Kwale: The national government is keen to fast-track several multibillion shillings of key infrastructure projects in the counties through the National Government Development-County Implementation, Coordination and Management Committees (NGD-CICMC). These interventions not only address long-standing challenges but also accelerate development across key sectors in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation agenda (BETA).
According to Kenya News Agency, Kwale County Commissioner (CC) Stephen Orinde, who is also the chairman of the NGD-CICMC, stated that the state is keen to complete ongoing public infrastructure projects to foster socio-economic growth and improve connectivity. He noted that the government continues to deliver and accelerate transformative infrastructural projects across the coastal county. CC Orinde mentioned that the government seeks to wrap up ongoing megaprojects swiftly so they can fully contribute to the economy at large. The NGD-CICMC is determined to speed up the delivery of major infrastructure projects to support economic growth and enhance connectivity and transport links.
The county administrator highlighted that the projects would assist in creating new jobs, expanding commercial prospects, and promoting local economies. He directed contractors to expedite the work on delayed projects, address pending issues, and improve overall transparency and efficiency to ensure completion within the specified timeframe. Some key projects in Kwale include the Sh20 billion Mwache multipurpose dam, the Sh173,702,296 million Diani airport expansion project, and the Sh538 million Mwachande bridge that seeks to connect Msambweni and Lunga Lunga sub counties. Other significant projects include the Sh1.15 billion Funzi causeway, the construction of the Sh3 billion Kwale-Kinango road, the Sh606 million regional maritime transport and port logistics centre, and the Sh500 million County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP).
The region is also witnessing ongoing developments under the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), which aims to create opportunities for better living conditions. Ongoing AHP in the area includes Matuga 200 units, Diani Whitehouse 200 units, Mbokoni smart city 155 units, and the construction of the Diani modern fresh produce market. Orinde mentioned that these projects aim to improve local connectivity and address Kwale's significant infrastructure deficit, expected to ease traffic, support local businesses, and promote economic development. The extensive infrastructure projects traverse areas where fishing, agriculture, and tourism are the main economic activities.
Orinde, accompanied by Esther Mazera from the Government Delivery Unit (GDU) in Kwale and Cindy Kuria from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, led an inspection tour of the development projects. The inspections aim to assess project progress, address challenges, and ensure timely completion, stressing that no project should exceed the stipulated time. The Kwale-Kinango road, currently 21 percent complete, is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and includes upgrading to bitumen standards, building bridges, drainage works, and road furniture.
The Funzi causeway is expected to be the only link between Funzi island and Kwale mainland, serving pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles for the island's tourism attractions and fishing industry. The causeway is anticipated to improve accessibility, especially during high tide, providing a lifeline for residents. Meanwhile, the expansion and upgrade of the Diani airport is set to elevate Kwale as a key hub for trade and tourism, with aims to position it at par with international standards. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Coast Regional Manager Eng. Wellington Abwok stated that the airport project, 97 percent complete, would accommodate larger aircraft, boost tourism, and enhance revenue collection. The expansion includes upgrading the airport apron, taxiway, drainage, and other aviation-related infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger traffic and larger aircraft.
Eng. Abwok, with Diani Airport Manager Bernadine Mundui, noted the airport's steady rise in passenger traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons. He emphasized the government's dedication to accelerating key infrastructure delivery and improving existing projects. Ms. Mazera expressed optimism that the ongoing construction projects would meet their initial completion deadlines and generate anticipated economic growth.