Mombasa–Nairobi Expressway (A109 Upgrade)
A proposed $3 billion expressway upgrading Kenya's vital 500 km Mombasa–Nairobi highway corridor.
The Mombasa–Nairobi Expressway is a proposed upgrade of the existing 500 km A109 highway connecting Kenya's two largest cities. Distinct from the Nairobi urban expressway and the SGR, this project envisions transforming the current 2-lane highway into a modern 4-6 lane divided expressway. Various proposals have been evaluated, including a Bechtel-led plan estimated at $3 billion and alternative designs. The corridor carries the majority of Kenya's freight and passenger traffic between the coast and the interior. While the project has been in planning for years, it remains a top priority under Kenya's transport development agenda given the deteriorating condition of the existing road.
- 01Upgrade the critical Mombasa–Nairobi corridor from a 2-lane road to a 4-6 lane expressway
- 02Reduce road fatalities on one of Kenya's most dangerous highways
- 03Decrease travel time from 8-10 hours to approximately 4-5 hours
- 04Complement the SGR by providing a modern road alternative for freight and passengers
- 05Reduce vehicle operating costs on the corridor by improving road quality
- 06Stimulate economic development in towns along the route
2014 · completed
Initial Feasibility Studies
The Kenya National Highways Authority commissioned feasibility studies for upgrading the Mombasa–Nairobi corridor.
2019 · completed
Bechtel Proposal
US firm Bechtel presented a proposal for a $3 billion expressway, attracting significant government interest.
2021 · completed
Alternative Studies
The government evaluated multiple design and financing options including PPP and traditional procurement.
2023 · completed
Renewed Planning
The Ruto administration renewed focus on the corridor, evaluating updated proposals and financing structures.
2025 · in progress
Procurement Preparation
Detailed engineering design and procurement preparations continued for priority sections of the expressway.
2027 · upcoming
Construction Target
Targeted commencement of major construction works on priority sections.
Project Authority
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)
The national roads authority responsible for planning, design, and implementation of the expressway.
Proposed Developer
Bechtel
US engineering firm that proposed a comprehensive PPP development of the expressway.
Project Owner
Government of Kenya
The national government driving the project as a strategic transport priority.
Potential Financiers
Development Finance Institutions
Multiple DFIs including the World Bank and AfDB have been engaged on potential financing structures.
- Modern divided expressway with controlled access
- Grade-separated interchanges at major junctions
- Electronic toll collection systems
- Highway management and incident response systems
- Wildlife crossings through Tsavo ecosystem
- Service centres and rest areas along the route
What it means for the community
When built, the expressway would transform connectivity for over 50 million Kenyans who depend on the Mombasa–Nairobi corridor for goods and travel. The existing road accounts for a disproportionate share of Kenya's road accidents. The project is expected to create over 50,000 construction jobs and reduce freight costs by an estimated 30%, significantly boosting the competitiveness of goods passing through the Port of Mombasa.
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- Government of Kenya / Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)
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