A New Era for East African Connectivity
A major new 200-kilometre expressway is being planned to strengthen transport links between Kenya and Uganda, two of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies. The proposed project aims to reduce congestion, improve trade efficiency, and shorten travel times between the region’s two capital cities Nairobi and Kampala.
According to early reports, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is expected to provide significant financial backing for the expressway, which will mark a key step in the region’s cross-border infrastructure development strategy.
Feasibility Study Approved
Both the Kenyan and Ugandan Governments have approved the project’s feasibility study, paving the way for joint discussions on final financing and construction timelines. The expressway will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring a balance of public oversight and private-sector efficiency.
Once completed, the new route will serve as a vital transport corridor for goods and passengers across East Africa, reducing delays at border crossings and encouraging regional trade.
Road Upgrades and New Construction
Much of the expressway will involve upgrading existing road networks, though several new sections are planned. In Uganda, a 60-kilometre all-new expressway will run between Jinja and Busesa, creating a faster link across the eastern region.
Additional Ugandan segments , including Busesa to Malaba and Busitema to Busia, will be upgraded to dual carriageway standards. These improvements aim to accommodate heavier traffic volumes and enhance safety for commuters and freight operators.
On the Kenyan side, the Kisumu Bypass will be expanded to a dual carriageway and resurfaced with new asphalt to improve durability and ride quality. The Kimaeti–Lwakhakha road will also receive a major upgrade.
At the Malaba and Busia border posts, both countries plan to modernize customs and immigration facilities to reduce clearance delays and streamline logistics operations.
Managed by KENHA Under PPP Model
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) will oversee the Kenyan portion of the expressway under the PPP framework. The model allows for private investment in the design, construction, and long-term maintenance of the road, ensuring sustainability and quality control.
Officials emphasize that this project is part of a broader regional effort to improve international transport links across East Africa, connecting not only Kenya and Uganda but also Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan through an integrated highway network.
Other Key Infrastructure Developments in Kenya
Kenya’s infrastructure drive continues to attract global investors. Recently, a consortium comprising the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) won the tender to construct and operate the Mau Summit Highway under a 30-year concession.
At the same time, the Kenyan Government has paid compensation to a French consortium, including Vinci Highways SAS, Meridian Infrastructure Africa Fund, and Vinci Concessions SAS, following the cancellation of a previously planned $1.5 billion highway upgrade. The information was confirmed by the Treasury’s Public-Private Partnership Directorate.
Regional Impact and Future Prospects
The Kenya–Uganda Expressway is expected to boost regional trade, lower transportation costs, and strengthen economic integration within the East African Community. Improved roads will also help farmers, exporters, and logistics firms move goods faster between ports and landlocked areas.
If successfully implemented, the project could serve as a model for other cross-border infrastructure partnerships in Africa, promoting sustainable development and regional stability.