Kenya, World Bank Hold Talks on Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway

The government has held fresh talks with the World Bank and the Kenya National Highways Authority on the proposed Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway. Discussions focused on the project’s scope and the technical studies required before any construction begins.

Public Private Partnerships Director General Kefa Seda chaired the meeting that brought together officials from the World Bank and KeNHA. The talks aimed to align the design and planning process for the corridor.

“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,” Seda said.

The technical studies are expected to examine engineering requirements, traffic demand, environmental considerations, financial viability and the most suitable delivery model.

The latest engagement follows the government’s decision to abandon plans for a completely new expressway proposed by US firm Everstrong Capital. That proposal sought a separate 440-kilometre route at an estimated cost of Ksh365 billion.

Instead, authorities resolved to expand the existing 461-kilometre Nairobi-Mombasa highway. A Treasury project status report confirmed that KeNHA will increase the road’s capacity to four lanes and convert it into an access-controlled tolled road.

The earlier proposal was rejected after it failed to meet evaluation requirements under the Public Private Partnership Act, 2021. The government then prioritised upgrading the current corridor.

Seda described the Nairobi-Mombasa route as Kenya’s most strategic transport artery. It links the Port of Mombasa with the hinterland and the wider East African region while serving as a critical path for trade and logistics.

Advancing the project through the PPP framework, he said, presents an opportunity to improve mobility, enhance road safety, ease congestion, reduce travel time and attract long-term private investment into nationally significant infrastructure.

The project remains in the preparatory phase. Technical studies will shape the next steps before any construction timeline is set. Officials have not released revised cost figures or a start date for works.

The existing highway already carries heavy volumes of traffic between the capital and the coast. Expanding it to four lanes with controlled access and tolling forms the core of the current plan.

The meeting marks continued collaboration between government agencies and development partners as they work through the planning stage for the corridor.