Kenya has moved a step closer to developing the proposed Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway after fresh engagements between the World Bank and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
The government plans to expand the existing 461-kilometer Nairobi-Mombasa highway into a modern four-lane, access-controlled toll road through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The proposed expressway is expected to improve transport efficiency along one of the country’s busiest corridors by increasing road capacity, reducing congestion and improving connectivity between Nairobi and the Port of Mombasa.
World Bank and KeNHA lead talks in Expressway Planning
Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Directorate, led by Engineer Kefa Seda, hosted a delegation from the World Bank and KeNHA on August 4 to discuss the proposed Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway and the technical work required before implementation.
“I was pleased to welcome delegations from the World Bank and the Kenya National Highways Authority for discussions on the proposed Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway. Our engagement focused on aligning the project’s scope and the technical studies that will guide its preparation, laying a strong foundation for a modern, efficient and sustainable transport corridor,” said Seda.
The discussions focused on aligning the scope of the project and reviewing the studies that will guide the design, financing, and development of the planned expressway.
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The engagement brings together key stakeholders involved in delivering major infrastructure projects through PPP arrangements, where the government works with private investors and development partners to finance, construct and operate strategic projects.
The Nairobi-Mombasa corridor is one of Kenya’s most important transport routes, connecting the capital city to the Port of Mombasa, which serves as a gateway for imports and exports for Kenya and several neighbouring countries.
The route supports the movement of thousands of trucks transporting goods along the Northern Corridor, making it a critical link for regional trade between East and Central Africa.
Four-Lane Access-Controlled Road Planned Under PPP Model
Under the proposed plan, the current highway will be upgraded into a four-lane access-controlled toll road designed to handle increasing traffic volumes and improve travel efficiency.
Unlike the existing highway, which has multiple entry points and experiences frequent congestion due to heavy commercial traffic, an access-controlled expressway would have regulated entry and exit points, allowing vehicles to move at higher speeds with fewer interruptions.
The project is expected to include modern road infrastructure features aimed at improving safety, reducing travel delays, and supporting smoother movement of passengers and cargo.
The PPP model will allow private sector participation in financing and managing the project.
Through PPP arrangements, the government aims to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects while ensuring that strategic transport networks keep pace with economic growth and rising demand.
Expressway to Strengthen Trade and Logistics Along Northern Corridor
The Nairobi-Mombasa highway plays a central role in Kenya’s transport and logistics sector, linking inland economic centers with the Port of Mombasa.
The port handles a significant share of regional cargo, serving not only Kenya but also landlocked countries that depend on the Northern Corridor for access to international markets.
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The planned expressway is expected to improve the movement of goods by reducing delays caused by congestion and increasing reliability for transport operators.
For motorists, the project could provide a faster and safer alternative route between Nairobi and Mombasa, which currently experiences heavy traffic, especially from commercial vehicles.
The government has continued to identify PPPs as a key financing approach for major infrastructure developments, allowing collaboration between public institutions, development partners and private investors.
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