Why Ksh468 Billion Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway Was Rejected, For Now
As detailed in the National Treasury’s Project Progress and Status Report dated July 5, 2025, the Usahihi Express project did not pass critical feasibility assessments.
Marvin Chege 
The Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Committee had rejected the construction of the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, representing a significant setback in realising the Ksh468 billion project.
As detailed in the National Treasury’s Project Progress and Status Report dated July 5, 2025, the Usahihi Express project did not pass critical feasibility assessments.
Initially approved in December 2023, the proposal was cleared to move into the development and feasibility study phase, which led to the completion and submission of the Project Development Report (PDR) for final review.
However, upon reviewing the PDR, the PPP Committee concluded on July 2 that it failed to meet the necessary criteria, recommending that the project be put on hold until all required standards are fulfilled.
A photo of vehicles using the current Mombasa Road. /FILE
"It was determined that the PDR did not meet the relevant criteria and should be abandoned in accordance with Section 43(11)(c) of the PPP Act," the statement by the committee read in part.
The committee, however, left a window of opportunity for the proposal to be submitted afresh. "The proposal may, however, be resubmitted to the Committee for a fresh determination in line with Section 43(12) of the PPP Act, 2021," the statement continued.
This indicates that the Usahihi Expressway project hasn't been completely ruled out, but moving forward will require a revised and fully compliant proposal that satisfies the standards set by the PPP Committee.
The project was launched as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) by Everstrong Capital, a U.S.-based infrastructure investment company. In December 2023, the firm received approval to advance to the Project Development and Feasibility Study phase. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was assigned as the contracting agency for the project.
After several months of technical evaluations, Everstrong Capital submitted its Project Development Report (PDR) for review. However, on July 2, 2025, the PPP Committee concluded that the report failed to meet the necessary standards and recommended that the project be discontinued, citing Section 43(11)(c) of the PPP Act, 2021.
In a statement released on Friday, July 11, Usahihi Expressway clarified that the project is still under evaluation, with feasibility studies currently being reviewed.
“We have also observed with concern a recent statement circulating in the public domain. We wish to clearly state that the information shared is inaccurate and does not represent the true status or progress of the project,” read part of the statement.
“We remain committed to transparency and continued collaboration with all relevant government bodies and stakeholders. Official updates will be shared as soon as substantive information becomes available through the appropriate channels.”
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.
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, designed to enable speeds of up to 120 km/h, will be split into three primary segments and subdivided into 10 construction phases, spanning areas like Machakos, Sultan Hamud, and Mariakani.
Everstrong Capital had suggested a toll-based revenue system for the project, with heavy commercial vehicles required to use the expressway, anticipated to account for up to 75 per cent of the total income. According to the firm’s Senior Advisor, Kyle McCarter, the completed 419-kilometre, four-lane highway was projected to generate as much as Ksh1 trillion in revenue over the long term.
