Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has ordered the temporary suspension of cycling infrastructure works along Links Road as the county grapples with worsening traffic congestion that has left motorists stuck for hours.
The governor announced the decision on September 7, citing increased traffic volumes following the diversion of vehicles from the Bombolulu section of the Mombasa-Malindi Road, where construction works are ongoing.
The diversion has pushed more motorists onto alternative routes, placing additional pressure on roads across the coastal city and worsening delays for commuters.
“Following the recent upsurge in traffic congestion across Mombasa, occasioned largely by the diversion of traffic from the Bombolulu section of the Mombasa-Malindi Road during the ongoing construction works,” the governor stated.
The Bombolulu section is a key transport and economic link along the Mombasa-Malindi Road. It also forms part of the wider East African Coastal Road Corridor, which supports regional trade and connectivity between Kenya and Tanzania.
County authorities are coordinating with national road agencies and traffic enforcement authorities in an effort to improve traffic flow and limit disruptions caused by the ongoing road works and diversions.
The governor noted that the temporary halt to the Links Road works would allow the route to handle the additional traffic while the diversion remains in place.
Links Road is among the major and rapidly developing commercial routes serving Mombasa's North Coast, making it an important alternative route for motorists affected by the Bombolulu works.
“We have consequently recommended the temporary suspension of the cycling infrastructure works along Links Road. This will allow the road to accommodate the increased traffic volumes and ease movement while the diversion remains in effect,” added the governor.
The county also factored in the potential impact of anticipated El Niño rains, which could worsen flooding, disrupt transport and complicate traffic management efforts across Mombasa.
“We have reviewed the prevailing traffic situation and the additional risks posed by the anticipated El Niño rains,” stated the governor.
Mombasa has been identified as a high-risk urban centre for severe flooding and storm surges ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.
Risk assessments by the National Disaster Operations Center (NDOC) and the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) have also identified Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale counties among areas considered vulnerable to the expected weather-related risks.
The temporary suspension of the Links Road cycling works is therefore expected to provide additional road capacity as motorists continue using alternative routes during the Bombolulu construction period.
