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Global Gateway: First section of modernised 560km highway along the strategic Northern Corridor, inaugurated in Kenya, will boost trade in East Africa
Today, in Mombasa, Kenya and the European Union in the presence of Kenyan President William Ruto inaugurated the first section of an upgraded 560km highway along the Northern corridor, East Africa's busiest trade and transport route. This is part of the EU's wider support for the creation of eleven strategic transport corridors across Africa under the €150 billion Global Gateway EU-Africa Investment Package to boost sustainable and trusted connections, value chains, services and jobs that can benefit both Africa and Europe. This launch takes place few days before a meeting of the European and African Commissions in Brussels to jointly review progress in the implementation of transformative projects under this investment package.
The EU has supported this section of the Northern Corridor with €30 million in grants. The inaugural section of this new corridor stretches 54km connecting Mombasa - Kenya's second largest city and East Africa's largest port – to Kilifi, a coastal city to the north. The improved highway infrastructure will increase the route's vehicle capacity, greatly improve regional connectivity and enhance accessibility for rural and urban areas. As an EU-supported project, a particular emphasis has been placed on sustainability and ensuring positive socioeconomic impact for the communities along the Mombasa – Kilifi highway. This includes environmental and social measures, including training programs for unemployed youth and improvements for non-motorised transport, so that the whole local population will benefit.
Driving Opportunities for Kenya and East Africa under Global Gateway
The EU is supporting four wider transport projects currently ongoing to expand the northern corridor in Kenya and neighbouring countries, providing maritime access to landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Mombasa-Kilifi highway opened today is also part of the coastal corridor, a transport route linking port cities from Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, through Kenya and then moving inland to Ethiopia and South Sudan.
The four-stage project of the Northern Corridor between Mombasa and Kilifi also includes:
- Upgrading of Mombasa - Mariakani highway: (30 Km)
- Upgrading of Isebania-Kisii-Ahero highway (172km) and associated feeder roads (230 km)
- Upgrading of Kitale – Morpus highway (75km)
As part of Team Europe, these projects are being financed jointly with the European Investment Bank and KfW Development Bank.
The EU is providing €85 million in grants for the upgrade of these highway projects in Kenya, while the EIB and KfW have jointly supported the projects with €190 million, bringing the total Team Europe support of the project to €275 million.
The consortium also includes support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Kenyan Government. Including all partners' contributions, the entire budget to upgrade the Northern Corridor is €756 million.
The EU and Kenya have cooperated in the transport sector for more than 30 years. This has delivered significant improvements for the Northern and Ethiopia/South Sudan corridors. More than €550 million have been provided as EU grants, which have enabled and strengthened the trade flows between Kenya and its neighbours.
For More Information
EU-Africa: Global Gateway Investment Package
EU-Africa: Global Gateway Investment Package - Strategic Corridors