Kenya Ports Authority is spending Sh8.3 billion on a 1.4 kilometre road project in Mombasa according to new details. The cost works out to about Sh6 billion per kilometre raising eyebrows over the exact works involved and value for money.
The authority awarded the contract for widening of Port Road from Gantry Workshop to Gate No. 18/20 in August 2024. The project was scheduled to end this month.
The contract includes substantial allocations for bridge related works. These include concrete works budgeted at Sh2.9 billion, piling works at Sh687 million and miscellaneous bridge works at Sh223 million.
About Sh1.6 billion of the road budget has been set aside for contingencies and preliminary items. These include posh offices for contractors and engineers, high end vehicles and at least 20 latest Android phones.
Recent road constructions in Mombasa have cost way below this figure. These include the Dongo Kundu bypass at about Sh1.8 billion per kilometre and the Kwa Jomvu to Mariakani Road at Sh342 million per kilometre.
A structural engineer in the roads sector said construction of a kilometre of road can cost anywhere between Sh20 million and Sh250 million based on site conditions. The expert noted that major bridge works appear to dominate the budget in this case.
The project is intended to provide an expressway from Kilindini side to the second terminal avoiding crossings at Gate 18 Junction. It aims to ease congestion currently experienced at the port.
KPA signed the two year contract on November 21 2024. The authority has already paid Sh1.67 billion in advance payment to the contractors.
The high cost has sparked debate about transparency and possible wastage of public money. Observers say detailed breakdowns and independent oversight are needed to address public concerns.
The port remains Kenya’s main gateway for regional trade. Efficient road access is seen as essential for reducing logistics costs and improving competitiveness.
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