The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has allocated Sh64 million on drainage improvement works along the Quickmart supermarket section of Links Road in Mombasa to address perennial flooding that has disrupted transport and mobility in the area.
Area Resident Engineer for the project, John Kipkegut, said during an assessment visit by the Government Delivery Unit, Coast Regional Director Sherry Litunya, that the initiative seeks to elevate the road and enhance drainage capacity to ensure it remains motorable throughout the year.
“We are raising this section of the road using pipe culverts and installing vertical drains that will act as slippage areas where water can drain after passing through the culverts,” explained Eng. Kipkegut.
Moreover, the 7.5-kilometre stretch from Nyali Centre to Lights will also be maintained under a Performance-Based Contract (PBC) for 12 months to guarantee serviceability.
However, Eng. Kipkegut noted that the main challenge facing the project is the high volume of stormwater generated from developments adjacent to the road, which often overwhelms the drainage system and leads to recurrent ponding.
“The volume of water coming from surrounding developments is significant and without adequate funding, it has not been possible to construct infrastructure to channel the excess water to the ocean,” he said, adding that such works would require a minimum of three months to complete.
Meanwhile, KURA has announced the closure of Links Road, Nyali, for six months to facilitate construction works in the flood-prone area, which becomes impassable during the rainy season.
In a public notice, KURA stated that the road will be closed from 6.00 AM on Friday, 1st August 2025, to 6.00 PM on Friday, 30th January 2026.
“This closure is necessary to facilitate the construction works to provide a lasting solution to the regular flooding and drainage challenges that usually affect that section of the road,” read the notice.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution when approaching the affected section and to follow all road signs provided whereas Police Officers and Traffic Marshals will be on site to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
Motorists are being encouraged to use the Mt. Kenya Road diversion as an alternative route during construction to enhance mobility on the flood-prone section.
By Sitati Reagan
