President William Ruto unveiled the Usahihi Nairobi to Mombasa Expressway, during his visit with the President of the United States, Joe Biden, while visiting the White House on Thursday May 23, 2024. The project will be undertaken by Everstrong Capital.
The Usahihi Expressway will be the largest toll road project in Africa and envisions a transformative symbol of Kenya’s dedication to transparent and innovative infrastructure development, serving as a testament to the strengthened partnership between the United States and Kenya.
Everstrong Capital signed the Project Development Agreement (PDA) with Kenya Highways Authority (KeNHA), authorizing the full development rights to Everstrong Capital and its partners.
Ownership and Management
Everstrong Capital is a US-owned infrastructure investment manager with a presence in both the US and Kenya. It was founded by Philip Dyk. He currently serves as the Managing Partner at Everstrong Capital and is a partner at the Usahihi Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway.
Former US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter is a partner at Everstrong Capital and is the Chairman of the Usahihi Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway. Henry Kyanda is the Managing Director Everstrong Kenya Infrastructure Fund.
Usahihi Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway
Usahihi Expresway will pay for itself, not burdening the Government of Kenya. It is structured as a Public Private Partnership with revenue coming from road users.
Usahihi will organize finance, construction, tolling, operation, and maintenance of the expressway under a 30-year concession with construction lasting 3-4 years.
The Usahihi expressway has garnered significant attention from an array of lenders and investors. The investment of USD 3.6 billion will be led by American Development Finance Institutions and significant investments from Kenyan private sector investors and pension funds.
The new 4-6 lane dual carriage 440 km safe and efficient climate-sensitive road will create a wealth corridor between Kenya’s two largest cities.
The contractor noted that motorists will notice reduced fuel consumption following the completion of the toll road.
“Currently, this road is two lanes, winding and very dangerous. With the creation of the new modern dual carriage expressway, the current 10-hour journey between Nairobi and Mombasa will be shortened to approximately four hours and 30 minutes,” the contractor stated.
This will be achieved by strategic installation of toll stations along the road.
The toll stations will be powered by solar power.
Everstrong Capital also announced that it will install electric charging points along the road to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in the country.
“The installation of electric vehicle charging stations will encourage the use of electric buses and other eco-friendly vehicles on the toll road, contributing to a greener transport system.
“Specially designed animal crossings, developed in consultation with wildlife agencies, will safeguard local fauna and preserve the natural environment,” the US company stated.
The contractor also noted that a tree line will be planted along the roads to reduce noise pollution for Kenyans living close to the road.
“Everstrong Capital distinguishes itself by offering to construct, finance, and operate the Usahihi Expressway, a state-of-the-art dual carriage four-six lane expressway, without imposing risks on the Kenyan government. This project is removed from Kenya’s balance sheet and is designed to pay for itself, representing a wealth corridor opportunity,” the company added.
The expressway is engineered to accommodate the safe passage of trucks, buses, and automobiles, featuring rest stops, wildlife observation points, electric vehicle charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy sources, and strategically located overpasses designed by environmental experts based on animal migration patterns to facilitate safe wildlife migration.
Usahihi, which translates to “Done Correctly” in Swahili, envisions a transformative symbol showcasing Kenya’s dedication to transparent and innovative infrastructure development.
The Usahihi expressway is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The TVET training program offers technical training to communities in every county along its route and contributes to skill development, enterprise growth, and economic expansion.
The Usahihi expressway promises substantial time and cost benefits for its users by bringing the current 10.5-hour journey between Nairobi and Mombasa, known as one of Africa’s most dangerous routes for both people and wildlife, down to a safe journey of approximately 4.5 hours.
This project will establish an economic bridge by facilitating the secure, efficient, and comfortable movement of people and goods throughout the East African region, fostering regional connectivity and enhancing economic opportunities.
