The proposed Mombasa Gate Bridge Project has moved a step closer to implementation as the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) convenes a three-day Joint Technical Meeting to review and formally conclude the project’s Independent Design Verification (IDV) ahead of the tender stage.
The meeting, led by KeNHA Director of Development Eng. Henry Gakuru and Chief Engineer, Materials Testing and Research Division (MTRD), Eng. Albert Ndege, brings together KeNHA engineers and key project partners, including Nippon Koei, Arup-AMA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and other stakeholders.
The objective of the meeting is to review the final Independent Design Verification findings, validate critical design refinements, confirm updates made to the bridge design and formally hand over the completed IDV deliverables. The exercise marks the conclusion of an important technical phase that will help pave the way for procurement and the project’s eventual implementation.
The Independent Design Verification serves as an additional layer of quality assurance by independently assessing the bridge design to ensure it meets the required standards of safety, functionality, constructability and long-term performance. Such reviews are standard practice for major infrastructure projects, providing confidence that the proposed design is technically sound before construction tenders are issued.
Once completed, the Mombasa Gate Bridge will provide a direct road link between Mombasa Island and the South Coast, reducing reliance on the Likoni Ferry while complementing the already operational Dongo Kundu Bypass. The bridge is expected to improve mobility for residents and businesses, ease traffic congestion at the ferry crossing, strengthen access to the Port of Mombasa and enhance transport connectivity across Kenya’s coastal region.
According to earlier project information, the proposed cable-stayed bridge will extend approximately 1.4 kilometres, featuring a 660-metre main span and carrying four traffic lanes. With a navigational clearance of approximately 69 metres at its midpoint, the bridge has been designed to allow large vessels to continue accessing the Port of Mombasa without obstruction. Construction is expected to take approximately 36 months once works commence.
The Mombasa Gate Bridge has long been viewed as one of Kenya’s most transformative transport infrastructure projects. Together with the Dongo Kundu Bypass, it is expected to strengthen the resilience of the region’s road network by providing an additional permanent crossing between Mombasa Island and the mainland, improving connectivity for commuters, freight transport and commercial activity.
While the project has yet to reach the construction phase, the completion of the Independent Design Verification represents a significant technical step towards tendering and eventual delivery of the bridge.
