Mombasa Port Area Road to Strengthen Kenya’s Gateway to East Africa

The Mombasa Port Area Road Development Project (MPARD) is one of Kenya’s flagship infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving access, efficiency, and safety around the country’s busiest seaport. Launched in 2018 under the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project is co-funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Kenya. It plays a critical role in decongesting the port area and enhancing the smooth flow of goods between the port, the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway, and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

The project involves the construction and improvement of key roads connecting Mombasa Port, Moi International Airport, and the Dongo Kundu bypass, creating an efficient transport network that supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda. One of the major components is the Mombasa Port Reitz-Moi International Airport Road, which provides a direct link between the port and inland destinations, significantly reducing traffic congestion and turnaround time for cargo trucks.

Additionally, the MPARD integrates with the Dongo Kundu Bypass, a major coastal link road that connects the southern mainland of Mombasa to the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway without passing through the congested city center. The bypass also facilitates access to the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is a key hub expected to attract manufacturing and logistics investors, creating thousands of new jobs for Kenyans.

Once completed, the Mombasa Port Area Road Development Project will transform the efficiency of the port and surrounding transport systems. It will not only strengthen Kenya’s position as the gateway to East and Central Africa but also stimulate economic growth, enhance trade competitiveness, and support regional integration.