Major Boost for Coast Infrastructure as KPA & KeNHA Launch Land Acquisition for Mombasa Bypass Expansion

In a major move set to transform transport logistics and ease chronic congestion in the coastal city of Mombasa, the Kenyan government has officially begun the land acquisition process for the ambitious Mombasa Port Area Road Development Project (MPARDP). 

Spearheaded by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), this strategic infrastructure undertaking includes the Mombasa Southern Bypass and the Kipevu New Container Terminal (KNTC) Link Road—key arteries intended to streamline cargo movement in and out of the busy Port of Mombasa. 

In a gazette notice published by the National Land Commission (NLC), the government announced it intends to acquire approximately 12.15 acres from seven landowners to pave the way for the project. This acquisition is being carried out in accordance with Part VIII of the Land Act, No. 6 of 2012. 

The parcels earmarked are mostly located in Mombasa South/Block I, and a public inquiry session for affected landowners will be held on July 1, 2025, at the Likoni Chief’s Office, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Notably, some of the land to be acquired already belongs to KPA, reflecting the depth of planning and coordination involved in executing the infrastructure upgrade. 

The Mombasa Bypass and the Kipevu Link Road are designed to significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks around the port and within the city’s CBD. These roadways will offer direct connectivity between the Kipevu New Container Terminal and major transport routes, including: The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), The Northern Corridor and The Dongo Kundu Bypass 

By bypassing the congested Likoni Ferry, the project will provide a faster, more reliable route to the South Coast, while also unlocking access to emerging industrial zones in Miritini and Dongo Kundu. 

This road development is a key component of Kenya’s Vision 2030, the country’s long-term blueprint for transforming into a middle-income nation. The project is jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reflecting its international importance. 

The bypass expansion comes on the heels of other major developments in the region: 

The Dongo Kundu Bypass, now fully operational, has already started easing traffic to and from the South Coast. 

The Kipevu Oil Terminal II, constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), is helping expand Kenya’s fuel handling capacity and cutting vessel waiting times at the port. 

The government’s commitment to public consultations and legal processes shows a shift toward more inclusive infrastructure planning. The July 1 land inquiry offers affected landowners a platform to raise concerns, seek clarity, and negotiate compensation. 

As implementation gains pace, locals and businesses in Mombasa can expect long-term benefits including: Shorter travel times, Reduced transport costs and Increased investor interest in port-adjacent zones