US Firm Issues Update on Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway After Rejection of Its Proposals

Everstrong Capital Kenya Limited issued a statement on Friday following the Public-Private Partnerships Petitions Committee’s decision not to uphold its petition regarding the evaluation of the proposed Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway feasibility report.

The company said it respects the institutional role of the committee. At the same time, it argued that the ruling leaves important questions of law, procedure and investor treatment unresolved.

Such uncertainty, according to the firm, carries real financial costs. It delays decision-making, raises transaction and financing expenses, and ultimately makes it more expensive to bring long-term private capital into Kenyan infrastructure.

Despite the setback, Everstrong Capital said it remains focused on constructive engagement with the government. The firm wants to resolve areas of divergence and advance privately financed solutions for critical projects.

“Following the recent decision by Kenya’s Public-Private Partnerships Petitions Committee regarding the Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway, Everstrong Capital remains focused on constructive engagement and on advancing solutions that unlock private capital for Kenya’s infrastructure priorities,” the statement read.

The company stressed that the matter should not centre on debates about subcontractors or procedural delays. Instead, it should focus on delivering a long-overdue national project through strong US-Kenya ties and available expertise and financing.

Everstrong Capital continues to organise around $3.2 billion (Ksh413 billion) in local and international financing. It intends to support the expressway in a way that aligns with National Treasury objectives while keeping the project privately financed and free of sovereign debt or direct fiscal exposure for the government.

The proposal involves a four- to six-lane expressway built to international standards between Nairobi and Mombasa. It would operate without government financial contributions under a public-private partnership model.

Project backers project more than 50,000 jobs during construction and operations, with emphasis on local content, skills transfer and involvement of Kenyan contractors and suppliers.

The expressway aims to improve connectivity along one of East Africa’s busiest corridors, enhance road safety and boost trade efficiency.

The latest update follows earlier rejections of the feasibility study by the PPP Committee, which found it did not meet required standards under the PPP Act 2021. Officials had suggested restructuring options, including expansion of the existing A8 highway.

Everstrong Capital has maintained its commitment throughout the process. It continues working within Kenya’s legal and institutional frameworks to support transparent infrastructure development.

As of Friday, the firm showed no signs of withdrawing. It signalled readiness to address concerns and move the project forward where possible.