PS Omollo Explains Why Bagamoyo–Malindi Road Project Took So Long, Lists how it will Compensate and Engage Communities
Omollo revealed that compensation processes have already begun for the affected community and that plans are in place to resettle the Baricho main waterline.
Phase 1 of the road construction has two lots and is currently underway. Lot 1 involves the Mombasa–Mtwapa section, while Lot 2 involves the Mtwapa–Kwa Kadzengo–Kilifi section. Photo / k24 digital
By Juliet Jerotich
National Administration and Internal Security principal secretary, Raymond Omollo, sought to explain the reasons why the Multinational Bagamoyo–Tanga–Horohoro/Lungalunga–Malindi Road Project took so long. The project, which had sparked hope for regional integration with economic links into the great scheme of things envisioned by the East African Community, has hit many major rocks on the way to completion.
Responding to a statement issued on Monday, July 28, 2025, PS Omollo confirmed that the project is 43% complete. He explained that among the principal hindrances to the project is land compensation disputes in some sections of the road construction.
“Parts of the project have slowed down as there are pending land compensation matters,” Omollo explained.
The government, however, is making efforts to address these issues to ensure a smooth transition. Omollo revealed that compensation processes have already begun for the affected community and that plans are in place to resettle the Baricho main waterline. The pipeline is being replaced with a higher-capacity line to support the upgraded road infrastructure.
Phase 1 of the road construction has two lots and is currently underway. Lot 1 involves the Mombasa–Mtwapa section, while Lot 2 involves the Mtwapa–Kwa Kadzengo–Kilifi section. Both sections are being carried out under the keavespight of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
Despite the delay, Omollo highlighted that the project is already bestowing tangible socio-economic advantages to the region. The jobs have been made available to hundreds of people, and local businesses—primarily traders and transport service operators—are benefiting from increased demand levels, which are stimulating the local economy.
Apart from its financial consideration, the project also boasts of excellent environmental sustainability. The government is planning to perform beautification initiatives by planting 400 trees on the road and undertaking a large reforestation activity in the form of tree planting on 50 hectares of land in the Rabai-Kaloleni forest for landscape restoration.
In conservation efforts towards the environment under the project, 400 trees will be planted within the corridor for beautification purposes, and additional 50 hectares of trees established in Rabai-Kaloleni forest for ecosystem preservation,” added Omollo.
In the future, PS Omollo further stated that when completed, the strategic road corridor will significantly boost trade and investment between Tanzania and Kenya. It will enable ease of cross-border travel, open up the coastal region to new opportunities, and enhance tourism and regional economic growth in the long run.
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