Finally, the Dongo Kundu Bypass is open for use. It’s a big relief to residents, businesses, and tourism stakeholders on the South Coast of Kenya. The 17.5-kilometer stretch was officially opened on Wednesday by the Kenya National Highways Authority. The Dongo Kundu bypass is a game changer, allowing motorists to access the Kenyan South Coast without using the Likoni Ferry.
The Likoni Ferry has been the main transit point for Kenyans connecting to the South Coast from Mombasa City and vice versa. Over the years, there have been concerns over delays and tragic incidents crossing from Likoni to the South Coast.
The administration at Likoni only had two functional ferries transporting people and vehicles across the channel, and occasionally, the rigs were overwhelmed by the sheer population of human and automobile traffic.
The South Coast is also one of Kenya’s best-kept tourism gems, with some of the cleanest white sand beaches in the Indian Ocean. However, the slow-paced ferries have been a big hindrance for tourists, both local and international.
KENHA said it has only opened one section of the Dongo Kundu bypass, allowing only small vehicles to access the new bypass. The highways authority in Kenya is still working on the final touches of the road, which is expected to be unveiled in a few weeks.
Tourists can now visit Kwale and Tanzania without accessing the chaotic ferry, which frequently causes commotion. The Dongo Kundu Bypass is also toll-free, a result of the Japanese government loan to Kenya to support economic upgrades in the region.
The new bypass is also expected to boost the region’s economy. It connects Miritini and Kwale county with three bridges. According to the highways authority in Kenya, drivers are expected to spend 45 minutes traveling from Miritini Standard Gauge Railway to Diani on the South Coast of Kenya.
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As the Dongo Kundu Bypass opens to small vehicles (no heavy commercial vehicles for now due to narrow diversions), please exercise caution and observe the strict speed limit. Only one side is open, so caution is key. This is a soft… pic.twitter.com/RN49Z1WSN4
— Mohammed Hersi : Mr Optimist (@mohammedhersi) August 7, 2024
