Former US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter has reignited interest in his ongoing ties to Kenya. However, this time his interests are not through diplomacy, but a proposed investment in Kenya.
McCarter, now a partner at Everstrong Capital, clarified on Thursday, May 29, that the firm’s involvement in the proposed Usahihi Expressway is in the feasibility review stage and has not been approved by the Kenyan government.
His statement was a response to reports that the company’s involvement had already been approved.
The reports published in a local daily suggested that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) had already approved a 2300-page document submitted by Everstrong Capital, which explained the project implementation process for the construction of the 440-kilometre highway.
In response, however, McCater clarified that the American company eying the multi-billion project only submitted a feasibility study.
“Completely false! Everstrong only announced delivery of the Usahihi feasibility study to KeNHA in line w/ PPP Act.
“We never stated or implied officially or informally that the Kenyan Government approved this. We patiently await KeNHA’s evaluation of the project,” McCarter wrote on X.
Also Read: Ksh129 Billion Loan Needed for Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway
Who is Kyle McCarter, the Former US Ambassador
Appointed by former US President Donald Trump, McCarter served as US Ambassador to Kenya between 2019 and 2021.
He was known for his vocal support of infrastructure development, and economic partnerships.
During his tenure, especially the Covid-19 period, trade between the two countries was strengthened and Kenya was among the biggest beneficiaries of US aid.
However, he is now involved in the development of Kenya through Everstrong Capital.
The Usahihi Expressway is a proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project under review by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
Everstrong submitted a feasibility study in line with the PPP Act, but no formal government decision has been made regarding its approval or implementation.
Also Read: Details of Ksh470 Billion Expressway Deal Secured by Ruto During US Visit
About Usahihi Expressway
The Usahihi Expressway is a 440-kilometer, four-lane dual carriageway project connecting Nairobi to Mombasa.
It is expected to become one of Kenya’s most transformative infrastructure projects, designed to cut travel time from the current 8–10 hours to just 4 hours.
The expressway, named Usahihi, a Kiswahili word meaning “done correctly”, is expected to enhance trade, streamline logistics, and spur economic growth along the country’s busiest transport corridor.
Everstrong Capital had committed to financing the Ksh450 billion Usahihi Expressway. In February 2025, announced that it was looking for Ksh129 billion ($1 billion) to jumpstart the project.
Everstrong Capital is spearheading fundraising efforts for the project through a Transaction Advisory and Placement Services Agreement signed with CPF Capital and Advisory Ltd, a subsidiary of CPF Group on Thursday, February 6.
Additionally, the initiative is backed by the Pack Hunters Club (PHC), a consortium of pension funds, fund managers, investment banks, insurance firms, and banking institutions.
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