President Ruto commissions dualling of 40km Mtwapa-Kilifi Road

President William Ruto on Saturday commissioned the construction of the dualling of the 40km Mtwapa-Kilifi Road along the Mombasa-Malindi Highway.

According to the president, the project that runs through Mtwapa town, Kadzengo to Kilifi Bridge will reduce traffic, and enhance connectivity and safety of pedestrians since it will include a 10 km footpath and 6 footbridges.

The head of state noted that the highway will also be extended to the Tanzania border to foster trade between the two countries as part of uniting the East African Community (EAC) economic region.

“Hii barabara tutaisukuma kutoka Kilifi mpaka ifike huko Malindi. Na huku upande mwingine tuisukume mpaka ifike kwenye mipaka yetu na Tanzania , kule Lunga Lunga,” President Ruto said.

“Nia ya hii barabara kama mlivyosikia marafiki zetu wakisema, itatusaidia kuunganisha nchi zetu za Afrika Mashariki na kutuunganisha tuweze kufanya bishara kwa sababu bisahara na uchumi ndizo zitatusaidia kupunguza umaskini na kupanga nafasi za ajira

Leaders who accompanied the president said the road will be key in unlocking the potential of the coast region in trade, tourism and creation of employment.

 “Tumekuwa tukilia miaka yote ya kuwa tunataka Malindi airport, hii barabara ikipanuliwa, watalii wanaeeza kutoka Malindi na wafike Mombasa kwa wakati,” Kilifi Governor Gideon Mungaro said.                         

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS Salim Mvurya added: “Bara bara hii ni muhimu sana si kwa mambo ya utalii pekee lakini kwa biashara zote za sehemu hii. Najua hii ndio awamu ambayo hii Barbara itaunganisha Kenya na Tanzania.”

Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen on his part said the move by the government would ensure all Kenyans benefit through the roads and youths also secure employment.

“Tunataka Wakenya wapate barabara ambazo tuumewapangia kwa mika mingi na vijana wetu waweze kufanya kazi wakati hizo barabara zinajengwa,” he said.

“For the first time in history, this road will be tarmacked and the people will benefit from a market which will be built later,” CS, Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action Aisha Jumwa added.

The president has also issued a stern warning to drug traffickers and illicit liquor brewers.