The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has begun a capacity building program to train graduate engineers ahead of the Mombasa Gate Bridge construction. – By Gerald Gekara.
The program which is part of KeNHA’s mandate to equip local engineers with skills and exposure required in implementing complex projects.
The authority underlined the need for skilled labour inorder to achieve Kenya’s development agenda.
“As the country gears up its development agenda, there is a need to not only increase the number of engineers, but also enhance the skills of the graduate engineers who now exist in a fast moving age of technology.”
According to a UNESCO report 2010, developed and industrialised countries have 20-50 scientists and engineers for a population of 10,000 people.
Through forums such as these, KeNHA says it will enhance capacity and increasing the number of engineers for a more vibrant and promising future for Kenya.
What is The Mombasa Gate Bridge?
The government has laid down plans to construct a 1.4km bridge valued at Ksh. 111Billion. It will be funded through a loan agreement between Kenya and Japan.
The cable-stayed/powered bridge with four traffic lanes, will run from Lumumba Road and span the Likoni Channel at Mwenza Creek and connect to the A14 at Mtongwe.
On the Mombasa Island side, the bridge structure will start on Lumumba Road near King’orani Prison and will rise to cross over the Mombasa Railway Station, then overhead Moi Avenue to the west of Canon Towers.
The bridge will then crisscross Archbishop Makarios Rd to Ganjoni, turn right overhead Liwatoni, and cross Likoni Channel (with a height of 69 meters at mid-point to allow ships to pass underneath to access Kilindini port) to enter Likoni side at the ruins of the abandoned Sultan of Zanzibar Place near Puma Primary school.
It will then proceed along the eastern shoreline of Mweza creek and start descending ultimately touching down near the Javi la Wageni Primary School.
It will then proceed as a 4 lane highway to cross Mtongwe Rd at the Post Office then join the Mombasa Southern Bypass at Ziwani on the boundary with Kwale County.
The Mombasa Gate bridge will ease crossing challenges to South Coast and boost economic activity in the region.
Construction of the bridge is scheduled to start in June 2021.
