You will pay to use Dongo Kundu bypass, says Kenha

The ongoing winding up of Mteza Bridge along Dongo Kundu bypass in Mombasa County on Thursday 8th August 2024. The entire Dong Kundu by pass is said to be 96 percent complete and it is currently open to the public easing congestion at time wastage at the ferry channel. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Motorists may have to pay to use the multi-billion-shilling Dongo Kundu bypass in Mombasa, which offers an alternative to the Likoni Ferry for travellers going to the South Coast.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said the tolling policy will undergo public participation and be implemented once approved.

The agency said the Mwache-Tsunza-Mteza section of the Dongo Kundu bypass was currently in its final stage of surface dressing, road marking, installation of guard rails and information road signs and street lighting.

"A tolling policy is being developed and will soon be subjected to public participation for input. Once approved, this policy will guide consideration of such a project as Dongo Kundu bypass for tolling," said Deputy Communications Director Samwel Kumba.

He said the ongoing works will contribute to overall safety of the road and appealed for patience as KeNHA expedited completion of the project before the road is fully operational and opened for use by the public.

"The authority, however, appreciates the enthusiasm and eagerness by the public to utilize this remarkable infrastructure given its anticipated benefits. We assure the public that the road will soon be officially commissioned," he said.

For the past few days, motorists have enjoyed riding on the more than Sh30 billion Dongo Kundu or Southern bypass, that was temporarily opened to the public early this week.

The Mwache-Tsunza-Mteza section of the bypass falls under phase two of the whole project and cost the government Sh24 billion. Government also compensated land owners at a cost of more than Sh2 billion.

Phase one comprised roads in Mombasa West connecting Mombasa port, Moi International Airport and the Mwache area. The roads were completed in 2018 at a cost of Sh11 billion.

Phase three of the bypass comprised the construction of the more than seven kilometres of the Mteza-Kibundani road, which was completed about five years ago.

It was constructed at a cost of Sh4 billion and serves the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to the south of Mombasa port.  

The Southern bypass was constructed to open up the South Coast for business, agriculture, tourism and settlement as well as decongest Mombasa island.

A spot check confirmed that all kinds of vehicles including those carrying tourists, school buses and lorries were using the new road which was opened on one side.

Tourism players said they have saved more than two hours usually wasted at the Likoni Ferry due to frequent traffic jams.

They said they have a shorter route to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station at Miritini and the Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

"I have today enjoyed a smooth drive from Diani beach to the airport in Mombasa without having to go through the hustle at the Likoni," Kahindi Kuhe, a tourist van driver said.

Pollman's company driver Hamisi Salim said it took him just about 45 minutes from Diani beach to Mombasa through Dongo Kundu bridge.