Mombasa-Kilifi highway expansion gains momentum after compensation clears delays

Aerial view of the Nyali bridge. It connects Mombasa Island to the North Coast. (Photo: KeNHA)

By Farhiya Hussein
Tuesday, June 16, 2026

KeNHA official Anthony Omach said construction works have accelerated following progress in compensating Project Affected Persons (PAPs), a process that had contributed significantly to delays.

The long-delayed expansion of the Mombasa-Kilifi highway has gained momentum after compensation payments to affected residents cleared one of the major obstacles that had slowed construction for years.

The latest update from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) comes months after activists and residents staged peaceful demonstrations demanding the completion of the project, arguing that the road had remained under construction for more than eight years despite its importance to motorists, businesses and communities along the North Coast.

Speaking on the status of the project, KeNHA official Anthony Omach said construction works have accelerated following progress in compensating Project Affected Persons (PAPs), a process that had contributed significantly to delays.

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The expansion of the highway is one of the largest road infrastructure projects on Kenya's Coast and is expected to ease congestion on a route that serves thousands of motorists daily travelling between Mombasa, Kilifi and other parts of the North Coast.

The project has faced criticism from residents, transport operators and activists who have repeatedly complained about prolonged delays, traffic congestion and the deteriorating condition of some sections under construction.

KeNHA said road maintenance works are continuing on sections that remain under construction, while coordination with the Mombasa County Government and traffic police is ongoing to manage traffic flow and minimise disruptions to motorists.

The authority has projected that the highway will be completed by the end of 2026.

Residents welcomed the progress, saying completion of the road could help address persistent traffic jams and improve movement along the busy transport corridor.

The highway is expected to include several grade-separated interchanges at key junctions aimed at improving traffic movement and reducing congestion once construction is completed.