President William Ruto has witnessed the signing of a Sh12 billion agreement that will pave the way for the development of a major Special Economic Zone in Jomvu, Mombasa County.
The agreement was signed at State House, Nairobi, on September 8 and involves Mombasa County Government, Mombasa Free Zone Ltd and global logistics company DP World. The investment is valued at more than $100 million (KES 12.9 billion approximately).
The proposed Special Economic Zone will occupy approximately 535 acres and is strategically connected to the Standard Gauge Railway and regional transport corridors.
The development is expected to attract businesses involved in manufacturing, logistics, exports and other industries. According to reports, 67 companies have already expressed interest in participating in the development.
Ruto said the project would support Kenya's efforts to shift from exporting raw and minimally processed commodities towards manufacturing, processing and exporting finished products.
The President said the first phase could create about 10,000 jobs and position Mombasa as a major production and export hub serving markets in the East African Community, COMESA and the wider African continent.
Ruto also set a six-month deadline for completion of the zone, saying firm timelines were necessary to ensure major development projects were delivered.
Beyond direct employment, the project is expected to create opportunities for traders, transport operators, food vendors and other businesses operating around Jomvu.
The investment could further strengthen Mombasa's position as an industrial and logistics gateway while supporting Kenya's broader strategy of attracting private investment into manufacturing and export-oriented industries.
