The SGR project when it was under construction. [Photo/ capitalfm.co.ke]
Key infrastructural projects in Mombasa West have stimulated a scramble for property leading to an unprecedented rise in the cost of land.
The Airport and Reitz road are currently being rehabilitated and expanded into dual carriages, with construction works on the two projects projected to be complete in two months.Construction of the Moi International Airport road at a cost of Sh5 billion is expected to be completed by August according to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).While construction of the Port Reitz road is almost complete, the first phase of the Dongo Kundu bypass which, will cost Sh11 billion is over by 70 per cent. The road connects the port to the Mombasa-Nairobi highway at Miritini and is foreshadowed to ease movement of cargo from the port.KeNHA director general Peter Munindia recently said the Sh6.5 billion contract for expansion of the 10-kilometre Mombasa-Jomvu road to a six lane superhighway had been given out. The roads will address the traffic snarl ups in Magongo and Changamwe while luring investors.The Port Reitz and Changamwe to Moi International airport roads are critical connections to the newly constructed second container terminal and will improve clearing of cargo from the port.The May 31 launched Mombasa-Nairobi train services on the Sh327 billion SGR has seen rising interest from property developers in Miritini station attracting high land prices.“The SGR and expansion of the roads is a boost to not only Mombasa West property market but also to Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties. With the infrastructure developments, Mombasa property market is one of the biggest beneficiaries and land along this corridor has already started appreciating,” said Anthony Murithi, Kenya Projects advisor.Kenya Projects is a real estate company focusing on low cost housing units with investments in Mombasa, Nairobi and Kilifi.