The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee has rejected a privately initiated proposal for the Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway (Usahihi), ruling that it failed to meet mandatory evaluation criteria.
The decision, made during the PPP Committee’s 54th ordinary meeting on July 2, 2025, effectively ends the current version of the 459-kilometre project, which was to run from Mlolongo in Machakos County to Bonje in Mombasa County under a design, build, finance, operate, maintain, and transfer (DBFOMT) model.
The proposal, submitted by Everstrong Capital Kenya Limited, had earlier received conditional approval to proceed to the Project Development Phase, during which feasibility studies were conducted and submitted to KeNHA in May 2025. Following an internal review, KeNHA forwarded its evaluation report to the PPP Directorate for consideration.
However, the PPP Committee determined that the project, in its proposed form, did not satisfy the relevant standards under Section 43(11)(c) of the PPP Act, 2021.
Instead, the Committee directed KeNHA to restructure the plan by focusing on expansion of the existing A8 highway — the current Nairobi–Mombasa route — and resubmit it for fresh consideration in line with Section 43(12) of the Act.
The decision was publicly disclosed in accordance with the PPP Act and a government circular requiring transparency on privately initiated proposals.
KeNHA said it remains committed to complying fully with PPP regulations, while the Government of Kenya has reiterated its pledge to deliver critical infrastructure projects that meet legal and technical standards.
The Nairobi–Mombasa transport corridor is a vital economic link for Kenya, handling the majority of cargo between the port city and the capital. Upgrades to the A8 are expected to be a priority in easing congestion, improving safety, and supporting trade efficiency.
