US Company Gives Update On Construction Of Ksh466B Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway

Everstrong Capital, a US-owned infrastructure investment manager with a presence in both the United States (US) and Kenya, has announced plans to commence the construction of the Nairobi to Mombasa Expressway in 2026.

The company, through its Senior Advisor Kyle McCarter, announced on Friday, April 25, that construction of the 440-kilometre highway is set to kick off in the first quarter of 2026.

McCarter also shared that Everstrong Capital plans to submit an official feasibility study to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for approval in May this year.

"Update on delivery: submitting feasibility study in May, looking for on-time approval from Kenha & PPP, financial close by end of year & construction beginning Q1 2026," McCarter announced.

Artistic impression of Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway. /USAHIHI

The former US Ambassador to Kenya shared the update just hours after meeting with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, where they talked about the urgent need for better infrastructure across Africa.

They also highlighted how the Nairobi-Mombasa expressway could boost Kenya’s economy and drive growth across the region.

The update comes roughly two months after Everstrong Capital and CPF Capital & Advisory Limited inked a deal to raise Ksh129 billion for the highway project. The road, known as Usahihi, is projected to cost a total of Ksh464 billion.

The Usahihi expressway is expected to be 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 says the highway project is designed to transform Kenya’s transport system, strengthening its role in the East African wealth corridor by improving connectivity and driving economic growth.

The Usahihi expressway, according to Everstrong Capital, 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.

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 4-6 lane dual carriage 440 km highway construction was first announced in May last year during President William Ruto’s state visit to the U.S., where he met with former President Joe Biden. During the visit, Everstrong Capital signed a Project Development Agreement (PDA) with KeNHA officials, officially granting Everstrong and its partners full development rights.

The project had originally stalled in 2019 after Kenya reached its debt limit, pushing the government to explore alternative financing through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.