Makupa Bridge Restores ‘True’ Island Status For Mombasa

MOMBASA, Kenya, Aug, 6 – The Makupa Causeway has for many years served as an access point to the Island of Mombasa. This, however, has been at the expense of the marine ecosystem which is largely affected due to the restriction of water flow across this Causeway.

The construction of the Makupa Bridge to replace the Causeway will allow the free flow of water which is essential for the ecosystem at this crossing. Moreover, the bridge will ease traffic congestion into and out of the Island of Mombasa.

The 457-meter bridge is of great significance as it will ease traffic *flow* in and out of Mombasa Island, as well as allow free flow of water which is essential for the ecosystem. The new bridge allows Mombasa to be a full island.

Speaking to wananchi at Makupa Bridge, President Kenyatta said the construction of Makupa Bridge in a record 17 months was a testimony of his successful 10-year tenure and rubbished his doubters as peddlers of falsehoods

“Some leaders have been moving around the country saying after the handshake we achieved nothing. But this project is proof that we have done a lot. We have been able to do this because of the peace and stability we have experienced in the last few years, especially because of the handshake,” the President said.

He said the completion of Makupa Bridge and the opening up of the 1929 causeway had restored Mombasa’s enviable status as a true island

Mombasa leaders led by Governor Ali Hassan Joho thanked the President for the projects successfully implemented by President Kenyatta’s administration and assured of the county’s full backing of Azimio La Umoja’s presidential candidate Raila Odinga in Tuesday’s poll.

The 457-meter Makupa Bridge will connect the Tudor and Port Reitz creeks.

The Makupa Bridge design comprises two four-lane parallel bridges with a width of 20 meters each, an extra two-meter rail for non-motorized traffic, and a pedestrian footpath. It sits on 40-meters-deep foundation piles.

China Communications and Construction Co. Ltd., which was awarded the Sh4.5 billion tender in November 2020. Construction kicked off in April 2021.

Traffic congestion that has been witnessed in the past is expected to be addressed significantly with motorists expected to only take about 10 minutes from Moi International Airport, Mikindani, Changamwe, Magongo, and Jomvu to the Mombasa city center via the over-sea Makupa bridge.