The government is expediting various multibillion shillings public infrastructure projects in the coastal region to spur socio-economic development and improve living standards for area residents.
The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) based in the Office of the President is fast-tracking project execution, ensuring high construction standards, and timely completion of the projects.
GDU in collaboration with various implementing agencies continues to deliver and accelerate transformative infrastructural projects across the coastal region.
These interventions not only address long standing challenges but also accelerate development across key sectors in line With the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
GDU Coast Regional Director, Sherry Ariko Litunya, says the state is committed to speeding up of major infrastructure projects in the region through the National Government Development-Regional Implementation, Coordination and Management Committees (NGD-RICMC).
Litunya says her unit has embarked on a weeklong inspection tour of multibillion shillings infrastructure development projects in Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi counties to ensure the timely completion, quality workmanship and community involvement in the projects.
These inspections are intended to assess project progress, address challenges, and ensure timely completion of the mega projects
The GDU inspection team has so far visited the Sh 4.15 billion Malindi-Sagala Gate Road project, the Sh1.4 billion Galana Kulalu bridge, Sh2.3 billion Baricho bridge, Sh7.5 billion multinational Bagamoyo Horo Horo/Tanga- Malindi road, the Sh 41.7 billion Mombasa-Mtwapa-Kilifi Road project, the Sh20 billion Mwache multipurpose dam project and Sh. 3 billion Kwale-Kinango road.
The Kwale-Kinango road which is at 21 per cent complete is being implemented by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the scope of work include upgrading to bitumen standards as well as build bridges, drainage works and road furniture.
The Bagamoyo Horo Horo/Tanga- Malindi road which is at 70 per cent complete will enhance trade, transport efficiency and road safety between Kenya and Tanzania.
The Mombasa-Mtwapa-Kilifi Road project is an ongoing initiative by KeNHA to upgrade the A7 road section.
This project involves constructing a dual carriageway with service lanes and grade-separated junctions, aiming to improve connectivity and facilitate trade and tourism between Mombasa and Kilifi. The project is being implemented in phases, with the Mombasa-Mtwapa section being a key focus.
Other magnificent projects taking shape in Kwale include the Sh. 2 billion Samburu-Kinango Road, the Sh7.6 billion Ronald Ngala Utalii College, Sh1.15 billion Funzi causeway, the Sh 173,702,296 million Diani airport expansion project, the Sh 537.5 million Mwachande Bridge which is at 60 per cent complete and the Sh500 million County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) among other significant projects.
The Ronald Utalii College which is at 88 per cent complete seeks to create jobs and boost hospitality training.
The expansion of Diani Airport is a transformative project that is set to elevate Kwale as a key hub for trade and tourism and aims to position it at par with international standards.
The airport project which is at 97 percent complete will be able to accommodate larger aircrafts, boost tourism and enhance revenue collection.
The CAIP project which is at 78 percent complete is set to drive manufacturing and investment through agro-industries, while also enhancing agricultural productivity and creating inclusive, decent jobs.
The Malindi Sala Gate Road in Kilifi County has boosted tourism in the region as tourists are now able to travel from Malindi to Tsavo National Park within two hours.
Mwache Dam is an 87.5-meter-tall concrete gravity dyke, impounding 118 million cubic meters of water for supply and irrigation and is expected to boost the water supply for Kwale and Mombasa counties.
The construction of the Mwache Dam project in Kwale County which is at 46 per cent complete is meant to harness the floodwaters from Mwache River basin in Kinango sub county and help tackle persistent water shortages in the coastal region.
The dam with the scope of the construction of the main dam, lower check dam, base camp, access roads, relocation of roads, water supply and construction of three schools will increase access to safe and reliable drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases and support socio-economic growth.
The highly important Funzi causeway will be the only link between Funzi Island and Kwale mainland and will be used by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles that service the island’s tourism attractions and the fishing industry.
The crossing point is approximately 5 km from the mainland in Msambweni sub county and provides access to Funzi Island, which in turn will lead to easy access to hotels, social amenities, schools, and various health centers in the area.
Stakeholders contend that the idyllic island holds great tourism and fishing potential that will boost the economic and social potential of the island dwellers, well into the future.
Residents say the causeway over Funzi creek is a game changer for the islanders and visitors in terms of improving accessibility, especially during the high tide.
The new causeway is expected to be the lifeline for residents to venture out and get back to the island at will instead of waiting for low tides or walking around an outcrop of rocks to get back home.
The signature Mwachande Bridge project is being built across River Ramisi and seeks to connect Msambweni and Lungalunga sub-counties in Kwale.
Litunya says the Mwachande Bridge is one of the most critical infrastructure developments in the coastal region and links thousands of people to markets and amenities like hospitals,schools and markets.
All the large-scale infrastructure projects in the coastal region traverse an area where fishing, agriculture and tourism are the main economic activities, and that the inspection aims to assess the progress and quality of these projects.
She says the GDU is leading efforts to address issues such as project delays, and cost overruns and that the government is prioritizing infrastructure projects like roads and bridges to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade and movement of people, goods and services.
Litunya says the GDU is setting deadlines for contractors, streamlining processes and prioritizing key infrastructure projects like roads for socio-economic takeoff.
“GDU is taking steps to ensure the high-quality and durable projects are completed within agreed timelines and budgets for efficient project management,” she said.
She reaffirmed GDUs commitment to ensuring the successful execution of these projects in line with the Kenya Kwanza’s administration’s vision of the BETA plan.
Litunya lauded the ongoing projects as a ‘game-changers’ by significantly impacting various sectors noting that they would go a long way to solve some of the socio-economic problems faced by the people in the coastal region for decades.
Speaking during the inspections, Litunya emphasised that these routine site visits play a vital role in keeping contractors accountable and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality projects.
She exhorted contractors to fast-track ongoing construction works of all mega roads, bridge and highway projects and complete them within the specified timeframe.
Litunya says it’s the desire of the national government to complete mega projects as quickly as possible to realize their full potential in supporting the economy.
She expressed the government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises and the GDUs focus on delivering results and improving the lives of Kenyans.
By Hussein Abdullahi
