In a move aimed at guaranteeing users and income, US infrastructure investment firm Everstrong Capital is insisting that all heavy commercial vehicles be mandated to use the forthcoming Usahihi Expressway upon its completion.
Everstrong argues the move is aimed at decongesting the current Nairobi-Mombasa highway and enhancing road safety; however, the tolls are likely to lead to a spike in the prices of transporting commodities.
Philip Dyk, a partner at Everstrong Capital, stated, “The heavy vehicles, which cause a lot of wear and tear on roads, will be required to use the new road. The reason for that is that it will be designed to handle the heavy weight.” He added that preliminary discussions with transporters and cargo owners have shown support for the initiative.
The Usahihi Expressway, a 440-kilometre dual carriageway projected to cost Ksh352 billion, is expected to commence construction by the end of this year, with a four-year timeline to completion.
An artistic image of the Nairobi Mombasa Expressway.
File
Once operational, it aims to reduce travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa to approximately 4.5 hours, a significant improvement from the current 10-hour journey.
Currently, the Nairobi-Mombasa highway is a critical artery for trade, with an estimated 1,800 trucks using the route daily. The high volume of heavy vehicles contributes to frequent traffic congestion and accelerated road deterioration.
By diverting these trucks to the new expressway, the existing road infrastructure is expected to experience reduced wear and tear, leading to lower maintenance costs for the government.
However, the proposed mandatory diversion has raised concerns among transporters and cargo owners regarding potential increases in operational costs due to toll fees. These additional expenses may ultimately be transferred to consumers.
The expressway’s financing model involves a public-private partnership, with Everstrong Capital planning to raise Ksh129 billion from local investors, including pension funds and retail investors.
The firm has secured a 30-year concession to build and operate the road, after which it will be handed over to the Kenyan government.
Former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had indicated that motorists would pay toll fees upon the project’s completion. He noted that the road project would be under a public-private partnership (PPP), similar to the Nairobi Expressway, where private investors will dual the road with their own money and recoup the capital by charging toll fees.
“That is the global way of doing it. You will pay that extra Ksh1,000 that you would have used on fuel when there is a jam. You will probably save Ksh3,000 in fuel costs because you will get to Nairobi much faster,” he stated.
The expressway is expected to feature multiple toll stations along its length, with fees varying based on vehicle type and distance travelled. While specific toll rates have yet to be finalised, stakeholders are keenly awaiting this information to assess the financial implications fully.
An undated photo showing heavy traffic along Mombasa Road.
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KeNHA