New Mombasa Northern Bypass Project Moves Closer to Reality After Key Due Diligence Review
The proposed multi-billion-shilling Mombasa Northern Bypass has moved a step closer to implementation after government officials and infrastructure partners reviewed progress on ongoing feasibility and due diligence studies for the project.
The latest update comes after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) hosted representatives from Africa50 and the Public Private Partnerships Directorate (PPPD) to assess preliminary findings and discuss the next phase of development for the ambitious road project.
During a meeting held on Sunday, June 21, officials examined the status of the proposed bypass and outlined critical steps that must be completed before the project can proceed to the development and financing stage.
According to KeNHA, the ongoing due diligence process involves extensive technical, traffic and field investigations aimed at establishing the project’s viability, expected economic impact and implementation framework under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the authority said discussions focused on progress achieved so far and the roadmap towards eventual project execution.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Coast Region, led by Director Eng. Michael Orege, hosted representatives from Africa50, led by Zutari Director Altus Moolman, and the Public Private Partnerships Directorate (PPPD) as part of the ongoing assessment and due diligence process for the proposed Mombasa Northern Bypass Project,” the authority stated.
KeNHA added: “The meeting provided an opportunity to review progress made, discuss preliminary findings from the ongoing studies, and outline the next steps towards the potential development of the project, including technical, traffic, and field investigations.”
The proposed Mombasa Northern Bypass is expected to become one of the most significant road infrastructure developments at the Coast. The planned 27.1-kilometre highway will link the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway (A8) at Miritini with the Mombasa–Malindi Road (A7) at Kwa Kadzengo in Mtwapa.
The project will also include the construction of an 11.5-kilometre Bamburi Link Road, which will connect the bypass to the Malindi highway through Bamburi, creating a more efficient transport network around Mombasa.
Government officials believe the bypass could significantly ease chronic traffic congestion that has long affected the city and surrounding areas, particularly along routes serving the Port of Mombasa and key tourism destinations on the North Coast.
The highway is expected to provide an alternative route for through traffic, reducing pressure on existing urban roads while improving travel times for both passenger and freight transport.
The project is also being considered for financing through a Public-Private Partnership model, reflecting the government’s growing preference for private sector investment in major infrastructure developments as it seeks to reduce reliance on public borrowing.
Once completed, the bypass is expected to strengthen logistics operations along one of East Africa’s busiest trade corridors, improve connectivity to the Port of Mombasa and support economic growth in the coastal region.
The Mombasa Northern Bypass forms part of a broader government strategy to modernise transport infrastructure at the Coast. It will complement other major projects including the Dongo Kundu Bypass, the Mombasa Port Area Road Development (MPARD) Project, the Miritini–Mwache–Kwa Jomvu Road, the Mombasa Southern Bypass and the Northern Corridor transport network.
While construction has not yet been approved, the completion of ongoing studies and due diligence assessments will be crucial in determining the project’s future and the timeline for implementation.
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