The County Government of Mombasa and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have assured residents and business owners that commercial establishments along a section of Links Road will remain accessible during a six-month partial closure set to begin on August 1, 2025.
The 230-metre stretch near the Quickmart area will undergo major stormwater drainage upgrades as part of a broader infrastructure improvement project aimed at easing traffic congestion, enhancing road safety, and supporting non-motorized transport options.
Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Transport, Infrastructure, and Governance, Daniel Manyala, said KURA will install three access ramps to ensure uninterrupted access to shops, offices, and other businesses during the construction period.
To minimize disruption, traffic adjustments will be implemented. Motorists heading to City Mall and Nyali Centre are advised to use Mt. Kenya Road, while through traffic is encouraged to divert via New Malindi Road.
Additional changes include:
Vehicles exiting Kongowea Market should use Ratna Square via Kwa Karama Road or the new Kwa Karama–New Malindi Road.
Entry into Kongowea Market remains open.
Fidel Odinga Road, Old Malindi Road, and surrounding routes are expected to experience increased traffic volumes.
Restrictions on heavy commercial vehicles along Nyali Bridge, Links Road, and New Malindi Road will remain in place during peak hours, between 6:00 am and 9:30 am, and again from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The county will continue enforcing its “Morning Express” and “Happy Hour” traffic management windows to ease congestion.
“These works fall under the Mombasa County Roads Act, 2016, and are in line with national traffic regulations,” said CEC Manyala. “In addition to drainage improvements, we’re also constructing dedicated cycling lanes along Fidel Odinga and Links Roads to support safer, more inclusive mobility.”
The county is urging motorists and pedestrians to observe posted signage, follow directions from traffic marshals, and plan ahead.
In a joint statement, the Department of Transport, Infrastructure & Governance emphasized the long-term value of the improvements, stating, “These changes, though temporarily disruptive, are critical to building a modern transport network that benefits residents, businesses, and the economy.”
Coast Region Traffic Enforcement Officer George Kashmiri said sufficient officers will be deployed to manage vehicle flow and assist the public.
“We have enough traffic officers to ensure smooth movement across the affected areas,” said Kashmiri.
“The ‘happy hour’ model will help ease pressure during peak travel times.”
