A new chapter in Kenya’s transport infrastructure is unfolding as plans for the Usahihi Expressway, a 440-kilometre dual carriageway linking Nairobi and Mombasa, gain momentum.
The ambitious project, estimated at Sh452 billion, has drawn the backing of Everstrong Capital, a US-based investment firm, which has committed to mobilising funds for its development.
A signing ceremony in Nairobi tomorrow will mark a crucial milestone, as Everstrong Capital formalises the Transaction Advisory and Placement Services Agreement, setting the stage for the next phase of fundraising.
The expressway, whose name translates to “done correctly” in Swahili, is expected to cut travel time, boost regional trade, and unlock economic opportunities along the corridor.
The initiative was introduced during President William Ruto’s visit to the United States in May 2024, underscoring its strategic role in strengthening Kenya’s road network.
Read More
While the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) provides an alternative for cargo transport, a study found that many businesses still prefer road transport, citing cost, convenience, and the flexibility that trucking offers over rail.
The expressway is designed to address these inefficiencies and expand transport options.
This project also signals a shift in the geopolitical dynamics shaping Kenya’s infrastructure.
The expressway will be the first major road project financed by the US, marking a new chapter in the competition between Washington and Beijing for economic influence in East Africa.
China has been Kenya’s largest bilateral lender, funding multiple mega-projects, often leaving American firms out of the equation.
The expressway’s journey has not been without setbacks. A previous deal with Bechtel Engineering collapsed in July 2022 after the firm objected to high toll charges, warning that the model would inflate the cost to Sh1.6 trillion, making it unsustainable.
Unlike past arrangements, the new financing model will open doors for Kenyan investors, pension funds, and private sector players to participate in the project.
The US government is also expected to take an active role, with American Development Finance Institutions spearheading investment efforts.
Established in 2015, Everstrong Capital specialises in funding energy, transport, and communication infrastructure across Africa, with a focus on driving economic growth and delivering investor returns.
With financial groundwork now in motion, the Usahihi Expressway is set to redefine Kenya’s transport landscape, providing a long-awaited alternative to the country’s strained road network and reinforcing its position as a key regional trade hub.
