The government has announced intentions to acquire land from property owners at the coast for the construction of multimillion-dollar road projects that are set to ease congestion and improve mobility over the region. 

The National Land Commission (NLC), on behalf of the Kenya Ports Authority, in a gazette notice, announced that the government had intended to acquire a total of 12.15 acres from seven landowners to pave the way for the project. 

The Mombasa Port Area Road Development Project (MPARDP)—which includes the Mombasa Bypass and the Kipevu New Container Terminal (KNTC) Link Road—is a strategic infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity and easing congestion around the Port of Mombasa.

''In pursuance of the Land Act, No. 6 of 2012, Part VIII, the National Land Commission, on behalf of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), gives notice that the National Government intends to acquire the parcels of land listed below for the Mombasa Port Area Road Development Project in Mombasa County," NLC's notice read in part. 

Mombasa Port managed by the Kenya Ports Authority

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The project, which comprises the Mombasa Southern Bypass and the Kipevu New Container Terminal (KNTC) Link Road, is expected to improve the movement of cargo in and out of the port. It is part of efforts to streamline logistics by linking the port with key transport corridors, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Northern Corridor.

According to officials, the Kipevu Link Road will enable direct access to the new container terminal, reducing delays caused by traffic jams in Mombasa’s CBD and around the port. 

The road will also connect to the Dongo Kundu Bypass, offering a direct route to the South Coast without relying on the Likoni Ferry.

The project is a key component of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and is jointly funded by the government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

Meanwhile, NLC announced another fresh round of public inquiries into land earmarked for compulsory acquisition to pave the way for the Mombasa Port Area Road Development Project. 

The inquiries, scheduled for July 1, 2025, will be held at the Likoni Chief’s Office from 9am to 4pm and will involve several parcels within the Mombasa South/Block I area.

Among the affected properties is land owned by the KPA, which will be acquired for the construction of critical road links, including the Kipevu New Container Terminal Link Road. The exercise is being conducted on behalf of the KeNHA. 

In recent years, the government has completed key road and port infrastructure projects in the region. Notably, the Dongo Kundu Bypass, also known as the Mombasa Southern Bypass, was completed in phases and now provides an alternative route for traffic heading to the South Coast, bypassing the often-congested Likoni Ferry. 

The project includes a bridge over the Mwache Creek and has opened up new industrial zones around Miritini and Dongo Kundu.

Additionally, the Kipevu Oil Terminal II was commissioned to expand the port’s fuel handling capacity. The terminal, built by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), has reduced ship waiting times and improved the efficiency of oil imports. 

An image of the Dongo Kundu bypass. PHOTO/Kenya Geographic.