Kenya Seeks AIIB Support for Rironi-Mau Summit, JKIA and SGR Projects [Details]

Kenya is seeking increased financing and technical support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to advance major infrastructure and connectivity projects.

On Thursday, September 10, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi held discussions with AIIB President Zou Jiayi in Nairobi, focusing on opportunities in transport infrastructure, aviation, renewable energy, water and sanitation, and rural connectivity.

Mudavadi said Kenya’s decision to join AIIB was strategic because the institution’s focus on sustainable infrastructure, innovation and connectivity closely matches the country’s development agenda.

"Kenya’s membership in AIIB is important and deliberate. We believe the Bank’s mandate aligns well with our national development priorities and our policy of diversifying partnerships with development partners that support sustainable socio-economic development," he said.

Mudavadi also asked AIIB to consider establishing its Sub-Saharan Africa office in Nairobi, arguing that Kenya’s position as a diplomatic, financial and multilateral centre would make it an ideal base for expanding the bank’s operations across the continent.

"Kenya would be honoured to host the AIIB Sub-Saharan Africa Office in Nairobi. This would facilitate the Bank’s engagement with African countries and strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity and sustainable development," he added.

According to Mudavadi, the talks also examined several projects that Kenya hopes to advance with AIIB financing, including the Rironi-Mau Summit Private Partnership (PPP) project.

The government welcomed AIIB’s assistance with the feasibility study for the Rironi-Mau Summit PPP, which is expected to improve regional connectivity and enhance access to the Port of Mombasa for Kenya and landlocked countries in the region.

Mudavadi further sought the bank’s assistance in speeding up approval processes for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) PPP project.

The government considers JKIA a critical component of Kenya’s position as a regional aviation, tourism, trade and investment hub.

Kenya also identified renewable energy, last-mile connectivity, rural roads connecting counties to neighbouring countries and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as areas where increased AIIB financing could make a significant difference.

The discussions further covered Kenya’s plans to raise funds through the proposed US$500 million Panda Bond, which would provide the country with access to China’s financial markets.

Mudavadi said cooperation between AIIB, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the National Treasury would be important in helping Kenya access the Chinese financial market.

"The Panda Bond will help Kenya diversify its sources for development financing while strengthening the country’s financial and economic partnership with China and other international financial institutions," he further said.

Mudavadi also informed AIIB that Kenya had enacted legislation establishing the National Infrastructure Development Fund (NIDF) and the Sovereign Wealth Fund as mechanisms for attracting private capital and expanding resources available for infrastructure development.

He called on AIIB to provide technical assistance and resources to help establish and develop the two funds into credible, efficient and internationally recognised institutions.

This comes a week after the Nairobi County Government announced a new funding opportunity for young people seeking to implement projects aimed at addressing climate challenges in the city. 

In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, the county government said Nairobi has been selected to participate in the 2026-2027 Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), alongside 299 other cities.

"Nairobi City has been selected among 300 cities participating in the 2026-2027 Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), opening a new opportunity for young people to turn their climate ideas into action," the statement read.

Nairobi's allocation will support several youth-led climate projects through micro-grants, with individual successful projects eligible for funding of between US$1,000 and US$5,000.

"Through the programme, Nairobi is eligible for US$50,000 in grant funding, with at least eight eligible youth-led climate projects set to receive micro-grants ranging from US$1,000 to US$5,000," the statement added.

According to the county government, the opportunity is open to young people aged between 15 and 24 who are members of youth-led organisations and have practical ideas that could help tackle climate challenges within Nairobi.

"If you are aged 15–24 and part of a youth-led organisation with a practical idea that can help address climate challenges in Nairobi, this opportunity is for you," the statement further read.

The public call for applications will open on September 4, 2026, and applicants will have six weeks to submit their proposals before the deadline on October 16, 2026.

The county government said more information detailing the eligibility requirements and application process will be released when the call officially opens.