Kenya plans to expand the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, with help from its European Union friends, to alleviate chronic traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and boost regional trade.

For years, this vital artery has been the bane of motorists’ existence, plagued by relentless traffic jams and a penchant for accidents, especially between Kwa Jomvu and Mariakani. 

The grand plan is to transform this overworked two-lane stretch into a four- and six-lane dual carriageway, promising smoother rides for the throngs of commuters and cargo haulers who brave it daily.

President William Ruto, at the project’s kickoff in Mariakani, couldn’t contain his strategy, touting infrastructure expansion as the secret sauce for economic prosperity.

This road is the backbone of the Northern Corridor, linking Mombasa’s bustling port to landlocked neighbours like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As East Africa’s busiest trade route, its facelift is poised to supercharge regional commerce by slashing transport costs and turbocharging efficiency at Mombasa’s port, the gateway to East and Central Africa.

The enhancements are expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time, lower emissions, and facilitate smoother trade flows. The project will significantly impact regional commerce by cutting transport costs and increasing efficiency at the port of Mombasa, a key gateway for East and Central Africa

The road upgrade is a flagship initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which is investing in sustainable infrastructure across Africa. The project has secured financial backing from key European institutions, including a €100 million (Sh13.6 billion) concessional loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and the German Development Bank (KfW). Additionally, the European Union has provided a €20 million (Sh2.7 billion) grant, while the Kenyan government is contributing €20 million (Sh2.7 billion) to the project.

Turbocharging travel times

Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This project is a prime example of quality infrastructure made possible through the Kenya-EU partnership. Beyond roads, we are strengthening Kenya’s economic foundation and boosting trade in the East African Community.”

EIB Vice President Thomas Östros echoed these sentiments, highlighting the crucial role of sustainable transport in driving economic growth and inclusion.

The Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani expansion is just one component of the broader modernization of the Northern Corridor. Other key projects under the EU’s €150 billion Global Gateway EU-Africa Investment Package include the ongoing Mombasa-Kilifi Road and Kitale-Morpus Road upgrades, as well as the recently completed Isebania-Kisii-Ahero highway and its feeder roads.

Upon completion, the newly expanded Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani road will accommodate 20,000 vehicles daily, drastically improving logistics and commuter experiences. 

In a parallel plot twist, the ambitious Usahihi Expressway is gearing up to redefine the Nairobi-Mombasa commute. This 440-kilometer, four-lane marvel aims to shrink the grueling 10-hour journey to a breezy four and a half hours.

Everstrong Capital, a U.S.-based infrastructure investment maestro, inked a $3.6 billion deal with the Kenya National Highways Authority to bring this vision to life.

Road promises not only to turbocharge travel times but also to bolster regional connectivity and economic prospects. With construction slated to kick off soon, the this is set to become a game-changer in Kenya’s transport sector. By Reuben Mwambingu, People Daily