Government keen to complete road projects at the coast

Earth movers work on a section of the Casuarina-Msabaha-Serengeti Road. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is constructing the 15.7 km access road, which will ease traffic on the main Mombasa-Malindi highway. 

The state has stepped up efforts to ensure completion of road projects in Kilifi county, underscoring their importance in driving economic growth at the Coast.

Contractors handling the projects have been urged to fast-track construction without compromising quality, as the government moves to unlock the region’s economic potential.

Coast regional commissioner Rhoda Onyancha, who led the Regional Implementation Coordination Management Committee during an inspection of the projects, directed contractors to work around the clock to ensure timely delivery.

She maintained the roads are critical in enhancing connectivity, boosting trade and supporting key sectors such as tourism and agriculture.

“We will ensure all the projects are completed within the stipulated time or earlier,” she said.

Among the flagship projects is the Multinational Bagamoyo–Tanga–Horohoro/Lunga Lunga–Malindi Road Project, Lot 2: Mtwapa–Kwa Kadzengo–Kilifi section, which is now 76 per cent complete.

The Sh7.5 billion project had faced delays due to land acquisition challenges, but compensation of Project Affected Persons by the National Land Commission and KeNHA is now paving the way for the resumption of major works.

The project includes construction of the new Mtwapa weighbridge in Kanamai to ease congestion in Mtwapa town.

The project also includes a dual carriageway from the new Mtwapa Bridge to Kwa Kadzengo, upgrading of the existing road to Kilifi Bridge.

It will also have construction of key infrastructure such as the Mbogolo River Bridge, a weighbridge with access roads, a market at Takaungu and three spur roads at Ronald Ngala, Shariani and Takaungu.

At the same time, the upgrading to bitumen standards and maintenance of the Bamba-Ganze-Kilifi Road, currently at 26.56 per cent.

It is expected to open up rich agricultural zones, reduce travel time and improve access to administrative services, health facilities and schools.

The commissioner noted that the roads will deliver economic benefits, pointing to the 15.7-kilometre Casuarina-Msabaha-Serengeti loop road linking Watamu and Malindi as a key boost to tourism and investment.

To eliminate bottlenecks, the committee issued a two-week ultimatum to encroachers on the Casuarina-Msabaha-Serengeti Road reserve and directed Kenya Urban Roads Authority to install beacons to prevent further encroachment.

“There are individuals conducting quarrying on road reserves. We urge them to vacate immediately. We have instructed the Kilifi team to work with National Environment Management Authority and the Ministry of Mining to halt the activities and ensure the quarries are rehabilitated,” said the official.

She also warned those carrying out quarrying on public land and along the Shelly Beach Road reserve in Mombasa, which has been earmarked for a link road to Diani Beach, to cease operations.

The commissioner added that compensation of PAPs along the Multinational Bagamoyo-Horohoro/Lunga Lunga-Malindi Road, Lot 2: Kilifi-Kwa Kadzengo section, is ongoing to facilitate completion of the project.

The committee further inspected the construction of the Gede-Kakuyuni road and the Kilifi Central fish landing site, both of which are progressing as planned.

The government maintains that completing the road projects on time will significantly improve mobility, spur trade and position the Coast as a key economic and tourism hub.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The government’s urgency reflects the strategic value of coastal infrastructure in Kenya’s economic framework. These roads are not just transport links but catalysts for trade efficiency, tourism growth and regional integration. Delays linked to land compensation and encroachment highlight systemic challenges in infrastructure delivery. By tightening supervision and issuing ultimatums, authorities signal a shift toward stricter project accountability.