In a bold move to transform Kenya’s transport infrastructure and stimulate regional economic growth, President William Ruto has officially launched the Ksh10 billion Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani Road. Spanning 30 kilometers between Mombasa and Kilifi counties, the project is poised to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and enhance the operational efficiency of the Port of Mombasa. The road project, a partnership between the Kenyan government and development partners, is part of a broader national agenda aimed at accelerating infrastructure development as a key driver of economic prosperity.

Transforming Kenya’s Transport Network

A Critical Link for Trade and Commerce

During the launch ceremony, President Ruto underscored the importance of efficient transport networks in driving economic growth. “The expansion of this road will not only improve mobility but also reinforce Kenya’s position as the gateway to Eastern Africa, attract investment, and drive economic growth in the Coast region,” the President declared. The Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani Road is expected to significantly reduce travel time and logistics costs by offering a more direct route between key economic hubs along the coast.

Historically, the coastal corridor connecting Mombasa—a major port city—and Kilifi has faced persistent challenges, including severe traffic congestion and deteriorating road conditions. These issues have long hampered the movement of goods and people, stalling economic opportunities and limiting regional integration. The new road aims to address these constraints by providing a modern, well-maintained roadway that can accommodate higher volumes of traffic and support heavy-duty commercial transport.

Enhancing Port Efficiency

One of the strategic benefits of the new road is its potential to boost the efficiency of the Port of Mombasa. As Kenya’s largest seaport and a crucial gateway for East African trade, the port’s performance is integral to the country’s economic well-being. By streamlining the transport of goods from the port to inland markets, the Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani Road will facilitate smoother and faster logistics operations. This improvement is expected to reduce bottlenecks, lower transport costs, and increase the competitiveness of Kenyan exports in international markets.

Complementary Infrastructure Projects

Last Mile Connectivity in Kilifi County

In addition to the major road project, President Ruto announced the launch of a Ksh2 billion Last Mile Connectivity Project in Kilifi County. This initiative will provide reliable electricity to approximately 20,000 households, directly addressing one of the key bottlenecks for economic development in the region. Reliable power supply is essential for the growth of local industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and services, and this project is expected to foster a more conducive environment for business expansion.

Kilifi, one of Kenya’s fastest-growing counties, has long grappled with inadequate power infrastructure, which has impeded industrial growth and constrained investment. By stabilizing power transmission and ensuring a steady electricity supply, the Last Mile Connectivity Project will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also bolster local economic activities. Investors view reliable electricity as a critical factor when assessing the viability of setting up operations, particularly in sectors that rely on consistent power for production and service delivery.

Power Sub-Station and Other Key Infrastructure

Further reinforcing the government’s commitment to transforming the Coast region, President Ruto inspected the Mariakani Power Sub-Station—a critical project aimed at improving electricity supply in Kilifi County. The power sub-station is part of a broader strategy to modernize the energy infrastructure, ensuring that businesses and communities have access to the power needed to drive productivity and growth. With improved energy infrastructure, the region can expect to attract higher levels of industrial investment, catalyze job creation, and stimulate overall economic development.

Additionally, during the same visit, the President inaugurated Mjambere Secondary School in Kisauni, Mombasa, and inspected the ongoing construction of the Mombasa-Mtwapa and Mtwapa-Kilifi roads. These projects, collectively, represent a comprehensive approach to regional development, linking improvements in transport, power, and education. By investing in these critical sectors, the government is laying the foundation for a more robust and inclusive economy along the coastal corridor.

Broader Implications for Economic Growth

Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Development

The emphasis on infrastructure development is not new to Kenya’s policy framework. Over the past decade, successive governments have underscored the importance of modern transport, energy, and communication networks in achieving economic growth and regional integration. The Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani Road, along with complementary projects like the Last Mile Connectivity Project, forms a key pillar of the government’s broader economic strategy—one that prioritizes the improvement of physical and social infrastructure to unlock investment and create employment opportunities.

Analysts note that efficient transport networks have a multiplier effect on the economy. Improved roads reduce the cost and time associated with moving goods, thereby enhancing productivity across various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Furthermore, when infrastructure investments are coupled with supportive policies—such as streamlined customs procedures and favorable investment regulations—the cumulative impact can lead to significant increases in both domestic and foreign direct investment.

Repositioning Kenya as a Regional Hub

Kenya’s strategic location, coupled with its history as a trading nation, positions it well to serve as a gateway to East Africa. Mombasa, in particular, plays a crucial role in regional trade, serving as a major conduit for imports and exports for landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. By enhancing connectivity between Mombasa and neighboring regions, the government is reinforcing Kenya’s competitive advantage and its role as a regional trade hub.

The new road is expected to attract investment in logistics, warehousing, and other related sectors. Improved transport links can also stimulate growth in the tourism industry—a key sector for the Coast region. Tourists benefit from more reliable and safer transport options, which in turn encourage higher visitation rates and increased spending in local economies. In this way, the infrastructure push supports both industrial and service sector growth, contributing to a more diversified and resilient economy.

Addressing Social and Economic Challenges

Tackling Land and Housing Issues

President Ruto also addressed pressing social issues during the launch event. One of the key challenges identified was the “land question,” which has long been a source of tension in Kenya. The President announced that Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, along with Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Lands), Hassan Joho (Mining), and Salim Mvurya (Sports), have been tasked with compiling a priority list of squatters who will benefit from land that the government is acquiring from absentee landlords. This move is aimed at resolving historical grievances and ensuring a more equitable distribution of land—a vital asset for economic empowerment and social stability.

Additionally, President Ruto laid the foundation stone for the Tezo Affordable Housing Project in Kilifi County. Affordable housing is a critical component of urban development and social inclusion, ensuring that low- and middle-income families have access to quality living conditions. By addressing housing shortages, the government hopes to reduce urban slums, enhance the quality of life, and stimulate local construction and real estate sectors.

