This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
Kenya has announced plans to construct a Sh. 210 billion bridge over the Likoni channels in Mombasa, a project expected to ease passenger and vehicular crossings in the area.
According to a report published in the Saturday Nation on October 5, 2019, the bridge will be constructed at a cost of Sh. 210 billion, with Japan committing to foot slightly over half of the cost, Sh. 123 billion.
The project, also known as the Mombasa Gate Bridge, will be constructed on the Mtongwe passage west of Likoni, towards the Kilindini port, and not on the Likoni crossing as many had expected.
The government has secured a commitment of Sh. 46 billion from the Japanese government for the project, with the loan agreement yet to be signed.
Kenya will also be expected to foot the Sh. 87 billion remaining cost, part of which will go towards utility relocation costs on the Mombasa island and Likoni sides and compensation for the thousands of people and businesses that will be displaced by the project.
Approximately 1,200 residential and 833 commercial buildings will be brought down to pave the way for the bridge on both sides of the channel, with the cost of compensation expected to hit Sh. 12 billion even before construction starts in 2022.
