Sh7.5b Mombasa–Mtwapa road dualling project makes steady progress

SADIK HASSAN-KNA 

The dualling of the 13.5-kilometre Mom basa–Mtwapa road is progressing steadily and remains on schedule despite earlier setbacks related to land acquisition.

Funded by the African Development Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Kenya at a cost of Sh7.5 billion, the project—currently 42 per cent complete— is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and stimulate tourism.

The scope of work includes the construction of a dual carriageway with four lanes, service roads, six grade-sepa rated junctions, six foot bridges, and facilities for non-motorised traffic from Nyali Bridge to the beginning of Mtwapa Bridge.

Additionally, a 12-kilometre trunk drainage system will be built to address flooding, while the County Government of Mombasa will provide land to expand the Kongowea market.

Plans also include the planting of 400 indigenous trees along the road corridor and the development of roadside amenities on land belonging to Shimo la Tewa Prison. According to Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Resident Engineer Joseph Gichuru, the project mainly entails upgrading the road to a dual carriageway and constructing accompanying service roads. 

To solve the flooding menace exacerbated by Mombasa’s flat terrain, an underground trunk drainage system is being constructed along the road. 

“It will collect all the surface runoff from the road and some adjoining properties, especially within the Bombolulu area,” explained Eng. Gichuru, during the project tour led by Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura.