Mariakani, Kenya: A major upgrade of Kenya’s crucial trade and transport artery, the Kwa Jomvu to Mariakani road, has commenced, marking a significant step forward in bolstering East African commerce. The ambitious project, spearheaded by the Kenyan government and supported by a consortium of European partners, aims to transform the predominantly two-lane road into a modern four and six-lane dual carriageway.
President William Ruto, alongside representatives from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), the European Union (EU), and the German Development Bank (KfW), officially launched the construction works. This crucial infrastructure development forms a key component of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, designed to enhance connectivity and trade across Africa.
The road, a vital link in the Northern Corridor, connects the port of Mombasa to landlocked nations such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The upgrade is expected to significantly improve the flow of goods and people, reducing congestion and boosting regional trade.
“I would like to thank our Team Europe partners for their support in developing and expanding this road infrastructure which will ease movement of goods to and from the port, thus increasing efficiency,” President Ruto stated at the launch ceremony.
The project, valued at EUR 140 million (approximately Ksh 19 billion), is a testament to international collaboration. EIB Global and KfW are providing concessional loans totaling EUR 100 million (Ksh 13.6 billion), while the EU is contributing a EUR 20 million (Ksh 2.7 billion) grant. The Kenyan government is matching the EU’s contribution with approximately EUR 20 million (Ksh 2.7 billion).
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela, highlighted the project’s broader impact, stating, “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.”
European Investment Bank Vice President, Thomas Östros, emphasized the project’s commitment to sustainability and safety. “Sustainable transport is key to growth and inclusion as it connects people and enables trade,” he said. “Projects such as this one bring together important aspects of sustainability and safety, as well as accessibility, resilience, and efficiency.”
Kristina Laarmann, Director of KfW in Nairobi, underscored the project’s economic benefits, noting that it will “not only create jobs during the construction phase but also stimulate job opportunities and local businesses after completion.”
Upon completion, the upgraded road is expected to benefit an average of 20,000 vehicles per day, reducing travel times and lowering emissions. This project is part of a broader EU initiative to develop twelve strategic transport corridors across Africa, supported by the EUR 150 billion Global Gateway EU-Africa Investment package.
The Kwa Jomvu – Mariakani upgrade is a vital piece in the puzzle of East African connectivity, demonstrating the power of international partnerships to drive economic development and improve the lives of millions.
