The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has released a progress report on the construction of the 30-kilometre Kwa Jomvu–Mariakani highway project, following public concern over delays.
Addressing the press on Thursday evening, the Authority stated that the project commenced in July 2023 after the Kenyan government secured funding from the European Investment Bank, the German Development Bank, and the European Union.
The rehabilitation of the road, which forms part of the Mombasa–Nairobi highway, began at the Kwa Jomvu interchange and extends through Miritini, Mazeras, and Mariakani, terminating just past the Mariakani Weighbridge.
According to KeNHA, the scope of works includes upgrading the existing road from a two-way single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway, as well as the construction of climbing lanes.
The ongoing works will also include the construction of service roads at various locations, the improvement of intersections, non-motorised traffic facilities, bus stops, and enhanced urban drainage systems.
In its update, the Authority revealed that the road project—scheduled for completion by July 2026—is currently 24.85 per cent complete, with an 18.5 km section still under construction.
KeNHA further noted that the road project resumed following a move by the government to compensate owners of the land where the highway is currently being constructed.
"Out of this available section, the contractor has completed 16.6km on the left-hand side and 8.2km on the right side. The remaining 11.9km will be worked on after compensation of the Project Affected Persons along that section," KeNHA announced.
"The contractor has been on site since commencement and is executing works as scheduled. KeNHA is closely working with the relevant Government agencies to resolve the challenges facing the project to avert any delays, especially land compensation," the Authority added.
The Ministry of Transport has in the past held several meetings with development partners funding the highway to discuss its status. The highway construction project was awarded to the Engineering Bureau of China City Construction Group.
Once completed, the road is expected to improve access and connectivity between Kenya and the rest of East and Central Africa by reducing travel time and vehicle operating costs along the northern corridor.
This will, in turn, enhance regional integration and trade between the neighbouring East African states through easing the movement of people and goods.
