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Kenya on Thursday inked a Ksh477 Billion ($3.6 billion) deal with the United States Government to facilitate the completion of Africa’s biggest toll road — the Nairobi- Mombasa Expressway.
Reports indicate that The Kenya National Highways Authority signed a $3.6 billion agreement with Everstrong Capital LLC with the said deal part of the numerous investments expected to be announced during the engagement between US President Joe Biden and President William Ruto at the White House.
Usahihi, as the road will be named, is expected to have four to six lanes and will be constructed in the next 3-4 years.
“Usahihi will pay for itself, not burdening the Government of Kenya. It is structured as a Public Private Partnership with revenue coming from road users. Usahihi will organize finance, construction, tolling, operation, and maintenance of the expressway under a 30-year concession with construction lasting 3-4 years,” read the press release announcing the deal.
The toll-road deal involves a 440-kilometer (273-mile) link between the capital, Nairobi, and the port city of Mombasa that serves as a gateway for several East African economies.
Usahihi is expected to reduce the travel journey from Kenya’s capital to the coastal city to 4.5 hours, down from approximately 10 and a half hours.
“The U.S. Embassy welcomes the signing of a project development agreement, which marks a significant step forward in the construction of a new Nairobi-Mombasa highway,” said Meg Whitman, United States Ambassador to Kenya. “
Everstrong Capital, the company taking over the construction of the expressway has a presence both in the United States and in Kenya.
Additionally, the company initiated the Everstrong Kenya Infrastructure Fund (EKIF), dedicated to financing projects in energy, transportation, communication, and social infrastructure within East Africa.
This includes its investment in Gulf Power’s Athi River Power project and its founding sponsorship of Milele Energy, an independent power producer holding a 25 per cent stake in the Lake Turkana Wind Project.
“More than just a road, the Usahihi Expressway sets a standard for transparent, sustainable, and community-centred development, fostering economic growth and environmental protection, serving as a global inspiration for ethical development.
Earlier on, KeNHA detailed that the first phase of the project set to cost Ksh10 million, will begin during the 2026-2027 Financial Year.
The second phase of the project would also be undertaken in the succeeding financial year to the tune of Ksh15 billion.
