The construction of the 12-kilometre Ngomeni–Mjanaheri road, Magarini sub county to bitumen standards is set to be officially commissioned by President Dr. William Ruto Friday.
The road is expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of the area by improving transport connectivity, lowering the cost of movement and opening up Magarini to trade, tourism and investment opportunities.
For more than 14 years, residents of Ngomeni have grappled with poor road conditions that hampered transportation, increased travel costs and disrupted economic activities.
During the rainy season, sections of the road often became impassable, isolating communities and limiting access to essential services.
The Sh560 million project, being implemented by the Coast Development Authority (CDA) with funding from the government of Kenya and the Italian Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, is scheduled for completion by December this year.
During an inspection tour of the project, ahead of its commissioning, CDA Chairman Mzee Mwinyi said the road would serve as a catalyst for economic growth by improving access to markets and enhancing the movement of people, goods and services across the region.
The road will open up the Ngomeni area and significantly boost economic activities. Many young people in this region depend on fishing and sand harvesting for their livelihoods, and improved infrastructure will make it easier for them to transport their products, access markets and expand their businesses,” said Mwinyi.
He noted that the project is expected to benefit approximately 600,000 residents, making it one of the most impactful infrastructure investments in the region in recent years.
Mwinyi also lauded the Kenya Kwanza government for prioritizing the project, which is expected to be officially launched during the impending President’s tour of the Coast region.
“We commend President Ruto for recognising the importance of this project and supporting its implementation. We welcome him and his delegation to Magarini for the launch of this landmark development.
For many years, this area has lagged behind in terms of major infrastructural projects and this road represents a significant step towards economic transformation,” he said.
Local residents have equally welcomed the project, expressing optimism that it would address long-standing transport challenges and improve livelihoods.
Ngomeni resident Elizabeth Manto said the poor state of the road had negatively affected businesses and made transportation difficult for years.
“The road has been in a deplorable condition for a long time. It has made transport expensive and unreliable, affecting business activities, especially for those involved in fishing and sand harvesting. We are hopeful that the new road will improve our lives and create more opportunities for the community,” she said.
Beyond easing transport challenges, the road is also expected to improve market access for fisherfolk, reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate growth in key sectors such as tourism and commerce.
The improved connectivity is also anticipated to attract new investments, including businesses seeking access to the region’s emerging international space centre.
The project will further enhance access to critical social services by providing easier transportation to health facilities, including the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under construction at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital, as well as schools and other public institutions.
The Ngomeni–Mjanaheri Road forms a key flagship component of Phase II of the Malindi Integrated Social Health Development Programme (MISHDP II), a broader initiative aimed at improving living standards and promoting sustainable development in the region.
As part of the programme, the government is also undertaking the construction and upgrading of community infrastructure, including science laboratories, classrooms and dormitories at Ngomeni and Rasi schools.
By Sadik Hassan
