Kenya secures Ksh.82.7B from Japan for Likoni Bridge

Kenya has begun the search of a contractor for the Ksh.82.7 billion Mombasa Gate bridge to link Likoni and the Mombasa Mainland.

The projected which expected to begin in 2021, is fully funded by the Japanese government through a loan and grant.

The Likoni bridge is expected to be the solution to the constant challenges facing residents and motorists commuting between the South Coast and Mombasa mainland.

At 1.4 kilometre long and 69 meters high, the cable supported bridge will commence at Lumumba road in Majengo and terminate Moi Avenue along Archbishop Makarios Road.

Currently, the Likoni channel ferries an estimated 300,000 passenger and over 6,000 cars daily. But it is always not smooth with the Kenya Ferry Services facilities sometimes breaking down.

The wait for the ferries also creates traffic snarl ups that players in the tourism industry have always complained of.

According a feasibility study done by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Japan International Corporation Agency, some 3,230 project affected persons have been identified, this in addition to 1201 houses.

A compensation estimated at Ksh.10 billion will be set aside to relocate them.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Treasury in Nairobi, Japanese ambassador to Kenya Ryoichi Horie said the project will be a key addition to the Kilindini Port.

This in respect to the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone whose funding was also secured

“Kenya and Japan have had a long standing relationship spanning from 1963. We will continue to foster this going forward and help one another in the various ways we can….,” said Ryoichi Horie.

On his part, Acting Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur yatani said that the special economic zone will benefit the region and bring potential investors and spark the economy of the region.

The financing deal was approved last month when President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama, Japan.