An American company will manage the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway for 30 years, according to a recent agreement signed between the Kenyan government and the firm. The deal also grants a 99-year land trust for the expressway reserve.
Everstrong, a US-based infrastructure asset manager, is the project’s lead sponsor, contributing $3.6 billion. Trans-African Concessions (TRAC) will handle toll road operations for the next three decades.
The 4-lane expressway is expected to significantly boost economic growth along the Nairobi-Mombasa corridor. Kenyans using the expressway will pay tolls in US dollars, with rates indexed to the dollar.
The existing Mombasa Road and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) will remain accessible for those who cannot afford the toll fees.
This public-private partnership (PPP) is one of several infrastructure projects Kenya has undertaken to address financing constraints. The government hopes the model will attract more foreign investment.
While some Kenyans are concerned about the long-term implications of foreign control and dollar-denominated fees, the government maintains the project is essential for Kenya’s economic development.
