Ruto Secures Ksh477.9B For New Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, Africa's Largest Toll Road
The Usahihi expressway is the largest toll road project in Africa and envisions a transformative symbol of Kenya’s dedication to transparent and innovative infrastructure development
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
President William Ruto on Thursday, May 23 unveiled the Usahihi Nairobi to Mombasa Expressway, during his visit with the President of the United States, Joe Biden at the White House in Washington DC.
The Usahihi expressway is the largest toll road project in Africa and envisions a transformative symbol of Kenya’s dedication to transparent and innovative infrastructure development, serving as a testament to the strengthened partnership between the United States and Kenya.
Everstrong Capital, a US-owned infrastructure investment manager with a presence in both the US and Kenya, signed the Project Development Agreement (PDA) with Kenya Highways Authority (KeNHA), authorizing the full development rights to Everstrong Capital and its partners.
"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.
An artistic impression of the proposed Nairobi - Mombasa dual carriage. /KENHA
"The Usahihi expressway has garnered significant attention from an array of lenders and investors. The investment of USD 3.6 billion (Ksh477.9 billion) will be led by American Development Finance Institutions and significant investments from Kenyan private sector investors and pension funds," a press release announcing the deal read in part.
Ruto declared the initiation of the Usahihi Nairobi to Mombasa Expressway, a new 4-6 lane dual carriage 440 km safe and efficient climate-sensitive road creating a wealth corridor between Kenya’s two largest cities.
By signing the PDA with KeNHA, Everstrong Capital moves forward with the development and construction plans of the Usahihi Expressway delivering self-sufficiency and prosperity among Kenyan citizens.
The expressway is engineered to accommodate the safe passage of trucks, buses, and automobiles, featuring rest stops, wildlife observation points, electric vehicle charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy sources, and strategically located overpasses designed by environmental experts based on animal migration patterns to facilitate safe wildlife migration.
Usahihi, which translates to “Done Correctly” in Swahili, envisions a transformative symbol showcasing Kenya’s dedication to transparent and innovative infrastructure development.
The Usahihi expressway is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs. The TVET training program offers technical training to communities in every county along its route and contributes to skill development, enterprise growth, and economic expansion.
"The Usahihi expressway promises substantial time and cost benefits for its users by bringing the current 10.5-hour journey between Nairobi and Mombasa, known as one of Africa’s most dangerous routes for both people and wildlife, down to a safe journey of approximately 4.5 hours.
"This project will establish an economic bridge by facilitating the secure, efficient, and comfortable movement of people and goods throughout the East African region, fostering regional connectivity and enhancing economic opportunities," added the statement.
The construction of the Usahihi expressway poses no financial risks to the Kenyan government, as it is structured to operate independently from the Government of Kenya’s balance sheet and is projected to be financially self-sustaining.
The project anticipates attracting investments totalling Ksh477.9 billion, sourced from international investors, development agencies, pension funds, and an exceptionally large number of Kenyan private investors.
Amb. Kyle McCarter, Everstrong Capital Partner & Usahihi Chairman stated, “The Usahihi Expressway isn’t just a project; it’s a testament to the transformational power of doing things right. It symbolizes passion, commitment, and transparency, demonstrating how to deliver immense value, not only to Kenyan citizens but to the entire East Africa region. It’s about changing lives and shaping the future of Kenya.”
“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.
“This stretch of road is vital for Kenya’s continued economic growth and a new highway will be safer for all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who depend on this important corridor for work, pleasure, and living.”
President William Ruto received by US President Joe Biden at the White House on May 23, 2024. /PCS
Ruto termed the road as “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.
"It embodies a commitment to transparency, hard work, and the empowerment of Kenyan citizens by engaging them as users, owners, and investors, creating a cycle of localized benefits and ensuring that communities directly reap the rewards of their investment and participation.”
