Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway PPP Tender Process Nears April Milestone

The National Treasury has indicated that the procurement process for the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway is reaching a critical stage, with the selection of a transaction advisor expected by April 30. This development comes as the government moves to formalize the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework for the Sh466.81 billion infrastructure project.

According to the latest project updates, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is acting as the contracting authority, while the PPP Directorate oversees the procurement cycle. The selection of a transaction advisor is a procedural necessity to guide the financial and legal structuring of the tender before private bidders are invited to submit formal proposals.

The 461-kilometer project involves converting the current A8 road into a modern, access-controlled dual carriageway. Initial plans suggest the highway will feature at least four lanes to manage the heavy traffic between Kenya's capital and its primary port city. This redesign follows a shift in strategy where the government opted to upgrade the existing alignment, rather than pursuing a greenfield route, a move aimed at reducing land acquisition costs.

President Ruto has previously emphasized the role of private capital in funding the country’s infrastructure gap. The Treasury’s current timeline reflects an effort to maintain momentum on the project, which has seen various iterations and financing proposals over the last decade. The project is estimated to cost approximately USD 3 billion, which will be recouped through tolling over a long-term concession period.

Earlier hurdles, including the rejection of a Sh468 billion proposal from a U.S.-led consortium in mid-2025, led the PPP Committee to demand fresh feasibility studies. The committee had cited concerns regarding land use and the financial capacity of previous technical partners. By selecting a transaction advisor this month, the government intends to ensure that the current procurement path meets the standards of the PPP Act of 2021.

Technical specifications for the expressway include various interchanges and safety enhancements designed to separate local traffic from long-distance freight. The Northern Corridor remains a high-priority trade route, and the Ministry of Transport has noted that the existing two-lane sections are no longer sufficient for the volume of heavy trucks moving goods to landlocked neighbors.

Once the advisor is in place, the next steps involve finalizing the project development report and opening the bidding process to international and local firms. The Treasury expects the PPP model to shield the public debt stock while delivering a high-capacity road that supports regional logistics.