President William Ruto has recently endorsed the establishment of a Ksh12 billion Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Jomvu, Mombasa, asserting that this initiative will catalyze Kenya’s shift from raw product exports to manufacturing and exporting finished goods. This strategic move is seen as pivotal for enhancing the country’s economic landscape.

A Historic Agreement Signed

On September 8, 2026, Ruto was present at State House, Nairobi, for the signing of a significant tripartite agreement between the Mombasa County Government, Mombasa Free Zone Ltd, and the global logistics firm DP World. The 535-acre Mombasa SEZ is designed to accommodate various sectors, including manufacturing, processing, assembly, branding, logistics, and exports. This project is fundamentally aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to connect farmers, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers with domestic, regional, and global markets.

Ruto emphasized the importance of special economic zones in the nation’s economic strategy. “These zones are essential for building industries, boosting exports, creating jobs, and establishing strong value chains,” he stated. He highlighted the need for Kenya to shift its focus from merely exporting raw and minimally processed goods, urging for a model that prioritizes local manufacturing and the export of competitively priced finished products.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits

The Mombasa SEZ is anticipated to generate 10,000 jobs during its initial phase, as per Ruto’s statements. While earlier estimates suggested around 7,972 direct job opportunities according to GulfCap, the variance in figures may stem from the different stages of the project. The area will be strategically linked to the Standard Gauge Railway and regional transport corridors, fostering Jomvu’s role as both a production hub and a transition point for goods.

The SEZ is expected to attract numerous companies involved in manufacturing and logistics, with reports of about 67 companies expressing interest in establishing operations within the zone. Suleiman Shahbal, chairman of GulfCap Group, remarked on the significance of the agreement, noting it culminates a 15-year pursuit. “This project holds immense potential to positively influence Mombasa’s economy,” he asserted.

According to Mohammed Akoojee, the CEO of DP World for Africa, this development will bolster trade links and supply chain efficiency, creating a favorable environment for new investments and job creation. The Mombasa project contributes to DP World’s expanding footprint in Kenya, following the company’s 2025 rollout of a Port Community System in collaboration with the Kenya Ports Authority.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

This initiative not only represents a major investment in Mombasa’s economic future but also aligns closely with Kenya’s broader development goals. By transforming the economic landscape through the Mombasa SEZ, the country aspires to enhance its manufacturing capacities, reduce its dependency on raw exports, and ultimately elevate its position in both regional and global markets. With the potential to foster innovation, create jobs, and rejuvenate local economies, the establishment of the Mombasa Special Economic Zone stands as a testament to Kenya’s vision of economic transformation and sustainable growth.