Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway Feasibility Study Submitted by Everstrong Capital to KeNHA

Kenya’s dream of a faster, safer, and more efficient link between its two biggest cities has taken a major step forward.

United States-owned Everstrong Capital has officially handed over a full feasibility study report to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway.

The 2,300-page document details everything from engineering plans to environmental safeguards and financial models. This marks a crucial milestone in bringing the long-awaited 459km expressway closer to reality.

Once completed, the highway is expected to transform travel, trade, and regional growth, making it one of Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure projects yet.

The Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway is expected to revolutionize travel and trade between Kenya’s capital and its main port city. Currently, the journey between Nairobi and Mombasa takes around 10.5 hours by road. [Photo: Courtesy]

Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway Study Marks Key Milestone for Kenya

On Monday evening, Everstrong Capital confirmed the formal submission of its comprehensive feasibility study report to KeNHA. The report covers technical, legal, financial, environmental, and social factors that will guide the expressway’s construction and operation.

“In a landmark moment for Kenya and African infrastructure at large, Everstrong Capital has officially submitted the full feasibility study for the 459km Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway to the Kenya National Highways Authority,” the company announced.

The firm described the report as the most thorough and transparent infrastructure study ever undertaken in Kenya. The submission sets the stage for the next phase of the project: securing financing and beginning construction.

Kyle McCarter, Senior Advisor at Everstrong Capital and former US Ambassador to Kenya, led discussions with KeNHA officials. He emphasized that the study fully aligns with Kenya’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

McCarter also revealed that Everstrong is in the process of raising Ksh466 billion (about $3.6 billion) to fund the project. Construction is expected to kick off in early 2026.

“This is not just a road. The Usahihi Expressway is a model for sustainable, inclusive, and investment-grade infrastructure across Africa,” McCarter told stakeholders.

Benefits of the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway

The Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway is expected to revolutionize travel and trade between Kenya’s capital and its main port city. Currently, the journey between Nairobi and Mombasa takes around 10.5 hours by road. Once the expressway is complete, travel time will shrink to just 4.5 hours.

This will open new trade routes, boost Kenya’s regional connectivity, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Experts also expect the expressway to ease congestion, improve road safety, and reduce vehicle maintenance costs.

The project will not only serve motorists but also focus on environmental sustainability. Plans include wildlife corridors to allow safe animal crossings, renewable energy infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging stations along the route. These features aim to set new standards for green infrastructure in Africa.

McCarter highlighted that the expressway will serve as a gateway for future investments and demonstrate Kenya’s capability to deliver world-class infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

Tolls and Pricing for the New Highway

As with most major toll roads, motorists will need to pay to use the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway. Early reports suggest that drivers may be charged between Ksh12 and Ksh13 per kilometre.

For comparison, the current Nairobi Expressway charges Ksh18 per kilometre for the stretch from Westlands in Nairobi to Mlolongo in Machakos. This suggests the new expressway may be slightly more affordable for long-distance travelers.

The expressway is expected to become one of the longest toll roads in Africa. Its funding model, based on toll collections, will ensure the road’s long-term maintenance and sustainability. Everstrong Capital has emphasized that the toll pricing aims to balance affordability for users with the need for financial returns to investors.

Once operational, the expressway is expected to set new benchmarks for toll road management in Kenya and across the continent.