The UK has advanced a Sh458.45 million ($5 million) grant to TradeMark Africa for the construction of access roads between the Moi International Airport and Mombasa Port.

This is addition to the $50 million (Sh4.58 billion) investment already made via the Department for International Development in TMA’s Mombasa Port Improvement Programme.

The fresh funds will be used to upgrade the Port Reitz/Airport road into a dual carriage way to ease movement of cargo and people to and from the sea and air ports.

In a statement, DfID said expanding the 5.3-kilometre stretch between Port Reitz and Moi International Airport is part of efforts to scale up development works on the Northern transport corridor.

TMA said the upgrade is expected to take up to 30 per cent of traffic from the Kipevu West container terminal, reducing port access time by opening up Gate 22.

“Port Reitz Road will reduce truck operating costs along the transport route,” said Lisa Phillips, head of DfID Kenya.

The 15-month project is set to begin in April through June 2016. It includes widening of the existing access roads to seven metres on each side, improving traffic intersection and traffic lights installation.

It will see the construction of two-metre wide sidewalks, and installation of drainage facilities, road signs and road markings.

TMA chief executive Frank Matsaert said the road is among its earmarked projects, which are expected to enhance the trade environment in East Africa.

“East Africa has among the highest freight and transport costs in the world. These costs seriously erode the marginal competitiveness of goods exported by the EAC countries reducing trade, economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction,” he said.

Source: All Africa

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.