The Sh85 billion Mombasa Gate Bridge project has moved closer to construction after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) began the final technical review ahead of the tendering stage.
The proposed bridge is expected to provide a permanent road link between Mombasa Island and the South Coast, reducing reliance on the Likoni Ferry and easing congestion along one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.
In an update on Friday, August 7, KeNHA said project partners had convened a three-day meeting to conclude the Independent Design Verification (IDV) exercise, a key technical stage before the project proceeds to procurement.
The review is expected to validate the final bridge design, assess engineering changes and facilitate the handover of completed verification documents.
The meeting brings together key project partners, including Nippon Koei, Arup-AMA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), alongside other stakeholders.
According to KeNHA, the partners are reviewing the final IDV findings, validating critical design refinements and confirming updates required before the project enters the tendering stage.
Why the Mombasa Gate Bridge matters
The proposed bridge is intended to create a direct road connection between Mombasa Island and the South Coast, providing an alternative to the current dependence on the Likoni Ferry.
The project is expected to improve the movement of people and cargo, reduce traffic congestion and shorten travel times between the two sides of the Likoni Channel.
It is also expected to strengthen connectivity to South Coast destinations and support trade and economic activity in the region.
Earlier plans indicate that the main bridge will span approximately 1.4 kilometres across the Likoni Channel, while the wider project will cover about 13 kilometres, including approach roads and interchanges.
What stage is the project at?
The project is currently undergoing Independent Design Verification, which involves an external technical assessment of the proposed design before construction and procurement can proceed.
The exercise is intended to ensure the bridge meets the required standards for safety, durability, functionality and ease of construction.
Once the verification process is completed, the project is expected to advance to the next procurement stages, including tendering.
This means the project has not yet reached the construction stage, but the latest technical review represents a significant step towards implementation.
Who is financing the project?
Japan has committed to financing the Mombasa Gate Bridge through its Official Development Assistance programme.
The Japanese government confirmed the financing in June as part of its continued support for major infrastructure projects in Kenya.
The project has been under development for several years and has faced delays linked to issues including land acquisition, compensation and environmental approvals.
What will the bridge change?
Once completed, the Mombasa Gate Bridge is expected to provide a more reliable connection between Mombasa Island and the South Coast.
It could reduce pressure on the Likoni Ferry, which currently serves as a major transport link between the two areas, while improving the movement of passengers, vehicles and goods.
The project is also expected to support tourism and business activities along the Coast by improving access to South Coast destinations.
KeNHA said the completion of the latest verification exercise will help move the long-awaited project closer to the tendering and eventual construction phases.
The authority said the milestone demonstrates continued progress towards delivering the major transport infrastructure project.
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