Infrastructure projects across the Coast are changing how communities move, work and access public facilities, with major investments in roads, housing and sporting facilities.
One of the key projects is the dualling and upgrading of the Mombasa–Mtwapa–Kilifi–Malindi corridor, a major transport route connecting Mombasa with the growing towns and tourism centres of Mtwapa, Kilifi and Malindi.
The road upgrade is expected to ease congestion and improve road safety while making it easier for people and goods to move along the busy North Coast corridor.
Better connectivity could also benefit businesses by reducing travel delays, while workers and tourists would have easier access to different parts of the Coast.
Infrastructure development is also extending to affordable housing projects being undertaken in different parts of the Coast.
The projects are providing new homes while creating employment for artisans, construction workers, suppliers and small businesses involved in the construction process.
The government’s housing programme is therefore providing both homes and income opportunities for residents involved in the projects.
Road Upgrade Opens New Opportunities for Drivers in Coast
Patrick, a tuk-tuk driver from Mombasa, says the ongoing road expansion has already made a difference to his daily work, particularly by reducing travel time and improving movement along the route.
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He says the road previously experienced heavy congestion, making it difficult for tuk-tuk drivers to complete trips quickly.
“The road benefits me especially in terms of time. I can take passengers to their destinations faster and return quickly. That means I can make more money than I did before. Previously, I could pick up one passenger and then get stuck in traffic. Now I can move passengers quickly because the road is in much better condition,” said Patrick.
Patrick also recalled that the road previously had potholes and was affected by overlapping vehicles, which contributed to congestion and accidents.
He said the completed sections have improved movement, although the project is not yet finished.
Patrick believes completing the road will further reduce traffic jams and make it easier for passengers to reach their destinations on time.
He also hopes improved business will allow him to expand his tuk-tuk operations and improve his family’s financial situation.
Patrick welcomed the road works and thanked the government for the improvements, urging it to continue with the project.
Voi Stadium Opens New Opportunities
In Taita Taveta, investment in sporting infrastructure is creating new opportunities for young people and local businesses.
The development of modern stadium facilities is expected to provide spaces for sporting activities and larger community events while creating opportunities for businesses operating around the facilities.
Siminglton Mjomba, a resident of Taita Taveta, said the stadium project had already created work opportunities for about 300 youths.
He said workers’ earnings were also benefiting other businesses in the area, including mama mbogas, boda boda riders, and other small traders.
Siminglton said the completed stadium would also provide young footballers with a proper platform to develop their talent and gain exposure.
He noted that some talented players remained underrated because they lacked suitable grounds to train and compete.
Siminglton also urged President William Ruto to consider supporting the entertainment industry alongside sports by developing a dome or theatre where rappers, poets and dancers could practise and showcase their talents.
Siminglton said young people and footballers previously faced difficulties because the available grounds were unsuitable for football, with potholes and inadequate spectator facilities.
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He said many young people were unemployed and spent time at local bases because there were few spaces to use their talents.
“The pitch had some potholes, and there were no benches for spectators to sit on. Before then, so many youths were jobless. You would find many young people sitting at the base, smoking and chewing miraa, and it was not necessarily because they wanted to. You would find a young person with nowhere to go or engage in an activity, so they would just move around. Whatever little they got, they would use it to get by,” Siminglton stated.
According to Siminglton, entertainers also lacked suitable venues for events.
He expects the completed stadium to attract competitions and visitors to Taita Taveta, supporting accommodation businesses, food vendors and other forms of local trade.
Stadium Project Supports Local Families
Monica Ndambero, a resident of Voi, said the stadium project had also created employment opportunities for residents.
Monica, who sells soap and Jik, said running a small business can be difficult when customers cannot afford to buy the products regularly.
As a single mother, she said securing work through the stadium project had helped her meet her daily needs.
“As a single mother, you find that there are many things weighing you down. But when I come to work like this every day, those things do not weigh you down as much. You can manage and get by,” said Monica.
Monica said the stadium project was a meaningful investment for Voi and hoped similar projects would continue creating employment opportunities for residents.
She recalled that before the project created jobs, many residents faced daily financial challenges.
She said residents were sometimes mobilized through the village elder when work opportunities became available.
Monica said the completed facility would give children from Taita Taveta an opportunity to play at home instead of traveling to Mombasa or Nairobi to access better sporting grounds.
She also expects teams from Mombasa and Nairobi to travel to Voi for matches, bringing more visitors and business to the town.
The projects across the Coast are therefore creating a combination of transport, housing, employment and sporting opportunities, with residents expected to benefit from improved infrastructure and increased economic activity.
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