NAIROBI, Kenya- After nearly five years of anticipation and construction delays, the Sh40 billion Dongo Kundu bypass has finally opened to the public.
This vital infrastructure project promises to revolutionize travel between Mombasa and Kwale, significantly reducing traffic congestion and travel time for both locals and tourists.
The Dongo Kundu bypass, which links Miritini in the west of Mombasa to Kibundani in Kwale, offers a long-awaited alternative to the frequently congested Likoni ferry channel.
Previously, crossing the channel was a daily hassle for over 300,000 people and 6,000 cars. Now, with the bypass partially open, the heavy traffic and long waits at the ferry are set to become a thing of the past.
The new route has also shortened the distance from Kwale to Moi International Airport from two hours to just 45 minutes, a significant improvement that is already being celebrated by both locals and tourists.
The impact of the Dongo Kundu bypass on tourism cannot be overstated. Hoteliers and tourism stakeholders in the South Coast are hailing the road as a game-changer for the region.
Julius Owino, CEO of the Kenya Coast Tourists Association, described the opening of the bypass as “one of the best things that has happened to the Coast.”
The bypass is expected to transform Destination Diani into a premium holiday destination, attracting more tourists who previously had to endure the long and frustrating journey via the Likoni ferry. Owino added, “This is our Damascus moment. We are very much elated and cannot wait for the full opening.”
The improved access to the South Coast will undoubtedly enhance the region’s appeal, making it easier for tourists to reach popular destinations and ensuring that the area remains a top choice for holidaymakers.
Though the Dongo Kundu bypass is 96pc complete, with the contractor still finalizing essential aspects such as road signs, lighting, and tarmacking, the partial opening has already brought significant benefits to the region.
Heavy trucks are yet to be allowed on the new road, but motorists and pedestrians are already enjoying the smoother, faster journey.
George Mokaya, chairman of the South Coast Residents Association, expressed the community’s collective joy: “The road has brought pretty happy faces in all of us. Dongo Kundu is finally open, partially as it may be, but this is a step in the right direction.”
The bypass is part of a three-phased project, with Phase I completed at a cost of Sh11 billion.
The second phase, now partially open, spans 8.96 km and includes a dual carriageway, three bridges, and an interchange at the Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway. Notably, the Mteza Bridge, at 1,440 meters, is now the longest bridge over water in Kenya and the region.
The completion of the Dongo Kundu bypass marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s infrastructure development, promising to ease travel, boost tourism, and improve the overall quality of life for residents of the South Coast.
