By Michelle Ndaga
United States-based infrastructure firm Everstrong Capital has dismissed reports claiming that its KSh468 billion proposal to construct the Nairobi Mombasa Expressway has been cancelled, insisting the plan remains under active review.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 13, the company clarified that the 440 kilometre Usahihi Expressway project is still being evaluated by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Directorate, and the National Treasury’s PPP Committee, in accordance with the PPP Act, 2021.
“False reports the Usahihi Expressway is not cancelled. Contrary to recent media claims, the project has not been rejected or terminated,” the firm stated, adding that KeNHA’s recent remarks were “technical clarifications” rather than an official termination.
Everstrong explained that upgrading sections of the existing Nairobi Mombasa highway is part of the broader expressway plan and should not be seen as an alternative to the proposed high-speed route.
The clarification came a day after KeNHA announced that the PPP Committee had declined Everstrong’s initial proposal for failing to meet certain requirements. The agency emphasised that the company could restructure and resubmit its bid for fresh consideration under Section 43 of the PPP Act.
KeNHA reiterated its commitment to following the law, assuring the public of a transparent process. If approved, the Usahihi Expressway would be one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures, designed to cut travel times and enhance trade between the capital and the coastal city.
