The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has dismissed reports suggesting that a contract has already been awarded for the Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway project, stating the deal is still under procurement and no final decision has been made.
Acting Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli clarified that Everstrong Capital, the only firm that had registered its interest in the project, has been asked to restructure its proposal after the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Committee found the initial Project Development Report (PDR) inadequate.
The National Treasury’s Project Status Report dated July 5 revealed that the PPP Committee recommended the project be restructured after ruling it failed to meet legal and technical thresholds under the PPP Act.
However, KeNHA maintained that the project is not cancelled but is undergoing necessary review. “No one has been given the contract,” Kimeli said, emphasising that the process remains open and subject to regulatory compliance.
In a statement released on July 11, Usahihi Expressway Limited, the company behind the proposal, labelled claims of suspension as “inaccurate.” The firm stressed that feasibility studies are still under review by KeNHA, the PPP Directorate, and the National Treasury.
“We remain committed to transparency and continued collaboration with all relevant government bodies,” the company said.
The expressway, estimated at Ksh468 billion, was approved for feasibility development in December 2023. Although the PPP Committee flagged the report for non-compliance, the law allows for the proposal to be resubmitted.
Eng. Kimeli insists that the project is a priority and will complement the standard gauge railway in improving connection between Mombasa and Nairobi.
