Editor's Review
Mombasa County has announced temporary traffic management measures aimed at easing congestion across the city.
Mombasa County has announced temporary traffic management measures aimed at easing congestion across the city.
In a statement on Monday, September 7, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the measures were also informed by concerns over the anticipated El Niño rains, which could further complicate traffic movement and increase risks for motorists, businesses and residents.
Nassir stated that the recent congestion has been largely caused by the diversion of traffic from the Bombolulu section of the Mombasa-Malindi Road, where construction works are ongoing.
"Following the recent upsurge in traffic congestion across Mombasa, occasioned largely by the diversion of traffic from the Bombolulu section of the Mombasa-Malindi Road during the ongoing construction works, we have reviewed the prevailing traffic situation and the additional risks posed by the anticipated El Niño rains," he wrote.
Nassir consequently recommended temporarily halting cycling infrastructure works along Links Road to create additional road capacity and improve traffic flow while the diversion remains in place.
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"We have consequently recommended the temporary suspension of the cycling infrastructure works along Links Road. This will allow the road to accommodate the increased traffic volumes and ease movement while the diversion remains in effect," he added.
Nassir said the county was coordinating with national road agencies and traffic enforcement authorities to address congestion, particularly at key intersections, and reduce disruptions caused by the ongoing works.
"We are working closely with the relevant national road agencies and traffic enforcement authorities to improve traffic flow, strengthen traffic control at critical intersections and minimise disruption to motorists, businesses and residents," he further said.
Nassir also urged motorists and other road users to remain patient and follow directions from traffic enforcement officers as the temporary measures are implemented.
"We appeal to all road users to exercise patience, observe traffic directions and cooperate with enforcement officers. These are temporary measures intended to safeguard public safety and maintain mobility during the construction and anticipated rainy period," he concluded.
This comes weeks after the Mombasa County Government announced temporary restrictions on the movement of heavy commercial vehicles weighing more than 10 tonnes on selected Northern Mainland roads.
In a gazette notice shared on Monday, August 17, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Governance Daniel Manyala said the restrictions will run during peak hours for three months, from August 14 to November 13.
The county has defined peak hours as the morning period between 6.00 a.m. and 9.30 a.m., and the evening period between 3.30 p.m. and 8.00 p.m.
"By virtue of the fourth schedule part 2 section 5 of the Constitution of Kenya and in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 26(1) (c) of the Mombasa County Roads Act, 2016, the Executive Committee Member responsible for matters relating to Transport and Infrastructure, County Government of Mombasa Gazettes the temporary restriction of the usage of the Northern Mainland Roads of Mombasa County by heavy commercial vehicles above ten (10) tons from the 14th August, 2026 to 13th November, 2026," the notice read.
According to the notice, the affected roads are Nyali Bridge, Fidel Odinga Road, Links Road, New Malindi Road, Zakhem Road, Dr. Felix Road, Mt. Kenya Road and Ras Kisauni Road.
