Kwale-Kinango Highway: A Major Economic Lifeline for the Coast Region

Kwale County is steadily emerging as one of the regions benefiting from the government’s ongoing push to improve infrastructure across the country. On May 21, 2026, President William Ruto visited the county to inspect the ongoing construction of the 29-kilometre Kwale–Kinango (B92) Road, a major project expected to improve transport, trade, and economic activity in the area.

The President was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), local leaders, and engineers overseeing the project. The visit highlighted the government’s focus on improving road networks in different parts of the country, especially in regions that have faced transport challenges for many years.

The Kwale–Kinango Road is currently being upgraded from a gravel surface to a modern asphalt road. Once complete, the road will provide a smoother and safer connection between Kwale town, Kinango, and the busy Nairobi–Mombasa (A8) Highway. Residents and motorists who regularly use the route are expected to benefit from reduced travel time and lower vehicle maintenance costs.

For years, the road has been difficult to use, especially during rainy seasons when some sections became muddy and nearly impassable. During dry weather, dust from passing vehicles created another major challenge for nearby residents and businesses. Many traders and farmers also faced delays while transporting goods to markets because of the poor condition of the road.

The new upgrade is expected to change that situation completely. Apart from improving movement, the project is also expected to open up the area to more investment opportunities and improve access to essential services.

Another important part of the project is the construction of loop roads around the Kinango Modern Market. These roads are designed to improve access to the market area, reduce congestion, and support the growing business environment within the town. Better roads around the market are expected to make it easier for traders and customers to move around, especially on busy market days.

Speaking during the inspection tour, President Ruto said infrastructure development remains a key priority for the government because of its direct impact on people’s lives and local economies. He noted that better roads help connect communities to opportunities, improve business activities, and support long-term economic growth.

Tourism is among the sectors expected to benefit greatly from the project. The road passes near the famous Shimba Hills National Reserve, one of the Coast region’s best-known tourist attractions. Easier access to the reserve could attract more local and international visitors, creating more business opportunities for hotels, tour companies, restaurants, and local communities that depend on tourism.

Farmers in Kinango and nearby areas are also likely to benefit once the project is completed. Agriculture is a major economic activity in the region, but poor roads have often made it difficult to transport produce to markets on time. With the new asphalt road, farmers are expected to move their goods more efficiently, reduce transport costs, and minimize losses caused by delays.

The inspection also coincided with the launch of other development projects in the area, including the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Kinango Modern Market and Last Mile electricity connectivity initiatives. Together, these projects are expected to improve business activity and support economic growth within the sub-county.

Construction work on the road has already made visible progress. Earthworks, drainage installation, and asphalt surfacing are ongoing under the supervision of Kenya National Highways Authority engineers. Once completed, the Kwale–Kinango (B92) Road is expected to become a major economic lifeline for the region by improving transport, boosting tourism, supporting trade, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in Kwale county.