The Kenyan government has intensified collaboration with the World Bank and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) as preparations continue for the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway upgrade.
On Tuesday, August 21, a key meeting chaired by Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Director General Kefa Seda brought together officials from the World Bank and KeNHA to discuss the project's scope and essential technical studies guiding its development.
Focus on Technical and Feasibility Studies
The discussions aimed to align the design and planning stages for what is set to become one of Kenya's major transport infrastructure projects. The technical assessments will address engineering specifications, traffic demand forecasting, environmental impact, financial viability, and the optimal delivery model before construction begins.
Shift from New Road to Upgrading Existing Highway
This engagement follows the government's decision to abandon the initial plan to build a new 440-kilometre expressway proposed by US firm Everstrong Capital. Instead, the focus has shifted to expanding the current 461-kilometre Nairobi-Mombasa highway into a four-lane, access-controlled tolled road.
The Treasury had earlier rejected Everstrong Capital's proposal due to non-compliance with the Public Private Partnership Act, 2021 evaluation criteria.
Strategic Importance and Benefits
Director General Seda emphasized the Nairobi-Mombasa corridor's critical role as Kenya's key transport artery connecting the Port of Mombasa to the interior and East African region. He highlighted that advancing the project under the PPP framework will enhance mobility, improve road safety, reduce congestion and travel time, and attract long-term private investment.
