Coast activists issue two-week ultimatum over Mombasa-Malindi Highway delays
Residents have also raised concerns about the rising number of accidents along the highway, linking the increase to traffic congestion and the deteriorating road surface.
Activists along the Coast have issued a two-week ultimatum to the government and the contractor handling the Mombasa-Malindi Highway, demanding urgent completion of the road, which has been under construction since 2017.
Speaking on Tuesday, Walid Sketty of Vocal Africa warned that failure to finish the project within the stipulated time would force residents to take drastic measures. “We are giving an ultimatum of two weeks, and if by December 16 this road is not completed, we are going to mobilise the masses and block the road. No activity will continue here until the highway is finished,” he said.
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Sketty added that the stretch from Nyali Bridge to City Mall serves over 10 schools and more than 10 hospitals, but residents continue to endure immense hardship. “We sat here for just 30 minutes, but we caught a cold because of the dust. This is an economic wreckage,” he said.
Activists also highlighted the human cost of the delayed project. Salma Hemed of She Rises Organisation described how the road has caused pregnant women to give birth on the roadside, particularly during peak traffic hours. “Expectant mothers heading to Coast General Hospital spend a lot of time on this road because it is always congested during rush hour. Many have ended up giving birth in vehicles,” she said.
In addition to endangering lives, the poor state of the highway has been blamed for damaging vehicles and contributing to health problems among residents. Mathias Shipeta, Rapid Response Officer at Haki Africa, said, “The amount of repairs being done on vehicles is enormous. Residents also suffer from respiratory diseases due to the conditions on this road.”
MUHURI director Khelef Khalifa questioned the role of local politicians in addressing the crisis. “What are the politicians doing? People are suffering, and residents continue to face unnecessary hardship,” he asked.
Residents have also raised concerns about the rising number of accidents along the highway, linking the increase to traffic congestion and the deteriorating road surface.
With construction dragging on, activists warn that unless the government acts swiftly, the prolonged delays will continue to affect thousands of residents and the local economy.
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