Plans to upgrade the Nairobi-Mombasa highway into a four-lane access-controlled toll expressway have gained momentum following fresh consultations involving the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Directorate and the World Bank.
The proposed project seeks to transform the existing 461-kilometre highway into a modern dual carriageway under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to ease congestion, improve road safety and enhance the movement of passengers and cargo between Nairobi and the Port of Mombasa.
The latest discussions, held on August 4, focused on refining the project’s scope and reviewing the technical studies needed before implementation.
PPP Directorate Director General Engineer Kefa Seda said the engagements were aimed at laying the groundwork for the successful delivery of the strategic transport corridor.
“We held discussions with delegations from the World Bank and the Kenya National Highways Authority on the proposed Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, focusing on project scope and the technical studies required to support its preparation,” Seda said.
Modern highway planned under PPP model
Under the proposal, the existing highway will be upgraded into a four-lane, access-controlled toll road with designated entry and exit points to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times.
The expressway is expected to replace sections of the current highway that experience frequent congestion, particularly from heavy commercial vehicles transporting cargo between Nairobi and Mombasa.
The project will be delivered through a Public-Private Partnership, allowing private investors to finance, construct and operate the highway while working alongside the government.
Officials say the model is intended to accelerate infrastructure development while reducing the financial burden on public resources.
Key trade corridor
The Nairobi-Mombasa highway remains Kenya’s busiest transport corridor, linking the capital to the Port of Mombasa, the country’s main maritime gateway and a critical transit route for neighbouring landlocked countries.
Thousands of cargo trucks use the route daily to transport goods along the Northern Corridor, making it one of the most important logistics networks in East and Central Africa.
The planned expressway is expected to improve freight movement, reduce travel delays and strengthen regional trade by providing a faster, safer and more efficient transport corridor.
The government has identified Public-Private Partnerships as a key strategy for financing large infrastructure projects, with the proposed Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway among the flagship developments expected to support Kenya’s long-term economic growth and transport modernisation.
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