Mombasa: The Sh45 billion Dongo Kundu bypass in the coastal city of Mombasa has been billed as a game changer that is set to redefine the coastal region's socio-economic landscape. The bypass, an 18-kilometre highway, connects Miritini on the mainland west to Ng'ombeni on the south coast, bypassing the congested Likoni Ferry crossing.
According to Kenya News Agency, the bypass is currently 98 per cent complete and is already being used by motorists pending its official commissioning. This infrastructure is enhancing socio-economic activities by facilitating the seamless movement of goods, services, and people. Stakeholders believe that the road will improve security and connectivity across the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi, enabling safer and faster travel.
The project, also known as the Mombasa Southern Bypass Highway, features three bridges, including the longest over-water bridge in East Africa. It aims to reduce travel time to Diani and the south coast, boost regional trade, facilitate tourism, and spur the development of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone. The bypass is a critical transport corridor for traffic destined for the interior of Kenya and beyond, promoting trade facilitation and improving socio-economic development.
The bypass straddles Kwale and Mombasa counties, starting at Mteza Bridge and ending at Kibundani along the Mombasa-Lungalunga highway. It also connects Moi International Airport and the SGR terminus, thus supporting the tourism and hospitality industry in the coastal region.
The completion of the bypass has significantly reduced dependence on the Likoni Ferry channel, which serves approximately 300,000 people and 6,000 vehicles daily. Ferry services, which began in 1937, have been the only link to the South Coast before the Dongo Kundu bypass, but have faced challenges such as mechanical issues, delays, congestion, and safety concerns.
Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, highlighted the importance of the Dongo Kundu bypass as a transport corridor for traffic to the interior of Kenya and beyond. Owalo noted that the project enhances infrastructure, creates employment opportunities, and facilitates easier movement of services, thereby boosting economic growth in the coastal region. He emphasized the project's role in improving tourism and hospitality in Kwale, linking it to major transport corridors, including the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
The Dongo Kundu project also includes the development of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a Vision 2030 flagship project. The SEZ, located on approximately 3,000 acres adjacent to the Mombasa Port, is strategically positioned for development and competitiveness in logistics and facilities. Developed by the Kenya Ports Authority, it is designed for various industries with zoned areas for industrial activity, enterprise and trade, tourism, and port services.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir expressed optimism that the project would address unemployment in the coastal region, attracting Foreign Direct Investments estimated to increase by at least Sh100 billion. Nassir emphasized the need for stakeholder support in the SEZ's development, highlighting its potential to stimulate investments, increase trade, and provide jobs.
The completion of the Dongo Kundu Bypass and SEZ is expected to position Kenya alongside countries like China, Singapore, and Dubai, which have successfully utilized special economic zones to drive prosperity. With numerous tax and non-tax incentives, the government anticipates that foreign investors will be drawn to Kenya, while local industries gain access to international markets.