World Bank & AfDB Fund 403km Rift Valley Highway Network in Kenya

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has revealed plans to build three major highways connecting six counties in the Rift Valley region, including Nandi, Bomet, Kericho, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Narok. These highways will form the 403km Rift Valley Highway Network. KeNHA on Tuesday, January 20, announced its intention to build the Kenegut Border-Mbogo Valley-Kamelilo-Maraba-Kabirer-Sirwa-Lessos-Chuyiet-Kipka bus-Nyaru highway connecting Kericho, Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet. 150-Kilometer Stretch Furthermore, as revealed by KeNHA, the 150-kilometre highway stretch will create a strategic link between the South and North Rift Valley regions. Also, it will improve access to essential services in the rural areas of the region. Simultaneously, KeNHA revealed plans to start the construction works of the Embomoss-Koiwa-Chebole-Siongiroi-Labotiet-Gorgor-Ambosi-Dikirr-Kilgoris-Enoo Saen-AngangaMariwa highway in the coming future. 143-Kilometer Stretch The 143-Kilometre road will connect Bomet and Narok Counties, which are located South of the Rift Valley region. It is expected to ease movement between the two counties, towards Kericho and Nakuru counties. Similarly, under the government’s wider push to enhance transport infrastructure in the Rift Valley region, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) disclosed plans to expand the Kericho-Ainamoi-Poiywek-Chepkoiyo-Koisegem-Fort Ternan-Gilimori-Kenegut Border road corridor. 110-Kilometer Stretch The road, which spans over 110 kilometres, is expected to connect and improve transport between Kericho and Nandi Counties. The road will connect major economic zones, including urban centres in Ainamoi and Kipkelion West. Financing of the 403km Rift Valley Highway Network In the notice, KeNHA revealed that the road projects would be financed by loans acquired from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Authority revealed that it had already invited eligible consulting firms to submit expressions of interest for feasibility studies and preliminary engineering designs. Other Road Projects by KeNHA in Kenya KeNHA also seeks to develop the Lake Victoria Ring Road Project, which is commonly known as the Western Highway Project. The total estimated cost of this project is $541 million and it is expected to cover 180 kilometres. Factsheet Implementing authority: Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Announcement date: January 20, 2026 Primary objective: To establish a strategic link between the South and North Rift regions. Also, it seeks to improve rural accessibility to essential services, and stimulate regional economic growth. Total scope: Construction and expansion of three major highway corridors spanning over 403 kilometres. Funding sources: Financed through international loans from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Current project phase: Feasibility studies and preliminary engineering designs.