Work Underway on Phase 2 of Dongo Kundu Bypass

A Japanese consortium, Fujita Corporation-Mitsubishi Corporation, has commenced work on the much-awaited construction of phase two of the Dongo Kundu Bypass in Mombasa – long after the project received a green light from the office of the Attorney General.

The 8.96-km dual carriageway project, expected to cost Sh22 billion, involves construction of an interchange at the Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway and erection of two bridges: one at Mwache – spanning 660 metres, and another at Mteza straddling 1,440 metres.

“The Mteza Bridge is seven times longer than Nyali (bridge) and it will reduce costs and time used to cross over to and from South Coast. It will also serve the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone,” KeNHA’s ex-director general Peter Mundinia said in an earlier interview.

Mwache Bridge is designed to land on the Tsunza peninsula in Kwale County where it will connect with the Mteza Bridge – which will complete the South Coast mainland connection.

Phase two of the Dongo Kundu Bypass project was scheduled to begin in August 2020 but this did not happen since there were delays in obtaining clearance from the AG’s office.

“It was not actually a delay…Such a huge project has to pass through the AG to look into the issue of taxation, and also to confirm the agreements are in order,” Mr Mundinia said.

Fujita, which has commenced work at the Mteza, Tsunza, and Miritini sites, is expected to complete the project in 48 months.

The launch of phase two of Dongo Kundu Bypass follows June 2018’s completion and opening of phase one in an event that was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Construction of the segment began in July 2016 and was completed in June 2018 at a cost of Sh11 billion. The project was undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corp.

Works at the sea

Speaking at Mwache on Thursday, Transport CS James Macharia said phase two is now on schedule at an advanced stage.

“Package two was the most critical bit because without it the entire project will not be considered complete. At the same time, is very technical because it involves construction works at the sea,” CS Macharia said.

It will include the erection of a pile-slab type viaduct which links to Mteza from where it joins phase three all the way to Kibundani interchange, which links with the road to South Coast.

Dongo Kundu Bypass Map

In November 2014, Kenya signed a Sh25 billion-loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to finance the construction of the Dongo Kundu Bypass.

The Kenyan government is expected to pay back the debt in 30 years at an interest rate of 1.2%, after a grace period of ten years – which is scheduled to expire in 2024.

Dongo Kundu Bypass, also known as Mombasa Southern Bypass, is seen as the solution to congestion at Likoni Ferry, which is blamed for the slow growth of the south coast region.

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