Kenya has announced plans for a transformational $3.6 billion (KES 470 billion) toll road linking the capital Nairobi to the major port city of Mombasa, in one of Africa’s biggest public-private infrastructure projects.
The 440km “Usahihi” expressway, unveiled by President William Ruto during a state visit to the White House, aims to slash journey times on the busy trade corridor to just 4.5 hours from over 10 currently. It forms part of efforts by the new Kenyan administration to accelerate economic development through innovative infrastructure projects.
“More than just a road, the Usahihi Expressway sets a standard for transparent, sustainable and community-centered development,” President Ruto said, adding it would spur growth while protecting the environment.
The expressway, whose name means “Done Correctly” in Swahili, has been designed to accommodate trucks, buses and cars, with rest stops, wildlife crossing points and electric vehicle charging powered by renewable energy. It is being privately financed and structured as a public-private partnership.
Everstrong Capital, a US infrastructure investor, signed the project development deal with Kenyan highways authorities. The project will be led by American development finance institutions, along with Kenyan pension funds and private sector investors.
“It symbolizes passion, commitment and transparency, demonstrating how to deliver immense value to Kenyan citizens and the entire East Africa region,” said Amb. Kyle McCarter, Everstrong’s partner and Usahihi chairman.
Everstrong highlighted the expressway’s green design features, including facilitating safe wildlife migration. It said the project would create hundreds of thousands of jobs and skills training for local communities.
The US ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, welcomed the agreement as “a significant step forward” in developing the vital Nairobi-Mombasa transport corridor to drive Kenya’s economic growth.