Resolving Tax Disputes and Safeguarding Business

Economic growth is also contingent on a stable and predictable business environment. In his remarks, President Ruto addressed a tax dispute between the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Krystalline Salt Ltd in Malindi. By pledging to look into the matter, the President emphasized his commitment to protecting jobs and ensuring business continuity in vital sectors of the economy. Disputes of this nature, if left unresolved, can deter investment and undermine consumer confidence. The proactive stance taken by the government is intended to reassure both domestic and international investors that Kenya remains a secure environment for business operations.

Expanding Healthcare Access

In a bid to improve social services, President Ruto urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA). The national insurance cover, according to the President, will enhance access to healthcare services by providing crucial data on the population. This data will enable the government to better identify vulnerable groups and design targeted interventions to cover their healthcare expenses. As healthcare costs continue to rise globally, ensuring widespread coverage is essential for safeguarding the well-being of citizens and promoting long-term economic stability.

Regional Impact and Future Prospects

Bridging Regional Disparities

The Coast region, historically marginalized in terms of infrastructure and public investment, stands to benefit immensely from these initiatives. For years, residents of coastal counties such as Kilifi and Mombasa have faced challenges ranging from inadequate road networks to unreliable power supply. President Ruto’s administration has been keen to reverse this trend by prioritizing projects that directly address these deficiencies. The comprehensive development approach—encompassing roads, power, education, and housing—signals a commitment to reducing regional disparities and fostering more balanced economic growth across the country.

Mobilizing Public-Private Partnerships

The Ksh10 billion Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani Road project is an exemplary model of effective public-private partnership (PPP). By leveraging financial resources from both the government and development partners, the project demonstrates how collaborative efforts can accelerate infrastructure development. PPPs are increasingly recognized as a viable strategy for bridging the investment gap in emerging economies. With the successful implementation of this road project, Kenya is expected to attract further PPP initiatives in sectors such as energy, water, and sanitation—areas that are critical to sustaining long-term economic development.

Enhancing Regional Trade Integration

Improved transport infrastructure is also a critical enabler of regional trade integration. The new road will not only facilitate smoother movement within Kenya but will also enhance cross-border trade with neighboring countries. East Africa, with its growing population and expanding middle class, offers substantial market opportunities. By strengthening its internal connectivity, Kenya reinforces its role as the economic engine of the region. This integration is expected to boost intra-regional trade, attract foreign direct investment, and stimulate overall economic activity across East Africa.

Leadership and Vision for the Future

A Unified National Agenda

President Ruto’s remarks during the project launch reflect a clear vision for a united and prosperous Kenya. Emphasizing the need for shared prosperity, he called on all Kenyans to support government initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and reducing inequality. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed this sentiment, urging leaders and citizens alike to work together to overcome national challenges. This unified approach is seen as essential for creating a stable environment in which long-term investments can flourish.

Strategic Priorities: Infrastructure, Energy, and Social Services

The multifaceted approach adopted by the current administration highlights a strategic focus on three critical areas: infrastructure, energy, and social services. Infrastructure projects such as the Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani Road and the Last Mile Connectivity Project are designed to lay the foundation for economic growth by improving trade routes, reducing logistics costs, and fostering regional integration. Energy projects, including the upgrade of power sub-stations and rural electrification initiatives, ensure that businesses and households have access to reliable power—a prerequisite for modern economic activity. Finally, investments in social services such as healthcare, education, and affordable housing aim to improve the quality of life for all citizens, ensuring that economic progress translates into tangible benefits at the grassroots level.

Looking Forward: Transforming the Coast Region

For too long, Kenya’s Coast region has been viewed as a neglected area, underserved in terms of infrastructure and investment. President Ruto’s administration, however, has made it a priority to reverse this narrative. By channeling resources into road construction, power supply improvements, and social infrastructure, the government is laying the groundwork for a vibrant, competitive, and inclusive regional economy. The long-term benefits of these investments are expected to include increased foreign investment, higher employment rates, and overall economic resilience.

Conclusion

The launch of the Ksh10 billion Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani Road marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive development. As President Ruto affirmed at the launch, the government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure is a vital driver of economic growth. The new road, along with complementary projects such as the Last Mile Connectivity Project and investments in power, housing, and education, forms a comprehensive strategy designed to boost trade, improve connectivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for Kenyans.

By addressing critical challenges—ranging from traffic congestion and unreliable power to regional disparities and unresolved land issues—the current administration is paving the way for a more dynamic and prosperous future. The improved road network will not only ease the flow of goods and people between Mombasa and Kilifi but also reinforce Kenya’s status as the gateway to Eastern Africa. In doing so, it is expected to attract significant investment, spur economic activity, and create opportunities for all citizens.

Moreover, the emphasis on public-private partnerships and regional integration signals a new era in which collaborative efforts will drive transformative change. As the government continues to invest in infrastructure and social services, Kenya’s economy is poised for long-term growth—one that is inclusive, resilient, and capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

With the Coast region finally receiving the attention it deserves, the vision articulated by President Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki is gradually taking shape. In a country where infrastructure, energy, and social development are interlinked, the launch of the Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani Road is not merely a construction project—it is a symbol of hope, progress, and national unity. As Kenya moves forward, the benefits of these investments will be felt by businesses, communities, and future generations alike.

The road ahead is long, but with strategic planning, robust investments, and the unwavering support of the government and its partners, Kenya is set to emerge as a model of economic transformation in the region. The time for change is now, and with every kilometer paved, Kenya is building a bridge to a brighter, more prosperous future.

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photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

27th February, 2025