Mombasa-Kilifi Dualling Project Reaches 70 Per Cent Completion as Mtwapa Bridge Works Accelerate

Work on the Mombasa-Kilifi A7 highway dualling project has entered an advanced stage, with the first phase of the development now more than 70 per cent complete. The project, which covers a critical section of the East African coastal corridor, aims to address persistent traffic congestion and safety concerns on one of the country’s busiest transit routes. Recent progress updates for early 2026 indicate that dual lanes are now operational between Bombolulu and Mtwapa, significantly improving the flow of traffic at the northern gateway of Mombasa.

The 13.5-kilometre stretch designated as Lot 1, running from Nyali Bridge to Mtwapa Bridge, commenced in November 2022. While the project initially encountered delays linked to land acquisition and compensation disputes, construction momentum increased following a government cash injection in mid-2025. The current focus of engineering works has shifted toward the construction of the new Mtwapa Bridge. Pile driving for the bridge foundations is currently underway to support the dual carriageway structure spanning Mtwapa Creek.

Lot 2 of the project involves a 40-kilometre stretch from Mtwapa to Kilifi. This section is part of a broader 41.7 billion Kenyan Shillings investment financed through a partnership between the Government of Kenya, the African Development Bank, and the European Union. Engineering specifications for the route include a flexible pavement design intended to support heavy commercial loads. The design also incorporates six grade-separated interchanges, six footbridges, and dedicated lanes for non-motorized traffic to enhance pedestrian safety.

Supervised by the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha), the project is being executed by Jiangxi Transportation Engineering Group in a joint venture with Victoria Engineering Company. Several elevated structures, including bridges at Bamburi, Shanzu, and the Serena Junction, are largely finished. These interchanges are designed to eliminate at-grade crossings and reduce the risk of collisions involving long-distance trucks and local transport.

Contractors are currently managing subgrade preparation and asphalt paving in more rural stretches while tackling complex tasks in Mtwapa Township and Kwa Kadzengo. Drainage infrastructure, consisting of 12.3 kilometres of trunk drains and box culverts, is being installed to mitigate seasonal flooding. According to the latest schedules from Kenha and the African Development Bank, Lot 1 is expected to reach full completion by November 2026, with Lot 2 following in 2027.