Mombasa County Development Initiatives on Track, Major Projects Near Completion
Mombasa County’s development initiatives are progressing as planned, with several key infrastructure projects nearing completion and others on track to boost economic growth in the region. Over the past two days, officials from the Performance Management and Service Delivery function within the government inspected various projects in line with the Economic Charter signed between Mombasa County and the national government.
### **Dongo Kundu Bypass Nears Completion**
One of the most anticipated projects in the region, the **Mombasa Area Road Development Project**, also known as the Dongo Kundu Bypass, is 98% complete. The road, which will improve connectivity between Mombasa and Kwale Counties, is expected to ease traffic congestion at the Likoni Ferry and provide a direct link to the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and Mombasa International Airport.
The project will not only enhance accessibility but also stimulate local economies by boosting tourism, the hospitality industry, and creating jobs. Once fully operational, it will also provide a significant reduction in travel times between Mombasa and its neighboring counties. In addition, the fabrication plant for **Taifa Gas** at the Dongo Kundu SEZ is 26% complete and will provide 900 job opportunities for youth upon its completion.
### **Mombasa-Mtwapa Road Development Making Headway**
The **Mombasa-Mtwapa Road Project**, an AfDB-funded initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Mombasa and Kilifi Counties, is progressing steadily with 26% of the work already completed. The road is expected to facilitate trade and enhance economic growth by improving access to key commercial hubs. Upon completion, the road will open up new opportunities for the region, contributing to Kilifi’s transformation into an industrial hub.
### **Tuna Fish Hub Set to Boost Local Economy**
The **Tuna Fish Hub** in Jomvu is another notable project that is making significant progress. With 45% of the work completed, this ultra-modern facility will provide value-added processing of tuna and other fish species, providing a direct economic boost to local fishermen. The hub will also create 2,500 jobs for youth and help strengthen national food security by increasing the earnings of local fishers.
### **Affordable Housing in Nyali Moving Forward**
The **Nyali Affordable Housing Project** is still in its early stages but is making steady progress. Currently, the construction of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility is underway. Once completed, the project will offer essential amenities to local residents, including a primary school, dispensary, market, and sports field, contributing to the social and economic welfare of the community.
### **Youth-Focused Initiatives and Financial Inclusion**
In addition to infrastructure projects, the **Big Ship Fund**, a community-based initiative focused on youth empowerment, is actively involved in conservation projects such as mangrove preservation. The uptake of financial inclusion funds has been encouraging, with beneficiaries reporting positive impacts on their livelihoods.
### **Stakeholder Engagement Forum Highlights Progress**
Earlier today, local leaders and stakeholders gathered for a **Stakeholders Engagement Forum** in Mombasa, where they discussed the progress of ongoing development projects and provided feedback on the 5th Administration’s BETA Scorecard. The forum, which included Coast Regional Commissioner Ms. Rhoda Onyancha, County Assembly Speaker Harun Katoo, local MCAs, and technical officers, served as an opportunity to review the implementation of the Economic Charter between Mombasa County and the national government.
The forum underscored the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises, with a continued focus on the successful implementation of the **BETA Plan** and county-level economic charters.
### **Looking Ahead**
As Mombasa County continues to make strides in its development agenda, the government remains committed to supporting these projects and working closely with local communities to ensure sustainable growth. The ongoing infrastructure projects are set to transform the region, opening up new economic opportunities, creating jobs, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
With significant investments in transport, housing, and industrial development, Mombasa County is well on its way to becoming a key player in Kenya’s economic growth, with a promising future ahead.