Tourism players are urging the government to expedite the completion of the Dongo Kundu bypass to improve the flow of tourists to and from the South Coast.

Construction of the road commenced in March 2020 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was funded by the Government of Kenya and Japan. The Sh22B dual carriageway project includes an interchange at Likoni-Lunga Lunga highway, two bridges at Mwache (660 meters) and another at Mteza (1,440 meters).

Eustace Mutea, Deputy Director of the project says there are pending works on the last bridge. The contractor owes the government Sh1.4b, tourism sector players want the money owed to the contractor to be paid so as not to jeopardise the remaining works.

Government funded

Mutea stated that the JICA portion of the works has been paid, but the remaining Kenyan government-funded works are yet to be opened to the public. Once complete, Mutea added that the project would be open to the public without any charges since it’s government-funded.

 Mutea stated that the government funds are not, allowing unlimited access without restrictions, and the movement of tourists from Miritini and Airport will be quick.

Reduced significantly

According to Africa Tours and Discovery Company Managing Director Nyaga Kombo, traffic gridlocks often experienced at the Likoni Ferry have been a headache to tourists. After the completion of Dongo Kundu, the cost of travel will be reduced significantly.

– KNA