A new 200km expressway is being discussed that will connect Kenya and Uganda. Financial backing for the project looks likely to be provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The link will cut congestion on the existing network and speed journey times between the two capitals, Kampala in Uganda and Nairobi in Kenya.
The feasibility study for the project has been approved by the Kenyan Government and the Ugandan Government. Discussions will be held between the two nations over the remaining portions of financing required.
Much of the expressway project involves upgrading existing roads but there will be an all-new section measuring around 60km in Uganda between Jinja and Busesa. The Ugandan stretches between Busesa and Malaba as well as Busitema and Busia will be upgraded to dual carriageway status.
The Kenyan portion of the project meanwhile involves upgrading the Kisumu Bypass to dual carriageway status and providing a new asphalt surface for the Kimaeti to Lwakhakha stretch of road. The border posts at Busia and Malaba will be improved to speed procedures and reduce delays.
The project will be carried out under the PPP model, with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) managing the Kenyan side of the project. The work is intended to improve transport links between Kenya and Uganda, as well as boosting transport with other neighbouring nations. It is one of a series of projects intended to improve international transport connections for East Africa nations.
Meanwhile, a consortium comprising National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has won the tender process for Kenya’s Mau Summit Highway project. The consortium has a 30-year concession package to construct, operate and maintain the upgraded highway link.
In addition, the Kenyan Government has paid compensation to a French consortium that comprises Vinci Highways SAS, Meridian Infrastructure Africa Fund, and Vinci Concessions SAS. This follows the cancellation of a highway upgrade project worth nearly $1.5 billion. The information has been released by the Kenyan Treasury’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) Directorate.
