President William Ruto has announced that the government will soon invite tenders for the construction of the long-awaited Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, marking a significant step forward for the multi-billion-shilling infrastructure project.
Speaking during the Kenya International Investment Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Wednesday, March 25, Ruto said the tendering process would be unveiled in the coming days.
The Head of State noted that the project aligns with the government’s broader agenda of transforming Kenya into an industrialised economy through strategic infrastructure investment.
The proposed 459-kilometre expressway will run from Mlolongo to Bonje, according to feasibility studies conducted by the Kenya National Highways Authority.
Ruto said the highway will enhance the seamless movement of goods and passengers between Nairobi and Mombasa, while complementing other major infrastructure projects, including the Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway and the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR extension.
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“We will shortly be announcing the tender works for the construction of another highway from Mombasa to Nairobi,” Ruto said, adding that the government plans to double Kenya’s paved road network within the next seven years.
However, the announcement comes amid concerns over delays. A report by the National Treasury indicates the project remains at the feasibility stage, more than 2 years after it was approved as a privately initiated proposal.
Transport CS Davis Chirchir recently told the Senate that the government is finalising the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) assessment before progressing to the development phase.
“The PPP Directorate, together with KeNHA, are conducting detailed cost analysis to ensure value for money and assess the financial capacity of the concessionaire,” Chirchir said.
The expressway, dubbed the Usahihi Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities from more than 10 hours to about 5.
The project will also feature modern infrastructure elements such as intelligent transport systems, electric vehicle charging stations, wildlife crossings, and climate-resilient designs.
Estimated to cost Ksh466.81 billion, the expressway will be financed through a Public-Private Partnership model.
