The government has defended its decision to reject the proposal report for the Nairobi–Mombasa (Usahihi) Expressway, saying it failed to meet the set evaluation criteria.
In a public notice dated August 12, 2025, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) stated that it had been presented with a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) to build, design, finance, operate, maintain, and ultimately transfer the road in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The expressway would have run 459 kilometres from Mlolongo in Machakos County to Bonje in Mombasa County.
KeNHA had initially granted the proposal conditional approval to advance to the Project Development Phase (PDP). The project proponent then carried out the required activities and submitted feasibility study reports in May 2025. KeNHA evaluated these documents in line with Section 43(9) of the PPP Act, 2021, which requires the Contracting Authority to review all outcomes from the PDP.
After completing its review, KeNHA sent its evaluation report to the PPP Directorate, which made recommendations to the PPP Committee. The National Treasury & Economic Planning, through the PPP Committee, reached its decision during the committee’s 54th Ordinary meeting on July 2, 2025.
According to the notice, the Committee ruled that the proposal failed to meet the required criteria and should be abandoned under Section 43(11)(c) of the PPP Act, 2021.
Project to Be Restructured
The Committee also instructed the Contracting Authority to restructure the project so it can meet the evaluation standards by expanding the existing A8 highway. It noted that the revised plan could then be submitted again for a fresh review, in line with Section 43(12) of the PPP Act, 2021.
KeNHA said it made the disclosure in line with the PPP Act, 2021, the April 24, 2025 circular on public disclosure requirements, and the government’s pledge to maintain transparency in all its projects.
“KeNHA remains committed to strictly adhering to the provisions of the PPP Act, 2021 and further assures the public that it will endeavour to abide by the provisions of the PPP Act, 2021,” the authority stated.
The agency added that, despite the decision on the Usahihi proposal, the Government of Kenya remains determined to deliver vital infrastructure to Kenyans.
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