Tour operators and hoteliers want the Kenyan government to fast track the construction of the $300 million Dongo Kundu bypass project to give tourists easy access the south coast.

For years, travel to Diani resort town in Kwale county has been hampered by unreliable ferry services on the Likoni channel. Tourists travelling to the south coast from Moi International Airport in Mombasa can be delayed for hours, with some even missing flights.

To address the ferry challenges, the government came up with the Dongo Kundu bypass project in efforts to open up the region.

Last year, the government launched the first phase – which covers 10km from the port of Mombasa to Miritini – at a cost of $110 million and which is expected to be completed in July next year. The Government is looking for funds for the implementation of the second phase, which will cost $190 million.

However, Kenya Association of Tour Operators Coast Branch Chairperson, Monika Solanki, is urging the government to speed up the construction. She says when the Dongo Kundu bypass project is complete, it will take less than 30 minutes for tourists to reach Diani and overcome the ferry woes. “International tourists prefer to go to the south coast for leisure holidays due to the beautiful beaches, but travelling there has been a big headache.”

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast Branch Executive Officer, Sam Ikwaye, says the region could attract more tourists once the bypass is completed, adding that hotels in Diani have been getting a raw deal due to the poor ferry services.

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