Mega infrastructure projects spur Coast region’s economy

Development of multi-billion shillings infrastructural projects by the government at the Coast is fast opening up the region for investment, trade and tourism sectors. The game-changer projects include the recently commissioned Lamu port, the ongoing construction of phase two of the Sh24 billion Dongo Kundu bypass and the Mombasa-Mariakani highway upgrade among other projects. Phase two of the Dongo-Kundu road project entails a 8.9km road between Mwache junction and Mteza while the third phase is the construction of a 6.9km road between Mteza and Kibundani, linking the highway to the Likoni-Lunga Lunga Road, where there will be an interchange. The Dongo Kundu bypass also entails a Special Economic Zone project which was launched in 2019 and is one of the flagship projects of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and upon completion is expected to develop Mombasa into a world class industrial hub and a gateway city for the entire Eastern and Central Africa. According to Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata, huge resources committed by the government for the infrastructural improvement and other critical projects have spurred economic growth. President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the Lamu Port and launched berth No 1 to facilitate a trade on May 20. The new deep-water port welcomed its first ships the same day, launching a potential trade corridor for neighbouring countries. According to the maritime stakeholders, the port will catapult Kenya into the league of key global transshipment and commercial maritime hubs. It is expected to give huge competition to established ports such as Durban of South Africa, Djibouti and Salalah of Oman. Boost business “The construction of the Lamu port and other key infrastructural projects will provide job opportunities and boost business and other economic activities,” Elungata said. Elungata who is also the chairman of the Regional Development Implementation Coordination Committee was speaking when he led the committee members on an inspection tour of the construction of the phase two of Dongo Kundu project, also known as Mombasa Southern bypass. He urged area residents to embrace the projects which are aimed at boosting the economy of the region and the country at large. Dongo Kundu project which will connect Mombasa to the South Coast in Kwale County, Elungata is aimed at easing transport, boosting industrial development and accelerating movement of cargo from Mombasa port. Mombasa Southern bypass will provide an alternative to the busy and overcrowded Likoni crossing channel which has badly affected business and movement of people. The completion of mega infrastructure projects in parts of Mombasa West has sparked a rush for property and led to an unprecedented rise in land prices signaling a significant economic growth prospects. The economic potential of Mombasa began to be realised after the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) projects as well as the first phase of the Dongo Kundu bypass. Where the SGR begins, there has seen a lot of activity in land transactions resulting in doubling or even tripling of land prices over the past two years. A survey by the Business Hub established that cost of land in Miritini, a few kilometres from the Miritini Station, has been rising, signifying eagerness from investors taking advantage of the multi-million shilling project. “The cost of land has risen due to Standard Gauge Railway. There is an influx of people looking for investments,” said Masai Muasya, a Miritini resident.

Mega infrastructure projects spur Coast region’s economy

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