The Mombasa–Mariakani Highway Project is one of Kenya’s flagship infrastructure upgrades aimed at easing congestion in Mombasa and strengthening regional trade.
Overseen by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project is transforming the A8 corridor from Mombasa through Kwa Jomvu to Mariakani into a modern dual carriageway built to handle growing traffic volumes and heavy cargo movement.
Here is what the project involves and why it matters.
Why the highway is being expanded
The Mombasa–Mariakani stretch forms part of the Northern Corridor, the key trade route linking the Port of Mombasa to Kenya’s hinterland and neighbouring countries including Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Thousands of heavy trailers use this corridor daily to transport cargo. Over time, traffic congestion has slowed movement, increased transport costs and caused delays at the port and within Mombasa.
According to Dr Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, the upgrade is designed to decongest Mombasa, improve access to the Port of Mombasa and strengthen regional trade.
The expansion is expected to reduce travel time, ease gridlock and improve the efficiency of cargo transportation.
What the project includes
The works involve more than just expanding lanes.
The project includes the construction of new bridges, footpaths, drainage systems and additional road safety features aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing accidents.
Implementation is being carried out in two major sections.
Lot 1 covers 11.4 kilometres from Mombasa to Kwa Jomvu and has been upgraded to a four- to six-lane highway. This section is largely complete.
Lot 2 spans 30.4 kilometres from Kwa Jomvu to Mariakani. It is being developed as a durable dual carriageway specifically designed to accommodate high traffic volumes and heavy port trailers.
Together, the two sections are expected to significantly improve mobility along the busy corridor.
The role of internal security during construction
While KeNHA is overseeing construction, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is supporting the project to ensure smooth operations during the works.
Dr Omollo explained that the department is coordinating traffic management, engaging communities and transport operators, and enforcing orderly movement along the corridor.
This coordination helps prevent major disruptions to cargo flow and minimises inconvenience to businesses and residents.
By maintaining order and facilitating communication among stakeholders, the department is helping ensure the highway continues functioning as a critical logistics lifeline even during construction.
What it means for the region
Once complete, the upgraded Mombasa–Mariakani Highway is expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional trade hub.
Faster cargo movement from the Port of Mombasa will enhance trade efficiency across East and Central Africa. Businesses along the corridor are also expected to benefit from improved accessibility and reduced transport costs.
Beyond easing traffic congestion, the project represents a long-term investment in logistics, trade competitiveness and regional integration.
As Dr Omollo noted, the corridor plays a central role in Kenya’s economic engine — and modernising it is key to sustaining growth and supporting regional commerce.
