Dongo Kundu highway opens, promising tourism boost for Mombasa and Kwale

The long-awaited Dongo Kundu Highway officially opened today, marking a significant boost for the tourism sector by alleviating long-standing traffic challenges.

The new 17.5-kilometer road connects Mombasa and Kwale, eliminating the need for vehicles to cross the Likoni Ferry Channel.

Tour operators have hailed the highway's opening as a game-changer.

Lilian Tom, who runs a tour and travel business, expressed her enthusiasm, saying it is a major relief for their business.

"I have missed several business opportunities because of delays at the Kenya Ferry Crossing Channel. Also, I am forced to pay about Sh600 per vehicle for the ferry, which adds up when we use it multiple times. Now, I can save that money and allocate it better," she said.

Rajab Mwajabuni, another tour operator, shared Tom's sentiment. "We used to spend over four hours stuck at the channel, causing tourists to miss their flights. This new highway will make a significant difference, enabling us to offer a much more reliable service," he said.

Hoteliers in the region also welcomed the development. Previously, low booking rates had plagued them, as many tourists preferred Malindi and Watamu to avoid the inconvenience of the Likoni Ferry traffic.

With the new highway opening up quicker access to Kwale, it is expected that bookings will rise, boosting local businesses.

Currently, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) has opened only one lane of the highway to private vehicles.

This temporary measure is in place as minor repairs are completed before the official launch by President William Ruto later on.

KENHA has emphasised that the highway will eventually be fully operational, providing a seamless route between Mombasa and Kwale without ferry delays.

The opening of the Dongo Kundu Highway marks a significant milestone in Kenya's infrastructure development, promising to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the region.