UK-headquartered project consultant Turner & Townsend has been appointed strategic delivery partner for Africa’s biggest road public-private partnership (PPP), the $3.6bn Usahihi Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway.

The 459km tolled highway will cut the drive time between coastal Mombasa and Kenya’s inland capital, Nairobi, from more than 10 hours to under five, easing congestion on the A8 highway, improving safety, and speeding the flow of people and goods.

Kenya National Highways Authority is currently reviewing the project’s feasibility study.

Turner & Townsend joins Everstrong Capital and the Usahihi consortium team of TRAC, Lotz to Develop, Ashitiva Advocates, Rebel, Andersen, CPF Group and Kurrent.

In neighbouring Uganda, the company has worked on Kabalega International Airport and the Tilenga oil project.

“Turner & Townsend’s track record across Africa speaks for itself,” said Kyle McCarter, partner at Everstrong Capital, chair of the Usahihi consortium, and US Ambassador to Kenya between 2019 and 2021.

“Their expertise in large-scale, complex projects ensures that the Usahihi Expressway will not only be delivered successfully but will also set a new benchmark for infrastructure delivery on the continent.”John Rogers, Turner & Townsend’s regional director for East Africa, said: “The Usahihi Expressway isn’t just a road, it’s a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration and climate-smart development.”Turner & Townsend said the project is anticipated to be a blueprint for sustainable infrastructure in Africa, featuring intelligent transport systems, electric vehicle charging stations, wildlife corridors and climate-resilient engineering.