The Government of Kenya has initiated the process of acquiring land that will be used to build Mombasa Gate Bridge. The bridge is set to be Africa’s longest bridge linking Mombasa Island to the South Coast.
Through the Kenya Gazette notice, The National Lands Commission (NLC) on behalf of Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a notice of the Government’s intention to acquire parcels of land for the construction of the project.
“In pursuance of the Land Act, 2012, Part VIII and further to Gazette Notice Nos. 12299 of 2021 and 15192 of 2022, 7788 and 7789 of 2024 the National Land Commission on behalf of Kenya National Highways Authority, (KeNHA) gives notice that the National Government intends to add the following parcels of land required for construction of Mombasa Gate Bridge Project in Mombasa County,” read the notice in part.
The acquisition of more than 106 parcels of land will see more than 1,706 households displaced to pave the way for the 155-acre wide bridge project.
Owners and households affected of the acquired land will be compensated at the prevailing market rates.
Once complete, the project will boost transportation and connectivity within the Kenyan Coast, easing traffic and spurring socio-economic activities in the region.
Construction of the iconic bridge which will take 3 years is expected to cost around Ksh85 billion. It will act as the main link between Mombasa and satellite towns along the Southern Coast currently separated by Likoni Channel which is currently crossed through ferries.
Approximately 4 kilometres long with a main span of 660 meters, Mombasa Gate Bridge is set to be the longest bridge on the continent.
It is projected to be a cable-stayed bridge with four regular traffic lanes and would be 69 meters at its centre to facilitate passage of seacraft beneath it.
Additionally, it will feature three spans with four piers on both sides to form an effective arch for strength and accommodation of the weight of vehicles.
Environmental and marine conservation has been factored in the construction of the bridge which will allow natural flow of water.
The project will be financed through a loan advanced by the Japanese government via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The funding agreement signed in 2019 gave a go-ahead for the commencement of the project immediately. However, following delays, work was postponed until 2024.
