The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced plans to open a key section of the Mombasa-Malindi highway to the public within the next ten days, in a move aimed at easing traffic congestion and supporting the influx of tourists during the festive season.
Speaking to the press, KeNHA Engineer Anthony Omach said the authority has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan in collaboration with the Kenya Police Service, county traffic marshals, and KeNHA’s own traffic personnel to facilitate smooth movement along the busy highway.
“We intend to open the main road first and then work on the service roads to ease traffic,” Omach stated.
He added that the section between City Mall and Serena Junction is expected to be operational before Christmas to accommodate Kenyans traveling to the coast for the holidays.
KeNHA Resident Engineer Joseph Gichuru said the opening of the highway will significantly relieve traffic pressure on alternative routes, particularly as Mombasa experiences an influx of visitors from across the country.
“We are expecting very big relief on the Links Road Bridge. Vehicles will be able to use the new bridges at Bamburi near Petrocity, at Shanzu, and at Serena Junction,” Gichuru explained.
However, the first four kilometers from Lights to Bombolulu continue to face delays, with construction yet to commence three years after President William Ruto launched the project. KeNHA attributed the delay to land compensation issues but confirmed that funds have been disbursed to the National Land Commission.
Gichuru disclosed that the authority plans to fully mobilise resources in the affected section and employ two-shift operations to accelerate construction.
“Our plan is to start working with diversions so that vehicles can move off the main road. We have prioritized the two remaining bridges which take considerable time. We intend to work in two shifts, during the day and at night, to catch up and reduce time extensions,” he said.
Funded by the African Development Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Kenya at a cost of Sh7.5 billion, the project is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and stimulate tourism.
The scope of work includes construction of a dual carriageway with four lanes, service roads, six grade-separated junctions, six footbridges, and facilities for non-motorized traffic from Nyali Bridge to the beginning of Mtwapa Bridge.
Additionally, a 12-kilometre trunk drainage system is being constructed to address flooding challenges in the area. According to Gichuru, the system will collect surface runoff from the road and adjoining properties, particularly in the Bombolulu area, where flooding is common due to Mombasa’s flat terrain.
By Sitati Reagan and Hassan Bahati
