NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s Sh464 billion Usahihi Expressway, which will connect Nairobi and Mombasa, is set to begin construction in early 2026, with no public funds involved.
The project, led by the US private equity firm Everstrong Capital, will be developed through a public-private partnership (PPP), ensuring that the financial risks remain with the private sector.
The 459-kilometer toll road, designed to reduce travel time between the two cities from over 10 hours to just 4.5, is expected to be a game-changer for regional travel and trade.
Everstrong Capital has already submitted a feasibility study to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), confirming that the project is ready to move forward with construction planned to begin in the first quarter of 2026, pending final approvals.
To raise the necessary funds, Everstrong is relying on both local and international investors, with Sh129.1 billion to be raised from Kenyan financial institutions, including pension funds, insurance firms, and commercial banks.
The capital-raising efforts are being spearheaded by CPF Capital & Advisory Ltd., a subsidiary of CPF Group, through a consortium called PACK Hunters Club, which is composed of key players from Kenya’s financial sector.
The Usahihi Expressway, named after the Kiswahili word for “done correctly,” will be a four-lane dual carriageway with seven toll stations.
Construction will take between three to four years, with toll charges expected to be between Sh12 and Sh13 per kilometer, making it more affordable than the existing Nairobi Expressway.
The project will also include several additional amenities such as rest stops, wildlife observation points, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Trucks, which make up the majority of traffic along this route, are expected to contribute up to 75% of the toll revenue.
The expressway will remain under the management of Everstrong Capital for 30 years before being handed over to the government.
While the current Nairobi-Mombasa highway will remain open, the Usahihi Expressway will offer faster, safer, and more efficient travel, supporting economic growth and reducing congestion on the old route.
This PPP model aims to reshape infrastructure development in Kenya by reducing reliance on public funding while enhancing the country’s transport network.
