Kenya has secured $3.6bn of funding for a 440km motorway between the capital of Nairobi and the port city of Mombasa.
The Usahihi Expressway is set to become the longest toll road in Africa, and when complete in 2028, it will reduce the travel time between Kenya’s two largest cities from 10 hours to four and a half.
Kenya’s Highway Authority is working with US infrastructure investment company Everstrong Capital as developer. Funding is coming from a mix of international investors, development agencies, pension funds, and “an exceptionally large number of Kenyan private investors”, according to a press release.
The project is being procured as a public–private partnership. The private-sector consortium will finance, construct, operate and maintain the expressway for 30-years.
The road will contain rest stops, wildlife observation points and EV charging powered by renewable energy.
A training programme will be created for local communities to learn skills used during construction.
William Ruto, president of Kenya, said: “More than just a road, the Usahihi Expressway sets a standard for transparent, sustainable, and community-centered development, fostering economic growth and environmental protection, serving as a global inspiration for ethical development.”
The Usahihi Expressway project was announced during Ruto’s recent visit to the US, which included a meeting with president Joe Biden. Usahihi is a Swahili word meaning “done correctly”.
