The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has defended the Sh8.3 billion Port of Mombasa infrastructure project, dismissing claims that it is an overpriced road project
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has defended the Sh8.3 billion Port of Mombasa infrastructure project, dismissing claims that it is an overpriced road project.
KPA says the project is a specialised transport interchange designed to improve cargo movement, safety and operational efficiency at the country's busiest seaport.
The project, which is 50 per cent complete, is part of KPA's long-term infrastructure modernisation programme to improve connectivity between the port, Gates 18 and 20, Kipevu Road and the Northern Corridor.
It is expected to be completed in March 2027.
Speaking on Wednesday, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the project was informed by recommendations in the 2018 TradeMark Africa Traffic Management Study, which identified the Back of Port Road corridor as a major congestion point requiring a grade-separated transport solution.
Captain Ruto said the project should not be viewed as an ordinary road because it involves complex civil, structural, geotechnical, electrical, drainage and security engineering works. He said the project was procured through an international competitive tender in which bids ranged from Sh8.3 billion to Sh9.6 billion.
The contract was awarded to M/s Stecol Corporation and Miliki Development Company Joint Venture at Sh8.3 billion after emerging as the lowest evaluated responsive bidder.
"It is within the market price and I can even say it is cheaper. In terms of our consultant, it is even cheaper. We are getting value for money as KPA. The problem is only we called it a road, instead of calling it a major infrastructure that we are building in the port," stated Captain Ruto.
Project Consultant Engineer Eng. Stephen Wasike said the development includes a 1.8-kilometre dual carriageway with a 704-metre elevated viaduct rising up to 15 metres above ground to allow uninterrupted movement of heavy port traffic while avoiding critical infrastructure within the port.
"A viaduct is different from a bridge in the sense that for a viaduct, you are putting up a bridge-like structure that spans over a vast tract of land that may have developments below," explained Eng. Stephen Wasike, the Project Consultant Engineer.
"There’s a limit to how high or how close you should come to the pipeline because it’s a live line carrying petroleum products, and that forced the project to go higher. We also had to pass over an existing KPA facility known as the One-Stop Centre, which houses numerous critical operations and could not be demolished. We therefore had to construct the viaduct above it," added Eng. Wasike.
The project also includes two major roundabouts, slip roads, ramps, major earthworks, a retaining wall near the Kenya Pipeline Company tank farms, relocation of power, water, fibre-optic and security infrastructure, and a stormwater drainage tunnel.
Evans Momanyi, a Mombasa-based human rights defender and Secretary General of the Capital Youth Caucus
Meanwhile, a group of Mombasa leaders, professionals and residents defended Ruto, saying investigations should be left to the relevant state agencies. Speaking during a press briefing in Mombasa, the group said the matter had been politicised and urged leaders to use the appropriate oversight and investigative mechanisms.
Evans Momanyi, a Mombasa-based human rights defender and Secretary General of the Capital Youth Caucus, said contracts of such value undergo approvals beyond KPA management.
"Any tender above one billion shillings is not simply awarded at KPA. Such procurements involve the relevant ministry and other levels of government. Even the President is made aware of major projects of this nature," he said.
He urged Members of Parliament with concerns about the project to use parliamentary oversight mechanisms. Michael Magak said the project should be assessed by engineering professionals rather than through political debate.
"This is a very technical matter. Before blaming an administrator who is not an engineering expert, consult engineers and technical professionals who understand how such contracts are designed and executed," he said.
Former Public Works officer Ocholla Olonde defended Captain Ruto's leadership.
"We need Captain William Ruto. He is one of the most outstanding MDs when it comes to dealing with cartels and parasites that have frustrated operations at the port for years," Olonde said.
Sara Tsuma said the KPA boss had created employment opportunities for vulnerable women through casual jobs at the port.
"Captain Ruto has helped less privileged women by ensuring they can access small jobs at the port. Those opportunities have enabled many families to earn a living and improve their livelihoods," she said.
