Magarini: The construction of the 12-kilometre Ngomeni-Mjanaheri road in Magarini sub-county to bitumen standards is set to be officially commissioned by President Dr. William Ruto on Friday. The road is expected to transform the socio-economic landscape of the area by improving transport connectivity, lowering the cost of movement, and opening up Magarini to trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, for more than 14 years, residents of Ngomeni have grappled with poor road conditions that hampered transportation, increased travel costs, and disrupted economic activities. During the rainy season, sections of the road often became impassable, isolating communities and limiting access to essential services.
The Sh560 million project is being implemented by the Coast Development Authority (CDA) with funding from the government of Kenya and the Italian Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. It is scheduled for completion by December this year. During an inspection tour of the project, ahead of its commissioning, CDA Chairman Mzee Mwinyi said the road would serve as a catalyst for economic growth by improving access to markets and enhancing the movement of people, goods, and services across the region.
Mwinyi noted that the project is expected to benefit approximately 600,000 residents, making it one of the most impactful infrastructure investments in the region in recent years. He also lauded the Kenya Kwanza government for prioritizing the project, which is expected to be officially launched during the impending President’s tour of the Coast region.
Local residents have equally welcomed the project, expressing optimism that it would address long-standing transport challenges and improve livelihoods. Ngomeni resident Elizabeth Manto said the poor state of the road had negatively affected businesses and made transportation difficult for years. Beyond easing transport challenges, the road is also expected to improve market access for fisherfolk, reduce post-harvest losses, and stimulate growth in key sectors such as tourism and commerce.
The improved connectivity is also anticipated to attract new investments, including businesses seeking access to the region’s emerging international space centre. The project will further enhance access to critical social services by providing easier transportation to health facilities, including the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under construction at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital, as well as schools and other public institutions.
The Ngomeni-Mjanaheri Road forms a key flagship component of Phase II of the Malindi Integrated Social Health Development Programme (MISHDP II), a broader initiative aimed at improving living standards and promoting sustainable development in the region. As part of the programme, the government is also undertaking the construction and upgrading of community infrastructure, including science laboratories, classrooms, and dormitories at Ngomeni and Rasi schools.
