The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is racing against time to complete the Sh889 million Malindi Integrated Social Health Development Programme Phase II (MISHDP-II) in Malindi and Magarini sub-counties, a flagship initiative expected to significantly uplift socio-economic development in the region.
Recently, the Authority awarded a Sh600 million tender for the construction of an 11.5-kilometre link road. The Mjanaheri–Ngomeni road in Kilifi County is expected to open up the area to investment, stimulate business growth and ease transportation. The construction will officially be launched in early 2026.
The first phase of the programme, funded by the Italian government, was successfully implemented between 2006 and 2012. The second phase, which commenced in May 2022, will run up to 2027. It is also funded by the Italian government through the National Treasury for €6.4 million (approximately Sh889 million at the time of signing).
Other projects under Phase II are at various stages of construction and include a dining hall, kitchen, dormitory and four classrooms at Ngomeni Secondary School; renovation of six classrooms at Ngomeni Primary School; and construction of six classrooms, a laboratory and a pit latrine at Rasi Primary School.
Under MISHDP-II, CDA has already handed over a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) block at Malindi Sub-County Referral Hospital, marking a major boost to emergency and critical care services in the lower Coast region.
Constructed for Sh50 million, the project was delivered in two phases: the ground floor now hosts the ICU, while the first floor accommodates the HDU and a mini-theatre. The block has an eight-bed capacity, including an isolation room, and will be jointly equipped by CDA and the Kilifi County Government.
The new facility is expected to significantly expand access to lifesaving care for residents of Kilifi County and neighbouring Lamu and Tana River, easing the pressure on long-distance referrals and strengthening the region’s health system.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with KNA, CDA Acting Managing Director Dr Mwanasiti Bendera said the Authority is actively wooing investors to establish factories to add value to the region’s produce, including coconuts, cashew nuts and fish. She called for greater collaboration among leaders to champion the region’s development agenda through effective resource mobilisation.
Dr Bendera noted that CDA has streamlined its operations to undertake water projects in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), which account for about 70 per cent of the region.
“Because of the vagaries of climate change, we are experiencing depressed rainfall. We must have alternative sources of water for meaningful development to be realised,” she explained.
The Ag. MD disclosed that the multi-billion Mwache multi-purpose dam, now being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, is the brainchild of the Authority. The transformative initiative aimed at ending Mombasa’s perennial water shortages is rapidly taking shape, promising to redefine water security and agricultural productivity in the coastal region.
“The project is a game-changer for the people of Mombasa and Kwale counties,” stated Dr Bendera.
She reaffirmed CDA’s commitment to improving food security and making the region water-sufficient through targeted investments, noting that in 2025, the Authority rolled out the construction of strategic water facilities worth Sh342 million in remote areas of Garissa, Tana River and Taita-Taveta counties under a drought mitigation programme.
To fully implement its water projects, the Authority requires close to Sh1.8 billion, though it is expected to receive Sh180 million in the 2025/2026 financial year.
CDA also plans to rehabilitate a community water project in Matuga Sub-County for Sh100 million, benefiting five villages and about 500,000 people. In addition, the Authority intends to leverage the underutilised Lake Challa to enhance food and water security.
A feasibility study has already been conducted, revealing significant potential, with the project requiring Sh3 billion for full implementation.
In a bid to become more self-sustaining, CDA is modernising Wananchi Resort and Spa in Bofa, Kilifi County. The 400-capacity conference facility is fully complete, while the 43-room accommodation block is 90 per cent complete.
The project aims to boost revenue, promote value addition, and support the blue economy. The MD disclosed that they are seeking Sh104 million to fully operationalise the resort.
By Sadik Hassan
