The Kenyan government has given an important update on the progress of a major infrastructure project—the 452-kilometre Bagamoyo–Tanga–Horohoro/Lungalunga–Malindi Highway that links Kenya and Tanzania.
Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo confirmed that construction on Lot 1 of Phase 1, which covers the Mombasa–Mtwapa stretch, is nearly halfway complete.
Speaking on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, July 28, PS Omollo shared that Lot 1, which spans 13.5 kilometres from Nyali Bridge to Mtwapa Bridge, has reached 43% completion.
Construction on this section began in November 2022 and includes key components such as 2.5 kilometres of dual carriageway, 1 kilometre of service road, a large box culvert, four trunk drain lines stretching 4.3 km, six kilometres of U-drains, and four major overpass bridges.
In addition, the project features six pedestrian overpasses and bridges, 27 kilometres of walkways, 24 kilometres of additional service roads, and full installation of modern street lighting and drainage systems.
Several key road junctions—such as the Bamburi Junction, Links Road Junction, Bamburi Junction Bridge, and Kengeleni—are also set to be upgraded as part of the development.
According to PS Omollo, the project is under the oversight of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and represents a bold step toward improving regional connectivity and modernising transport infrastructure under the East African Community (EAC) integration agenda.
“This project is transformative—not just in terms of infrastructure but also in fostering deeper regional ties,” Omollo stated. “We are implementing Phase 1 in two sections:
Lot 1 is the Mombasa–Mtwapa segment, and Lot 2 covers the Mtwapa–Kwa Kadzengo–Kilifi stretch.”
However, the PS acknowledged that the road construction has faced delays due to issues around land acquisition and compensation.
He assured the public that the government has already started the compensation process for those affected and is working on relocating the main Baricho waterline, replacing it with a higher-capacity pipe to avoid future disruptions.
Beyond its transport benefits, the project is already driving local economic growth. Omollo highlighted that hundreds of jobs have already been created, and many small businesses—especially traders and transport operators—are seeing a surge in activity and demand.
“This initiative brings both short-term employment and long-term opportunities. It’s a game-changer for local livelihoods and will significantly boost tourism along the coastal belt,” he noted.
As part of its environmental sustainability plan, the government will also restore 50 hectares of degraded land in the Rabai-Kaloleni forest.
In addition, around 400 trees will be planted along the highway for beautification and greening purposes.
Apart from promoting trade and easing cross-border movement, the PS emphasized that this massive highway project is expected to deepen diplomatic relations between Kenya and Tanzania and stimulate shared economic growth across the two nations.
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