Mombasa: The government is expediting various multibillion shillings public infrastructure projects in the coastal region to spur socio-economic development and improve living standards for area residents. The Government Delivery Unit (GDU), based in the Office of the President, is fast-tracking project execution, ensuring high construction standards, and timely completion of the projects.
According to Kenya News Agency, GDU, in collaboration with various implementing agencies, continues to deliver and accelerate transformative infrastructural projects across the coastal region. These interventions address long-standing challenges and accelerate development across key sectors in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). GDU Coast Regional Director, Sherry Ariko Litunya, emphasized the state's commitment to speeding up major infrastructure projects in the region through the National Government Development-Regional Implementation, Coordination and Management Committees (NGD-RICMC).
Litunya highlighted that her unit has embarked on a weeklong inspection tour of multibillion shillings infrastructure development projects in Kwale, Mombasa, and Kilifi counties to ensure timely completion, quality workmanship, and community involvement in the projects. These inspections aim to assess project progress, address challenges, and ensure the timely completion of the mega projects.
The GDU inspection team has so far visited projects including the Sh4.15 billion Malindi-Sagala Gate Road project, the Sh1.4 billion Galana Kulalu bridge, Sh2.3 billion Baricho bridge, Sh7.5 billion multinational Bagamoyo Horo Horo/Tanga-Malindi road, the Sh41.7 billion Mombasa-Mtwapa-Kilifi Road project, the Sh20 billion Mwache multipurpose dam project, and the Sh3 billion Kwale-Kinango road. The Kwale-Kinango road, at 21 percent completion, is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and includes upgrading to bitumen standards, building bridges, drainage works, and road furniture.
Other projects include the Sh2 billion Samburu-Kinango Road, the Sh7.6 billion Ronald Ngala Utalii College, Sh1.15 billion Funzi causeway, the Sh173,702,296 million Diani airport expansion project, and the Sh537.5 million Mwachande Bridge, among others. The Ronald Ngala Utalii College and Diani Airport expansion aim to create jobs, boost hospitality training, and elevate Kwale as a hub for trade and tourism.
The construction of the Mwache Dam project in Kwale County, at 46 percent completion, is designed to harness floodwaters from the Mwache River basin to address persistent water shortages. The project includes constructing the main dam, lower check dam, base camp, access roads, and three schools, aiming to increase access to safe drinking water and support socio-economic growth.
Litunya reaffirmed the GDU's commitment to ensuring the successful execution of these projects in line with the Kenya Kwanza administration's BETA plan vision. She emphasized the importance of routine site visits to hold contractors accountable and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality projects. Litunya urged contractors to fast-track ongoing construction works to complete them within the specified timeframe, asserting the national government's desire to realize the full potential of these mega projects in supporting the economy.