Uganda and Kenya declared a 200-kilometer expressway connecting Kisumu, Busia, Kakira, and Malaba ready for investment at meetings held in Kampala. The African Development Bank and East African Community backed the project that will reduce transport time between Mombasa port and landlocked nations by upgrading three border posts at Lwakhakha, Busia and Lumino.
Works Minister Katumba Wamala stated that Kenya remains Uganda's largest trading partner and that faster cargo movement benefits the regional economies. Private investors will finance construction through public-private partnerships and collect toll revenues under long-term contracts, rather than relying on traditional government funding models.
The highway forms part of the Trans-African Highway network, serving Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kenya National Highways Authority Director Charles Obuon said the route addresses gaps in cross-border corridors that limit East African competitiveness.
Towns along the corridor may attract factories and service businesses as travel costs decline. Officials expect the expressway to boost employment and tourism while demonstrating regional capacity to manage infrastructure without external contractors.
Works Minister Katumba Wamala stated that Kenya remains Uganda's largest trading partner and that faster cargo movement benefits the regional economies. Private investors will finance construction through public-private partnerships and collect toll revenues under long-term contracts, rather than relying on traditional government funding models.
The highway forms part of the Trans-African Highway network, serving Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kenya National Highways Authority Director Charles Obuon said the route addresses gaps in cross-border corridors that limit East African competitiveness.
Towns along the corridor may attract factories and service businesses as travel costs decline. Officials expect the expressway to boost employment and tourism while demonstrating regional capacity to manage infrastructure without external contractors.
