The government has drawn a line in the sand. In a decisive move to protect public interest, the National Treasury has issued a strict ultimatum to Everstrong Capital, the US firm behind the proposed Sh468 billion Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway.

The message from the exchequer is unequivocal: shape up or ship out.The US private equity firm, which was granted a fresh opportunity to execute this colossal Public-Private Partnership (PIP), must now fully comply with the stringent requirements set by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Failure to meet these responsiveness gaps will result in the immediate termination of the project, a venture billed as one of the continent's largest infrastructure deals.

High Stakes for Infrastructure

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has made it clear that there will be no more room for maneuvering."Everstrong Capital has submitted a revised development report. This is currently under review to determine if it meets the mandatory evaluation criteria," Mbadi stated. The stakes are incredibly high, not just for the investors but for the Kenyan economy which is desperate for the logistical lifeline this expressway promises.

If the proposal fails to pass this final stress test, KeNHA has the discretionary authority to declare the project "abandoned with finality" under Section 43(11)(c) and Section 43(12) of the PPP Act. This would effectively reset the clock, potentially opening the door to other global bidders who have been watching from the sidelines. The government's firmness signals a new era of accountability in mega-projects, ensuring that vetted technical and financial capabilities match the ambitious promises made on paper.

• The Project Scale: The 440km expressway is designed to reduce travel time between the capital and the coast from 10 hours to just four.
• The Ultimatum: Everstrong must demonstrate financial closure and technical compliance immediately or lose the contract.
• The Consequence: Cancellation would force the government to restart the procurement process, delaying the project by years.

A Test of Commitment

This development places immense pressure on Everstrong Capital to prove its capacity. The firm had previously seen its proposal restructured to address specific technical deficiencies. Now, the window for correction has narrowed to a sliver. The government is evidently unwilling to let the project stall in bureaucratic limbo any longer.

As the review process reaches its climax, the business community watches with bated breath. The Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway is not just a road; it is a critical economic artery. Whether it will be built by American capital or find a new suitor depends entirely on the outcome of this high-stakes review. The ball is firmly in Everstrong's court.