Sh3.16 billion released for Mombasa-Mtwapa road compensation, construction to resume

Construction of the Mombasa-Mtwapa–Kilifi road project (Mombasa–Mtwapa stretch). (Photo: Courtesy)

By Farhiya Hussein
Monday, August 18, 2025

According to Resident Engineer Joseph Gichuru, more than 1,000 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are expected to receive compensation, paving the way for construction to proceed.

Construction of the 13.5-kilometre Mombasa–Mtwapa road is set to resume after the National Treasury released Sh3.16 billion to the National Land Commission (NLC) to compensate residents affected by the project.

The long-delayed works, which had slowed down due to disputes over land acquisition, will now move forward following the allocation of funds sourced from the African Development Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Kenya. The overall financing package for the project stands at Sh7.5 billion.

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According to Resident Engineer Joseph Gichuru, more than 1,000 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are expected to receive compensation, paving the way for construction to proceed.

“So far, 260 people have already been paid. NLC has assured us that by the end of this month, about Sh755 million will have been disbursed to at least 500 more,” he said during a site inspection led by Government Delivery Unit (GDU) Coast Regional Director Sherry Litunya.

Priority has been placed on land around Kengeleni, where a 350-metre-long, 10-span bridge is planned, and Bombululu, where a 2-span bridge will be built.

“Bridges take a long time to complete, so compensation in these areas is being fast-tracked. The contractor has already precast the girders needed for installation,” Engineer Gichuru explained.

The engineer further noted that while progress has been achieved, the initial stretch from Nyali to Kengeleni remains untouched due to dense settlements. He revealed that an extension of time has been requested to accommodate delays caused by land acquisition disputes.

The project will deliver a modern dual carriageway with four lanes, service roads, six grade-separated interchanges, six pedestrian footbridges, and provisions for non-motorised traffic. In addition, a 12-kilometre trunk drainage system will be laid to mitigate flooding, while Mombasa County has committed land for the expansion of Kongowea market.

Environmental and social amenities are also factored in, including the planting of 400 indigenous trees along the corridor and the development of roadside facilities on land owned by Shimo la Tewa Prison.

“This road is vital for opening up the northern tourism and trade belt of the Coast. It will ease traffic into Mombasa, link with the Port of Lamu, create jobs for locals, and improve security. Once complete, the drive from Nyali to Mtwapa will take less than ten minutes,” said Eng. Gichuru.

In parallel, NLC has set aside Sh300 million for compensation on the Sh10 billion Lot One of the Mombasa–Kwa Jomvu highway, which is already 94 per cent complete. That project had been held back at Jomvu Kuu junction by prolonged disputes over land ownership.

“We are collaborating with NLC and the Kenya National Highways Authority to ensure PAPs are relocated so that construction can be finalised. Valuations have been done, and funds have been channelled to NLC for compensation,” confirmed GDU Coast Regional Director Sherry Litunya.

When completed, both road projects are expected to ease chronic congestion in Mombasa, reduce travel time, stimulate commerce, and transform satellite towns such as Shanzu and Mtwapa into key residential hubs for the county.