Investors to Convene in Mombasa for Regional Highway Safety Forum

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed it will co-host the Regional Highway Safety Investor Conference in partnership with the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA). The event, scheduled to take place in Mombasa, aims to mobilize private sector capital for the development of roadside stations and safety-related infrastructure along one of Africa's most vital trade routes.

This summit arrives as the government intensifies its focus on the Northern Corridor, the multi-modal trade route connecting the Port of Mombasa to landlocked countries in the Great Lakes region. Central to the discussions will be the implementation of the Roadside Stations (RSS) program, which was originally conceptualized to provide road users with safe, comfortable travel conditions while simultaneously stimulating local economies.

A previous feasibility study conducted by the Northern Corridor Secretariat identified 141 potential locations for these stations across the region, with 67 designated as high-priority sites. In Kenya, recent enforcement actions have underscored the urgency of these developments. KeNHA recently issued notices to roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway to vacate road reserves, citing the need to clear space for designated bus bays and formal roadside facilities.

Director General Luka Kimeli has consistently emphasized that clearing road reserves is essential for reducing accidents and ensuring the unobstructed flow of traffic. The upcoming conference is expected to provide a roadmap for how private entities can partner with the state to build these facilities, which typically include truck parking, wellness centers, and standardized amenities.

The legal framework for these investments has been strengthened by the Kenya Roads (Roadside Stations) Regulations. These rules stipulate that a roadside station can be developed by the Authority, through public-private partnerships, or by private individuals, provided they are located within 600 meters of a national road and meet strict safety and technical criteria.

Beyond safety, the conference will address the broader logistical efficiency of the corridor. With the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway upgrade already underway and plans for further expansion toward the Ugandan border, the integration of formal rest stops is viewed as a necessary component of modernizing the national highway network. 

Delegates at the Mombasa forum will review various investment models and financial projections developed by the NCTTCA. These models categorize roadside stations into different tiers based on the level of services provided, ranging from basic rest areas to comprehensive logistics hubs with refueling and accommodation capabilities.

The Authority has made it clear that future developments must avoid the haphazard growth currently seen on many road reserves. By shifting informal trading to designated, safe zones, the government hopes to eliminate illegal stops by public service vehicles and heavy trucks, which remain a primary cause of chronic traffic congestion and fatalities.