This archive report was first published on 3 November 2021.
Published on November 3, 2021, the Kenyan government is prioritizing multibillion-shilling road modernization projects in the Coast region, including the ambitious dualling of the 300km Malindi-Mombasa-Lunga Lunga highway.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said the government is taking a multipronged approach with these projects as part of implementing the region's infrastructure master plan and reducing congestion.
Phase two of the Sh24 billion Dongo Kundu Bypass is expected to be complete by May 2022, while the Mto Mwagodi-Msau-Mbale-Werugha-Mgange-Bura road, valued at Sh2.2 billion, will be built in the next three years.
Speaking in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta, CS Macharia said the government has built over 11,000km of roads across the country since 2013 and is committed to ensuring that all roads are completed by next year.
He directed the contractor, Stecol Corporation, to hire locals and complete the work within the agreed-upon timelines.
Local leaders, including MPs Danson Mwashako, Jones Mlolwa, and Andrew Mwadime, said the road will improve the livelihoods of residents and urged the government to consider paving the dilapidated road that leads to Wesu Sub-County Hospital from Wundanyi.
Mr Mwashako also asked for the Voi-Taveta railway line to be revived and connected to the Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), while Mr Mwadime called on the ministry to complete the construction of the Sh300 million Ikanga airstrip that has stalled for over five years.
