The Galana-Kulalu Bridge and Approach Roads project has reached 91.57 per cent completion, a milestone expected to enhance rural connectivity and strengthen food security in Kenya.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced the progress on February 12, 2026, describing the infrastructure as a transformative investment that will unlock the full potential of the Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme.

“With the bridge now at 91.57% completion, we are firmly on course to unlock the full potential of the Galana–Kulalu irrigation scheme,” he said.

Spanning 200 metres and supported by 35 precast, post-tensioned beams, the bridge directly links Kilifi and Tana River counties.

Once complete, it will provide a vital connection between farms and the Malindi-Sala Gate road, easing access to markets, schools, health centres, and administrative services.

The bridge is also expected to improve tourism routes leading to Tsavo East National Park.

CS Chirchir emphasised the role of the bridge in boosting food security under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

“This project underscores our unwavering commitment to food security, rural development, and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

Dam project to transform irrigation

The importance of the bridge is heightened by the Ksh40 billion Galana-Kulalu Dam contract signed on December 30, 2025, between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd.

The dam will support irrigation of up to 300,000 acres, enabling the region to transition from rain-fed to large-scale, dependable agriculture.

President William Ruto, speaking during the signing ceremony in Nairobi, hailed the dam as a game-changer.

“By strengthening agricultural productivity and food security, we will stabilise food prices, reduce imports, grow exports, and expand agro-processing and value addition. This will create thousands of jobs for our young people and drive inclusive economic growth,” he said.

The dam will have a storage capacity of 305 million cubic metres and deliver up to one billion cubic metres of water annually for irrigation and other uses. It will also supply safe drinking water to about 70,000 households in surrounding areas, improving public health and living standards.

Joint investment to boost economy

Implemented as a joint investment between the Governments of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates in partnership with the Chinese contractor, the project is financed through Kenya’s National Infrastructure Fund under a Water Purchase Agreement Framework.

With the bridge nearing completion and the dam construction now underway, the Galana-Kulalu scheme is set to transform the coastal region into a major agricultural hub.

The combined infrastructure is expected to bolster national food security, stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for communities in Kilifi and Tana River counties.