Kenya announces Mombasa trade hub and new hospital construction

President William Ruto has announced several strategic development initiatives in Kenya aimed at boosting industrial capacity and healthcare infrastructure.

In a move to enhance trade, an agreement was signed between DP World and GulfCap Africa to develop the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The project is intended to position Mombasa as a major manufacturing, processing, and export hub to serve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Ruto emphasized that building domestic industries is essential to fulfilling the economic potential of the integrated continental market.

Simultaneously, Kenya has entered a partnership with the Italian government and GKSD Group to construct 15 new hospitals across 15 counties. This project, part of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, includes 13 Level 5 county referral hospitals and two Level 6 national teaching and referral hospitals. The initiative seeks to address Kenya’s hospital bed shortage and support the country’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.