Residents protest over delay of road works
By Reuben Mwambingu, January 16, 2025
Residents staged a protest, accusing the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) of dragging its feet in completing a section of Mombasa-Nairobi Highway.
The stretch between Makupa Bridge and the Changamwe Interchange,has been under construction for nearly three months.
Led by Haki Africa Rapid Response Officer Mathias Shipeta, the protesters decried the pace of the project.
According to Shipeta, the delays have had a ripple effect on the local economy, with some residents even losing jobs due to prolonged traffic gridlocks.
The road is the shortest to and from Mombasa Island from Changamwe mainland and surrounding areas.
Everlyne Auma, a resident of Ganahola Mikindani, said she now leaves home as early as 4am to beat traffic, but by 6am she is still stuck in traffic.
“Matatu fares have also gone up, straining our budgets even further.”
The road was closed on November 17, 2024, and was to reopen on December 1, 2024. A public notice issued by KeNHA Director General Kungu Ndungu (pictured) assured the public of minimal disruption during the planned 14-day closure.