expected to provide technical and economic guidance for future construction, ensuring the corridor delivers maximum benefits for both Kenya and its regional partners.