Shimanzi ward is administratively part of Mvita Sub-county, not Jomvu Constituency as might be initially assumed. According to county administrative records, Shimanzi is officially designated as “Shimanzi/Ganjoni” and is one of five wards within Mvita Sub-county. This ward forms part of the more urbanized section of Mombasa County, close to the central business district.

In contrast, Jomvu Constituency (also a sub-county) comprises three distinct wards: Jomvu Kuu, Miritini, and Mikindani. This constituency stretches along a critical section of the Northern Corridor transport route, approximately 10-15 kilometers from Mombasa Island. The geographic relationship between these areas is important for understanding regional development, as Shimanzi serves more industrial and port-related functions while Jomvu represents a rapidly developing residential and commercial corridor extending from Mombasa proper.

The industrial nature of Shimanzi is evidenced by its prominence in logistics operations. The area hosts container stuffing, customs clearance, and empty container transport operations that support the port of Mombasa’s activities. This industrial character significantly influences property values and development patterns in the area.

Land prices in both areas reflect their respective development potentials and proximity to key infrastructure:

In Jomvu, land values show considerable variation based on precise location and infrastructure access:

• A 60×54 ft plot in Aldina, Mikindani was listed for KSh 2,100,000
• Another plot in Mikindani was advertised for KSh 1,500,000
• A plot in Aldina measuring 42×60 ft was available for KSh 750,000
• Larger parcels commanded premium prices, with a 1.1-acre land at Dongo Kundu bypass listed for KSh 8,200,000
• Commercial land along major transportation corridors fetched significantly higher prices, with land in Bonje area along Nairobi-Mombasa Road priced at KSh 28,000,000 per acre

In Shimanzi, the land market appears more constrained, with fewer listings available. This limited supply likely contributes to the higher property values observed in the area.

Both areas are benefiting from significant infrastructure investments that are reshaping accessibility and development potential.

Transportation Infrastructure.

Jomvu Constituency has seen substantial road infrastructure improvements:

• The constituency MP, Badi Twalib, recently opened a 400-meter cabro paved road constructed by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) in Obion Uhuru
• A 1.2-kilometer murram road was funded to connect Owino Uhuru to the Allidina area
• The MP has committed to lobby for approximately KSh 800 million for additional access road construction in informal settlements within the constituency

The most significant transportation project affecting both areas is the Kwa-Jomvu to Mariakani road expansion, which involves:

• Expanding the existing two-lane road to a modern four and six-lane dual carriageway.
• A total investment of €140 million (approximately KSh 19 billion)
• This project forms part of the critical Northern Corridor that connects Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Railway Development.

A transformative railway project is underway that will significantly impact both areas:

• Commuter rail services are being introduced in Jomvu and Changamwe by Kenya Railways, expected to be completed by May 2025
• The Sh4.2 billion project includes rehabilitation of the Mombasa Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) to Miritini
• The project includes the development of mini-stations in several locations, including Shimanzi
• This rail service will feature 16 passenger coaches, each with a capacity of 85 passengers
• The government has allocated Sh1.1 billion for land compensation to facilitate this rehabilitation project

This railway development is particularly significant as it will provide an alternative to road transport, potentially alleviating congestion along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway while enhancing connectivity between Shimanzi, Jomvu, and other parts of Mombasa County.