The planned Ksh85 billion Mombasa Gate Bridge has moved closer to implementation after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) began a key technical review process ahead of the project’s tendering phase.
In an update issued on Friday, August 7, KeNHA said project partners had started a three-day joint meeting to conclude the Independent Design Verification (IDV), a major step required before construction can begin.
The review will assess the bridge’s final design, examine engineering improvements and prepare the official handover of completed verification documents.
“The meeting brings together key project partners, including Nippon Koei, Arup-AMA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and other stakeholders to review the final Independent Design Verification findings, validate critical design refinements, confirm updates ahead of the tender stage, and formally hand over the completed IDV deliverables,” KeNHA said.
The authority said the verification process is aimed at ensuring the proposed bridge meets required standards in safety, durability, functionality and ease of construction.
Once the exercise is completed, the project is expected to proceed to the next stages of procurement before construction begins.
The Mombasa Gate Bridge is set to create a permanent road link between Mombasa Island and the South Coast, reducing dependence on the Likoni Ferry, which currently serves as a key connection between the two areas.
The bridge is expected to improve the movement of people and goods while easing congestion along one of Kenya’s busiest transport routes.
In June, Japan confirmed that it would finance the project through its Official Development Assistance programme, continuing its involvement in major infrastructure developments in Kenya.
Previous project plans indicate that the bridge will stretch about 1.4 kilometres across the Likoni Channel, while the wider project will cover approximately 13 kilometres, including approach roads and interchanges.
The project has faced several delays over the years due to challenges involving land acquisition, compensation and environmental approval processes.
KeNHA said the completion of the latest design verification milestone demonstrates continued progress towards delivering the long-awaited transport infrastructure project.