Investors Eye Northern Corridor Opportunities as Kenya Pushes Highway Safety Infrastructure
MOMBASA COUNTY, March 31, 2026 — Kenya has stepped up efforts to attract private investment into its transport sector, with the Government positioning roadside infrastructure as the next frontier for safer, smarter and more efficient highways.
This was the key message as Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Hon. Davis Chirchir, presided over the official opening of the inaugural Regional Highway Safety Investors Conference 2026 in Mombasa.
The high-level forum, held under the theme “Roadside Stations: A Strategic Opportunity for Multimodal Transport and Highway Safety,” brought together government officials, regional leaders, investors and development partners to explore opportunities along the Northern Corridor, East Africa’s most critical trade artery.
In his address, CS Chirchir underscored the strategic importance of the corridor, which connects the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Within Kenya, the corridor stretches approximately 840 kilometres from Mombasa to Malaba, supporting the movement of goods, people and services across the region.
“As trade volumes grow, the demands on this corridor continue to rise. We must now invest beyond roads and focus on infrastructure that makes our highways safer, more efficient and commercially productive,” he said.
He emphasized that the Government is actively creating an enabling environment to support such investments through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), improved policy frameworks and transparent procurement processes.
“The opportunities before us, from truck parks and logistics hubs to smart corridor systems and green infrastructure are real, urgent and bankable,” Chirchir said. “We are inviting investors to partner with us in shaping the future of transport in this region.”
He further stressed that highway safety remains a non-negotiable priority, noting that structured roadside infrastructure will play a crucial role in reducing accidents linked to driver fatigue, unsafe parking and poor emergency response.
At the centre of discussions was the development of Roadside Stations (RSS), described as a transformative solution to persistent challenges in highway safety and logistics.
Unlike traditional rest stops, RSS are envisioned as integrated facilities offering regulated rest areas to combat driver fatigue, secure parking to protect cargo, as well as sanitation, accommodation and surveillance services. The stations are also expected to streamline logistics, reduce transit delays and improve overall trade efficiency along the corridor.
Stakeholders noted that the benefits extend beyond transport. The development of RSS is projected to stimulate local economies through job creation and support to small businesses, while offering investors viable opportunities with sustainable returns.
The conference also highlighted the need for multimodal integration, with roadside stations expected to complement rail, road and maritime systems, enhancing cargo movement and regional competitiveness.
Leaders at the forum reaffirmed their commitment to building infrastructure aligned with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, including climate resilience, green mobility and community welfare.
Among the leaders present were Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, Principal Secretaries Eng. Joseph Mbugua (Roads); Mohamed Daghar (Transport); Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli; Public–Private Partnerships Director General Eng. Kefa Seda; Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority Executive Secretary Dr. Eng. John Deng Diar, and NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa.
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