The construction of the Nairobi - Mombasa Expressway is expected to take five years after the government conducts the tendering process and contracts a firm to undertake the project.
In a statement dated September 16, the Kenya National Highways Authority(KeNHA) stated that the stipulated period would be enough to see the major highway expanded into a dual carriage.
KeNHA added that various companies were at an advanced stage of pitching their tenders for the mega project.
"The construction of the project will likely take five years to complete and work will commence upon completion of studies, designs, negotiation and closure of all financing arrangements.
"The scope of works and source of financing will be determined once all studies and the necessary arrangements are concluded," read the statement.
The project, estimated to cost Ksh361 billion, will ease traffic between the two major cities, Nairobi and Mombasa.
KeNHA also refuted claims that it had already awarded the tender to a Korean firm as was reported in various media outlets.
Additionally, it added that it had not dropped an American company - Betchel Engineering in favour of the Korean company adding that both were still working on the structures of the deal.
"The Korean Overseas Infrastructure and Development Corporation (KIND) presented a Pre-Feasibility Studies Report for the development of the Highway based on a PPP model on July 29, 2022, and they are open to submitting a Privately Initiated Investment Proposal (PIIP) in line with the requirements under PPP Act, 2021.
"Bechtel is still working on its best Public Private Partnership (PPP) structure for the project. A US Capital Investment Company (Everstrong Capital) has also expressed interest in developing the Corridor in partnership with Bechtel," read the statement in part.
In June 2022, the Korean firm submitted a feasibility study to the government where it expressed they were planning to build bypasses in major towns during the construction process.
"The project will be done as a four-lane from the current two-lane carriageway between Machakos Turn-Off and Mariakani (482) kilometres and will connect the two largest cities in Kenya whose value to the national development is critical.
"During the construction, a total of over 21,000 jobs and an additional 2,573 jobs will be created per year during its operations and maintenance," Kenya Vision 2030 stated then.
