Kenya secures $3.6bn to build Africa’s largest toll road project

Kenya has secured $3.6 billion in investment to build the Usahihi expressway, which is being billed as Africa’s largest toll road project.

Kenya’s President William Ruto unveiled plans for the expressway during a visit to the White House last week.

The 440km-long, four-to-six-lane dual carriageway will connect Kenya’s largest cities of Nairobi and Mombasa.

It will feature rest stops, wildlife observation points, electric vehicle charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy, and overpasses designed by environmental experts based on animal migration patters to facilitate wildlife migration.

The road is expected to cut the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa, which currently takes 10.5 hours, down to 4.5 hours.

Everstrong Capital has secured full development rights for the project under an agreement with the Kenya Highways Authority.

The road is being built under a public private partnership (PPP), with revenue coming from road users. Construction is set to last three to four years before the road is operated and maintained under a three-year concession.

American development finance institutions will lead the investment of $3.6 billion, while there will also be contributions from Kenyan private sector investors and pension funds.

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.”