Faith Nyasuguta
Kenya’s Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, had unveiled the ambitious project of constructing Africa’s longest bridge in collaboration with the Japanese government.
The announcement comes following discussions at the second Kenya-Japan Quality Infrastructure Conference held in Nairobi.
Murkomen highlighted that the Mombasa Gateway Bridge, situated in Mombasa, is a major endeavor with Japanese involvement, aiming not only to facilitate the seamless movement of people and goods between the island and the South Coast but also to emerge as a prominent tourist attraction.
Emphasizing the longstanding bilateral relationship spanning six decades, the CS underscored Japan’s pivotal role in various projects. Noteworthy among these are the recent upgrades to Ngong Road in Nairobi and the construction of bridges in Mombasa and Kilifi counties.
The groundwork for the Mombasa Gateway Bridge, touted to be the longest in Africa, commenced with a feasibility study conducted in 2019. The bridge is poised to link Mombasa Island with the South Coast, replacing the existing ferry system.
This monumental project is backed by a substantial loan from Japan, amounting to a staggering USD 470 million. Initially slated to commence construction in June 2021, with an envisaged completion date in 2024, unforeseen delays have led to setbacks.
One significant cause of these delays is the need to compensate a considerable number of affected households. A total of 1,706 households, displaced from 725 plots covering 62.6 hectares of land, have been impacted. Notably, the affected families predominantly hail from Likoni and Shika Adabu.
The construction of the Mombasa Gateway Bridge is poised to affect approximately 500 families reliant on fishing. These individuals will face disruptions once the construction officially commences. To address these displacements and disruptions, a substantial amount of USD 94 million allocated for the compensation of affected households.
Despite the challenges, the Mombasa Gateway Bridge stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between Kenya and Japan in fostering infrastructural development. The bridge not only holds the promise of enhancing transportation but also contributes to the growth of tourism in the region, showcasing the enduring partnership between the two nations.
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