The dream of a high-speed toll road linking Nairobi and Mombasa has been shelved after the government ruled that the proposed Sh468 billion Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway fell short of the legal requirements for approval.

The decision was reached on July 2, 2025, when the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee within the National Treasury’s Economic Planning Department met for its 54th ordinary sitting.

In a formal notice, the committee stated, “The PPP Committee, National Treasury Economic Planning, delivered its decision during its 54 Ordinary PPP Committee mecting held on 2″ July, 2025 to the effect that the Committee determined that the proposal does not meet the relevant criteria and should be abandoned in accordance with Section 43(11)(c) of the PPP Act,2021.”

Planned as a 459-kilometre highway under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer model, the Nairobi–Mombasa (Usahihi) Expressway was to be developed by American private equity firm Everstrong Capital Kenya.

The route would have stretched from Mlolongo to Bonje, promising a faster, more reliable option to the existing road.

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KeNHA, which had been overseeing the process, revealed that the expressway had earlier secured conditional clearance for the Project Development Phase, with feasibility studies completed and submitted in May 2025.

Proponents had hailed the scheme as a potential boost for travel times, transport costs, and economic activity along the corridor.

Rather than pursue the toll road, the committee instructed KeNHA to channel efforts into widening and improving the existing highway.

The agency has since pledged to maintain transparency and compliance with the PPP Act in all future projects, while the government reiterated its commitment to expanding the national road network.

The government, in reiterating its stance, has said it remains committed to developing critical road projects to improve connectivity nationwide.

The expressway’s cancellation also reflects a broader shift in policy, with mega infrastructure projects facing closer scrutiny for financial soundness, adherence to the law, and value to taxpayers.