Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, has embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour of key infrastructure projects in the coastal counties of Mombasa and Lamu. The tour aims to assess progress, gather firsthand insights, and address any challenges faced by contractors and affected communities.
Inspection Highlights
Owalo highlighted that the visit was critical for evaluating the status of ongoing high-impact projects implemented by the national government, with a focus on improving infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and alleviate the current economic hardships faced by Kenyans. The inspection team included:
- Anne Wang’ombe: Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action.
- Rhoda Onyancha: Coast Regional Commissioner.
- Mohamed Noor: Mombasa County Commissioner.
- Sherry Ariko: Head of the Government Delivery Service (GDS) in the coastal region.
Major Projects Inspected
Owalo’s tour covered several significant infrastructure projects in Mombasa, including:
- Dongo Kundu Bypass Highway (Sh. 54 billion):
- The bypass is 98% complete and spans Kwale and Mombasa counties, starting from Mteza Bridge and ending at Kibundani along the Mombasa-Lungalunga Highway.
- The project aims to ease traffic congestion, enhance trade, and boost tourism by providing a direct link from Moi International Airport and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus.
- Mombasa Special Economic Zone Development Project (Sh. 40 billion):
- This Vision 2030 flagship project covers approximately 3,000 acres and is strategically located near the Port of Mombasa, Dongo Kundu Bypass, SGR, and Moi International Airport.
- The Special Economic Zone is expected to transform Mombasa into a regional logistics and manufacturing hub, driving regional investments and creating thousands of job opportunities.
- Nyali Affordable Housing Project (Sh. 7 billion):
- Aimed at addressing the housing deficit in Mombasa, this project is part of the government’s Affordable Housing Program, designed to provide modern, cost-effective housing for local residents.
- Liwatoni Fishing Complex (Sh. 1.5 billion):
- The inspection revealed delays due to ongoing court cases, which have stalled progress on this vital marine project aimed at boosting the fishing industry in the region.
- Mombasa-Malindi Dual Carriageway (Sh. 25 billion):
- This project is focused on enhancing connectivity along the coastal region, improving road safety, and reducing travel time, thus promoting local trade and tourism.
Government Commitment to Quality Delivery
Owalo emphasized the government’s resolve to deliver top-quality projects on schedule and within budget. “We are determined to ensure that infrastructure projects across the country meet high standards of quality, efficiency, and timely completion,” he said. He noted that the government would continue to monitor project sites closely, providing necessary interventions to overcome any setbacks.
He also pointed out the importance of communicating progress to the public, who are the primary beneficiaries of these projects. “The citizens deserve timely and relevant updates on the infrastructure projects funded by their taxes,” Owalo added.
Addressing Project Challenges
While most projects are progressing well, Owalo acknowledged issues with the Liwatoni Fishing Complex, where legal disputes have caused delays. He called for swift resolution of the court cases to allow the project to proceed, given its significance for the local fishing industry.
Enhancing Coastal Economic Potential
The inspection tour underscored the government’s strategy to unlock the economic potential of the coastal region. Owalo highlighted the transformative impact of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, which connects the Indian Ocean with the rest of Africa, spurring investment, revitalizing economic activities, and creating jobs.
PS Anne Wang’ombe affirmed that the government is committed to ensuring the successful completion of these projects, adhering to the highest quality standards. She stated, “These ongoing projects are part of the government’s broader plan to enhance the quality of life for Kenyans by providing robust infrastructure that supports socio-economic growth.”
Conclusion
Owalo’s inspection tour reflects the government’s focus on accountability, quality delivery, and community engagement. By closely monitoring infrastructure developments and addressing challenges promptly, the administration aims to meet the demands of the coastal region’s growing economy and enhance the overall living standards for its residents.
