The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially approved the feasibility report for the ambitious Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway project, a milestone that designates the project as “investment-ready and execution-worthy.” This green light paves the way for one of Kenya’s most significant infrastructure developments, aimed at transforming the transportation landscape between the country’s two largest cities.
The feasibility study, a detailed and comprehensive document spanning over 2,300 pages, was recently submitted to KeNHA by the project developers. This report is the most thorough and transparent assessment ever presented to the authority, meticulously covering all critical aspects including technical specifications, financial structuring, legal frameworks, environmental considerations, and socio-economic impacts. Its approval confirms the expressway’s viability, anticipated value, and potential long-term benefits for Kenya.
The proposed expressway will stretch approximately 459 kilometers, connecting Nairobi to Mombasa, and is designed to dramatically reduce travel time from more than 10 hours to approximately 4.5 hours. Such a reduction in travel time is expected to have a transformative effect on the country’s transport efficiency, regional trade, and overall economic growth. The expressway will also enhance road safety and generate tens of thousands of jobs during its construction and operational phases, contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of communities along the route.
From a financial perspective, the Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway stands out as a pioneering public-private partnership (PPP) project with an estimated value of $3.6 billion (about Sh464.8 billion). The financing structure is notable for its innovative combination of equity and debt, arranged by leading financial institutions including JP Morgan and Standard Bank. The package includes substantial international support, with $1.1 billion expected to come from US government-backed entities such as the US Eximbank and the US Development Finance Corporation.
A particularly groundbreaking feature of the funding plan is the incorporation of up to $1 billion in local debt raised through a consortium known as the Pack Hunters Club. This consortium is led by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) and comprises Kenyan pension funds, insurers, SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations), and Islamic finance institutions. This local financing approach not only mobilizes domestic capital but also strengthens investor confidence and ownership in the project.
With KeNHA’s approval secured, the project now awaits endorsement from the National Treasury’s Public Private Partnership Unit, a critical step before finalizing financial agreements. Construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, signaling the imminent start of a project that promises to significantly advance Kenya’s infrastructure landscape.
The expressway is set to be a flagship example of smart, transparent infrastructure development in the region. Its comprehensive feasibility study demonstrates Kenya’s readiness for global investment with a model focused on minimal debt and maximum impact. The project’s implementation will enhance connectivity between two of Kenya’s most important economic hubs, facilitating faster movement of goods and people, and boosting regional integration.
Moreover, the expressway’s positive environmental and social impacts are expected to complement its economic benefits. By reducing travel time and vehicle congestion, the project will contribute to lower emissions and improved air quality. It will also create employment opportunities, foster local businesses, and stimulate economic activities along the corridor.
In summary, the Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway project represents a significant leap forward for Kenya’s infrastructure development. Its approval as “investment-ready” confirms that all technical, financial, and legal aspects have been thoroughly evaluated and deemed viable. The project is set to become a key driver of economic growth, trade expansion, and regional development, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leading hub in East Africa’s transport and logistics network. With construction anticipated to start soon, this expressway is poised to reshape the future of travel and commerce in the country.
