Traffic clogs and persistent delays on the Mombasa-Mariakani Highway are set to receive targeted attention, as the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) plans to use a portion of a Sh15.8 billion loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to review the project’s financial and management arrangements.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, signalling a move to ensure that the multi-billion shilling highway upgrade is managed efficiently.

The highway forms a crucial segment of the Northern Corridor, linking the port of Mombasa to inland trade hubs in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Heavy commercial vehicles dominate the route, often slowing down movement and affecting the efficiency of cargo transport from the seaport.

KeNHA plans to recruit consultants to evaluate how the project is managed, financed, and executed, while also examining mechanisms that safeguard against cost fluctuations.

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One focus will be the Variation of Price (VOP), a contractual tool that protects both the Authority and contractors from unforeseen changes in key resource costs over the duration of long-term projects.

The Authority provided guidance for applicants, noting, “Interested individual consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services as per the Terms of Reference provided on the KeNHA website.”

Consultants will also be asked to “conduct a comprehensive independent review of the application of the price adjustment formula in selected road contracts. This would include assessing the credibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of the indices used in the formula.”

In addition, they will assess how such formulas are incorporated in bidding documents to ensure they reflect both national and international best practices.

The outcome of the review will guide the creation of policies and procedures for applying VOP across all KeNHA projects, irrespective of funding sources.

The consultancy is scheduled to run for seven months.

Interested parties must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) either physically at KeNHA offices or via email at [email protected] by Wednesday, 11 am.

Submissions should include a CV, proof of qualifications, references from similar assignments, and documentation of relevant experience.

KeNHA confirmed that the selection process will follow the AfDB’s “Procurement Policy for Bank Group Funded Operations - August 2015.”

The Mombasa-Mariakani Highway Project itself involves transforming a 41.7-kilometre stretch from a narrow two-lane road into a four-lane dual carriageway, complemented by climbing lanes and service lanes in densely populated areas.

Additional improvements include upgraded intersections, pedestrian bridges, dedicated lanes for non-motorised traffic, enhanced urban drainage, truck parking spaces, and weighbridges to monitor axle loads.

Construction began in July 2023, with an anticipated completion date in January 2026.

Once operational, the upgraded highway is expected to ease congestion, reduce vehicle operating costs, and significantly improve connectivity between Kenya and neighbouring countries in East and Central Africa.