The national government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating major infrastructure projects in Kwale County, saying most of the ongoing developments remain firmly on track. County Commissioner Stephen Orinde, who chairs the National Government Development–County Implementation, Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-CICMC), said the state is determined to complete all flagship projects within their stipulated timelines to unlock economic potential across the region.
Orinde noted that the government is prioritising roads, water, housing, aviation and maritime projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He added that contractors have been instructed to speed up any delayed works and resolve pending issues to ensure efficiency, quality and transparency. The projects, he said, will boost job creation, strengthen local markets and enhance mobility in a county whose economy relies heavily on agriculture, tourism and fishing.
Kwale is currently hosting several mega projects, including the Sh20 billion Mwache multipurpose dam, the Sh173 million expansion of Diani Airport, the Sh538 million Mwachande bridge linking Msambweni and Lunga Lunga, and the Sh3 billion Kwale–Kinango road. Also in progress are the Sh1.15 billion Funzi causeway, the Sh606 million regional maritime transport and logistics centre, and the Sh500 million County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP). The region is further benefitting from the Affordable Housing Programme, with developments such as the Matuga 200 units, Diani Whitehouse 200 units, Mbokoni smart city 155 units, and a new modern produce market in Diani.
During an inspection tour accompanied by officials from the Government Delivery Unit and the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Orinde said no project would be allowed to stall. He highlighted that the Diani Airport upgrade — now 97% complete — will be transformative, enabling the facility to accommodate larger aircraft and support the fast-growing tourism sector. Kenya Airports Authority’s Coast Regional Manager, Eng. Wellington Abwok, confirmed that the runway, taxiway, apron and control tower works are almost finished.
The team also reviewed progress on the Kwale–Kinango road, currently 21% complete, and the Funzi causeway, which is expected to significantly improve access for island residents who currently struggle with tides and difficult terrain. Government Delivery Unit representative Esther Mazera expressed confidence that the projects will meet their timelines and deliver the intended socio-economic impact.