Innovative Infrastructure Financing in Kenya: Implementation of the Nairobi Expressway Public-Private Partnership Project (2019-2022)

Abstract

Kenya’s infrastructure deficit and constrained public finances have made Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) a central instrument for delivering large-scale projects. This article assesses the implications of PPPs for infrastructure development in Kenya, using the Nairobi Expressway, a 27-year Build–Operate–Transfer concession awarded to the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), as a case study. Anchored in Dependency Theory, the study sought to (i) assess the implications of PPPs for infrastructure development, (ii) examine the distributional impacts of the Expressway on Kenyans, and (iii) analyse the government’s role in ensuring that PPPs benefit citizens. A mixed-methods design was adopted. Structured questionnaires were administered to motorists, business owners and residents selected through stratified random sampling, while semi-structured interviews were held with purposively selected officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the PPP Unit and CRBC. Of 80 questionnaires issued, 60 were completed (75% response rate). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Most respondents agreed that PPPs improve infrastructure quality (71.6%) and timely delivery (70.0%), and that the Expressway improved traffic flow (81.7%) and stimulated nearby business activity (63.3%). However, 58.3% disagreed that tolls are affordable, only 63.4% agreed that PPPs reduce the government’s financial burden, and just 41.7% agreed that policies ensure benefits reach citizens. Weak transparency, limited public participation and gaps in institutional capacity emerged as the main constraints. The study concludes that PPPs are a viable model for closing Kenya’s infrastructure gap, but only where they are supported by strong institutions, transparent contracting, affordability safeguards and meaningful citizen participation.