The Kwa Jomvu–Mariakani road, a crucial segment of the Northern Corridor, is set for a major transformation following the launch of upgrade works that will convert the existing two-lane highway into a four- and six-lane dual carriageway.
The project, backed by European financial institutions and the Kenyan government, aims to enhance transport efficiency along one of East Africa’s busiest trade routes.
The initiative is being financed under the Global Gateway EU–Africa Strategy, with the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and German Development Bank (KfW) extending concessional loans of up to Sh13.6 billion (€100 million).
Additionally, the European Union (EU) is providing a grant of Sh2.7 billion (€20 million), while the Kenyan government is contributing a similar amount.
During the launch event in Mariakani, President William Ruto acknowledged the role of European partners in infrastructure development.
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"I would like to thank our Team Europe partners for their support in developing as well as expanding this road infrastructure which will ease movement of goods to and from the port, thus increasing efficiency," Ruto stated.
"This investment reinforces Kenya’s position as the gateway to Africa, boosts tourism, and drives economic growth along the coast."
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela, described the project as an example of quality infrastructure that will accelerate Kenya’s economic growth and bolster trade in the East African Community.
"This Global Gateway project is a great example of quality infrastructure made possible by the cooperation between the Kenyan government and the European Union," Sikela stated.
"Together, we are not just building infrastructure, we are accelerating Kenya’s economic development and supporting trade co-operation in the East African Community more broadly."
EIB Vice President Thomas Östros highlighted the project’s role in sustainability, safety, and economic growth, noting that efficient road transport is vital to all sectors of the economy.
"Sustainable transport is key to growth and inclusion as it connects people and enables trade. Projects such as this one bring together important aspects of sustainability and safety, as well as accessibility, resilience, and efficiency," Östros noted.
"Road transport plays an important role in the Kenyan economy, affecting all sectors – and society as a whole. At the EIB, we are glad to support the national government in realizing its development agenda, which is in line with the EU-Kenya partnership strategy and the Global Gateway initiative."
Kristina Laarmann, Director of KfW in Nairobi, emphasized that beyond improving traffic flow and reducing transport costs, the project will create jobs both during and after construction.
"We all know that the Mombasa port serves as a major gateway for East Africa by connecting Kenya to significant trade routes in East and Central Africa. This is why this project is so important. It will not only create jobs during the construction phase," Laarmann stated.
"It will also stimulate job opportunities and local businesses after completion. By widening the carriageways, traffic jams and the average time to pass the road section will be reduced. Ultimately, this shall also lead to a reduction in transport costs and savings in vehicle operating costs."
The project is part of a larger Northern Corridor modernisation initiative, which includes the Mombasa–Kilifi Road, Kitale–Morpus Road, and the completed Isebania-Kisii-Ahero highway and feeder roads.
The investment aligns with the EU’s €150 billion Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to establish twelve strategic transport corridors across Africa to boost regional trade and economic development.
With an estimated 20,000 vehicles expected to benefit from the upgraded road daily, authorities anticipate a reduction in congestion, emissions, and road accidents, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a regional trade hub.
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