Motorists on the upcoming Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway will pay between Sh12 and Sh13 per km, lower than the Sh18 per km on the Nairobi Expressway.

The 440km highway from Nairobi to Mombasa is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) by Usahihi Expressway Limited, a company backed by US-based Everstrong Capital. The project costs $3.6 billion (Sh464.9 billion).

Toll Road Comparison: Mombasa Expressway vs Nairobi Expressway

The Nairobi Expressway doesn’t have a fixed per-kilometre charge and varies based on entry/exit points and vehicle type. A saloon car journey from Mlolongo to Westlands (27km) costs about Sh500, that’s Sh18.5 per km.

Driving a private car for the entire 440km stretch of the Nairobi–Mombasa road will cost at least Sh5,280—a flat rate that will apply to all vehicle classes. That’s more affordable per km especially for long distance drivers.

Larger vehicles on the Nairobi Expressway, like trucks and buses, are charged multiples of the base toll (up to five times more), while the new expressway will have more consistent and competitive rates.

Construction Plans and Land Costs

According to Usahihi Chairman and former US ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter, the tolls could be lower if the construction and capital costs are minimised. “We’re aiming for tolls around Sh12–Sh13 a kilometre, much lower than the current Nairobi expressway rates,” McCarter said during the launch of the expressway’s feasibility study.

The road will have seven toll stations and charging stations for electric vehicles. Usahihi will invest $100 million (Sh12.9 billion) in land acquisition as the Kenyan government is not providing land for the project.

Timeline and Funding

  • Groundbreaking: Early 2026

  • Government approval: Within the next two months

  • Funding goal: Usahihi agreed to raise $1 billion (Sh129.1 billion) from local pension funds in February

  • Local advisory: CPF Capital and Advisory will mobilise this funding from the domestic market

Once complete the expressway will reduce travel time from Nairobi to Mombasa to 4.5 hours from the current 8+ hours. The road will be operated by Usahihi for 30 years before it’s handed over to the government.

Heavy vehicles—trucks will account for 75% of toll revenue, the road is key for logistics and trade between Nairobi and the coast.