Major road construction works are set to resume after the National Treasury disbursed Sh3.16 billion to the National Land Commission (NLC) for compensation of Projects Affected Persons (PAPs) along the 13.5-kilometre Mombasa–Mtwapa road project.
The funding came from the African Development Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Kenya at Sh7.5 billion. Once finished, it is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and stimulate tourism.
Resident Engineer Joseph Gichuru confirmed during a site visit by Government Delivery Unit (GDU) Coast Regional Director Sherry Litunya that over 1,000 PAPs would benefit from the compensation.
“Over 260 PAPs have already been paid the due amount, and the work is ongoing. We are hoping, and we have been made aware by NLC, that by the end of this month, about Sh755 million will have been paid to over 500 PAPs,” said the Resident Engineer.
the construction of a dual carriageway with Service Lanes, Separated Interchanges and non-motorised traffic facilities from Nyali Bridge to the start of Mtwapa Bridge (13.5km – Lot 1). Construction works are currently at 43 per cent completion. Photo by Andrew Hinga
He further disclosed that they have presented a priority list to NLC that mainly prioritises land compensation at Kengeleni, where a 10-span bridge measuring over 350 metres in length would be constructed and at Bombululu, where a 2-span bridge would be constructed.
“We are working with NLC towards the compensation of those people on those bridge sites. Construction of bridges takes quite some time,” he said, adding that the contractor has already precast all the required girders.
Eng. Gichuru disclosed that they have asked for an extension of time, which has been necessitated mainly by the land acquisition challenges that had derailed the project.
“Our works mainly span between kilometre four and kilometre 13. We have not been able to touch anything between kilometres 0 and 4, primarily because that is where we have highly densely populated areas,” stated Eng. Gichuru.
The scope of work includes constructing a dual carriageway with four lanes, service roads, six grade-separated junctions, six footbridges, and facilities for non-motorised traffic from Nyali Bridge to the start of Mtwapa Bridge.
Additionally, a 12-kilometre trunk drainage system will be built to address flooding. Mombasa County Government will also 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.
“This road will open up the northern part of the Coast region, making it easier for people to transport goods and services. It is already creating jobs for locals and improving access from the Port of Lamu into Mombasa and beyond,” Gichuru explained.
“The road will also enhance security and spur economic growth. Areas like Mtwapa and Shanzu are set to become the ‘bedroom’ of Mombasa. Once complete, the drive from Nyali to Mtwapa will take less than ten minutes, easing congestion in Mombasa,” he added.
Meanwhile, NLC has allocated Sh300 million to compensate PAPs in the Sh10 billion Lot One Mombasa–Kwa Jomvu Highway project, which is 94 per cent complete. The project had stalled at the Jomvu Kuu junction due to a prolonged land acquisition dispute.
“We are working with NLC and the Kenya National Highways Authority to relocate the PAPs so road construction can proceed. Valuations are complete, and funds have been transferred to NLC,” said GDU Coast Regional Director Sherry Litunya.
By Sadik Hassan
