The government is undertaking key infrastructure projects aimed at unlocking the full agricultural potential of the Galana/Kulalu Food Security Project in Kilifi County.
On Tuesday, Government Delivery Unit Coast Regional Director Sherry Litunya toured the multi-billion-shilling roads, bridges, and electrification works, which are at various stages of completion ranging from 30 to 99 percent.
Among the flagship works is the construction of the 200-metre-long Galana/Kulalu Bridge, being built at a cost of Sh1.493 billion under the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
Once completed, the bridge will link the expansive irrigation scheme to the main Malindi–Sala Gate Road, thereby improving access for farm inputs and the transportation of produce.
KeRRA Coast Regional Director Timothy Kendagor said major substructure works had been completed on the bridge and that the contractor had embarked on the major superstructure works, adding that the contractor had committed to completing the bridge by March 2026.
“There is so much irrigation of maize happening in this scheme, and this bridge is very critical in connecting the main Malindi-Salagate road to the Kalana Kulalu irrigation scheme,” he said.
“We are in August now, but in March (2026) we should be expecting the trucks going to the farm to be passing over this bridge,” he added.
In addition, Eng. Kendagor said the Sh2.3 billion Baricho Bridge and Approach Roads project, about 50 kilometres downstream, was 95 per cent complete, with works on the actual bridge having reached 99 percent.
At the same time, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has commenced a Sh2.9 million rural electrification project to connect the farm to the national power grid to reduce energy costs on the farm that has largely relied on diesel-powered pumps.
REREC Senior Engineer Muigai Nicholas said contractors are currently working on civil works for a step-down substation inside the farm, with completion now at 30 per cent.
The power line, divided into three sections, will run from Baolala to the Galana/Kulalu farm, with substations along the route.
“Here in the Galana area, we are stepping down the voltage from 66 to 33. Two transformers are being installed to support the scheme’s energy needs,” Eng Muigai explained.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is repairing potholes along the low-volume sealed Malindi–Sala Gate Road.
According to KeNHA Engineer Peter Maruti, this follows a request from the National Irrigation Authority, which manages the scheme.
He said there are also plans to upgrade the road to accommodate heavy commercial vehicles transporting machinery and produce.
“There is a need to transport machines and farm produce efficiently. Strengthening this road will ensure it can handle heavy trucks in and out of the farm,” Eng Maruti said.
Currently, the Malindi–Kakuyuni section is the most damaged, with numerous potholes hampering smooth transport.
Separately, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is constructing a 10-kilometre link road from Gede Trading Centre to Kakuyuni, where it will join the Malindi–Sala Gate Road.
The new route will serve as a strategic bypass for motorists heading to the farm and Tsavo East National Park without passing through Malindi town.
KURA Engineer Abdulhakim Mwalimu Mwakarani said 2.5 kilometres of the road have been completed under the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), noting that about Sh500 million is needed to finish the project.
Residents of Mijomboni, where the road has reached, welcomed the development, saying it has eased transport in the area.
However, they urged authorities to install speed bumps to curb accidents, noting that speeding motorcycles had become a danger on the smooth road.
By Emmanuel Masha and Jackson Msanzu
