Sh3.7 Billion AfDB Funding for Kisumu-Uganda Expressway Study

With the planned upgrade of the Northern Corridor expressway connecting Kenya and Uganda, the East African region is set for a trade and services boom. This critical infrastructure project will see the existing single-lane road transformed into a two-lane dual carriageway, significantly boosting efficiency and capacity. This upgrade marks a pivotal moment in regional development, as it promises to streamline transportation and facilitate smoother movement of goods and services between the two nations.

Expressway Feasibility Study Funded by AfDB

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has allocated Sh3.7 billion (approximately $1.4 million) to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the project. This study, expected to take 18 months, will determine the economic viability of upgrading the multinational road sections.

Improved Transport for Landlocked Countries

The upgraded Kisumu-Kisian-Busia/Kakira-Malaba-Busitema-Busia expressway will enhance transportation services for five landlocked East African Community (EAC) Partner States: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These countries rely heavily on the Northern Corridor for transporting goods from the Port of Mombasa to their inland regions.

First-hand benefits of the expressway

Currently, the sections of the road suffer from heavy congestion due to increased traffic. This results in longer travel times, higher vehicle operating costs, and ultimately, increased costs of doing business. The upgraded expressway aims to alleviate these issues, facilitating smoother and more efficient movement of goods and people.

Both Kenya and Uganda have prioritized this project, recognizing its potential to contribute significantly to regional integration. The improved road infrastructure will not only boost trade but also address road safety concerns along the corridor. With the feasibility study underway, the project is set to pave the way for tangible development outcomes across the East African region,ushering in a new era of connectivity and prosperity

Future Expansion of the Expressway

While the initial focus is on the Kenyan and Ugandan sections, the EAC anticipates further upgrades along the entire Northern Corridor, stretching from Mombasa to Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda. This comprehensive approach will ultimately lead to a more connected and prosperous East Africa.

This holistic approach underscores the EAC’s commitment to regional integration and economic development. By enhancing infrastructure across the entire corridor, the EAC aims to foster greater connectivity and prosperity throughout East Africa, facilitating smoother trade and transportation networks for the benefit of all member states.