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Safety, Connectivity, and Growth: The Usahihi Expressway Promises a New Era for Kenya's Infrastructure
Gerald Kombo
May 06, 2025
(Ambassador Kyle McCarter Chairman, Usahihi Expressway Limited)
May 5, 2025 – Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway was officially presented to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Stakeholders gathered to witness this crucial step towards a project that promises not just a road, but a catalyst for economic growth, enhanced safety, and a new era of development.
At the heart of this transformative vision is Ambassador Kyle McCarter, Chairman of Usahihi Expressway Limited and partner at Everstrong Capital. His passion for the project was palpable as he addressed the attendees, drawing on his deep understanding of Kenya gained during his tenure as the U.S. Ambassador. He didn't mince words about the current state of the Nairobi-Mombasa road, a route he knows intimately.
We haven't talked enough about how dangerous this road really is. It's one of the most dangerous roads in East Africa
he stated, his concern evident. He spoke of the human cost, the stories of loss that fuel his determination to see this project come to fruition.
The Usahihi Expressway isn't just about replacing a dangerous road with a safer one. It's about building a future where infrastructure investment doesn't cripple the nation with debt. Ambassador McCarter emphasized the ingenious financial model:
This road will pay for itself by way of tolls that people are willing to pay.
This self-sustaining approach is a cornerstone of the project, ensuring its long-term viability without burdening the Kenyan government.
But the vision extends far beyond asphalt and toll booths. The Usahihi Expressway aims to be a modern artery, equipped with features that are currently scarce in Kenya's existing infrastructure:
We're going to be providing internet. We're going to be providing an emergency response service to anyone on this road, and you can't even get that in Kenya today.
This commitment to safety and connectivity is a significant step forward.
Imagine a road trip that's not just about getting from point A to B, but an experience in itself. Ambassador McCarter painted a picture of designated rest stops offering more than just fuel and food:
You've got 30-45 minutes to sit and have a picnic lunch and be with your family and watch game in Tsavo, and then swing right back onto the road.
This innovative approach to tourism could redefine road travel in Kenya.
The economic implications are vast. With twelve new exits planned, connecting existing cities and fostering the growth of new ones like Voi, Salama, and Maria County, the expressway is poised to unlock significant investment and create new opportunities.
These are going to be great opportunities for people to start businesses and for companies from from around the world to come in and invest in Kenya.
Ambassador McCarter shared the enthusiasm of international investors eager to capitalize on the improved connectivity.
Transparency and partnership are key tenets of this project. Ambassador McCarter stressed the open nature of the development:
We're telling you who owns it. There's two Americans that own it, and we're gonna and we're gonna share that and sell and sell our shares to Kenyans and to other investors around the world, and we're gonna own it together.
This commitment to shared ownership aims to ensure the project benefits a wide range of stakeholders.
Addressing potential concerns about private involvement in infrastructure, Ambassador McCarter offered a compelling perspective of shared prosperity:
In this case, the pie is huge, and the opportunity for people to just work hard. And I tell people, people, you can stumble over profits on a project this big, and for everyone, there's enough for everyone to invest and to share and to make money and to help their families.
Looking beyond Kenya's borders, the Usahihi Expressway could serve as a blueprint for infrastructure development across Africa:
We believe this is going to be the prototype, the standard for how you invest in infrastructure draw to Africa. And you know what? Kenya is going to get the credit.
The next crucial phase involves the Kenyan government's review of the feasibility study, with a decision expected within the next six to eight weeks. The timeline outlined by Ambassador McCarter suggests a potential groundbreaking as early as the beginning of next year.
The Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway is more than just a road; it's a vision for a safer, more prosperous, and better-connected Kenya. As the feasibility study moves into the hands of the Kenyan government, the nation holds its breath, hopeful that this ambitious project will soon become a tangible reality, paving the way for a brighter future.
Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development.