Japan to eliminate the dangerous Likoni ferries with a modern bridge over Kilindini creek in Mombasa

The days of depending on ferries to cross the Mombasa creek seem to be over.

Japan is bankrolling a project to have a road suspended over the sea.

The Likoni ferries are set to be replaced by the proposed billion Mombasa Gate Bridge, to be constructed at US$ 620 million, marking the beginning of a new era for transport between Mombasa Island and the South Coast.

The Japanese Embassy in Nairobi has confirmed that the Mombasa Gate Bridge to be built at the cost of 85 billion/- Kenya shillings, is among the next Official Development Assistance (ODA) funded projects in Kenya.

It will replace the Likoni Ferry with a permanent link between Mombasa Island and the South Coast across the Likoni Channel.

Likoni has always been synonymous with accidents involving vehicles slipping off the pontoons and plunging into the depths of the Indian Ocean waters, incidents that have been claiming lives for more than 60 years now.

The proposed 1.4 kilometers, four-lane cable-stayed bridge will finally link Mombasa Island to the South Coast with other 13 kilometres of roads and related interchanges.

The Likoni Ferry operates across the Kilindini Harbour, linking Mombasa Island to Likoni in Kwale County, Kenya.

It is the primary and essentially the most direct route for commuters, vehicles, and goods traveling between the island and the South Coast, including destinations like Diani Beach and other coastal resorts

The crossing spans approximately 500 meters and navigates a channel with a depth of over 60 meters.

But now according to officials in Kenya, the Mombasa Gate Bridge project should be happening soon.

The Embassy of Japan has confirmed that the Mombasa Gate Bridge is among the next major infrastructure projects to be financed through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme.

The landmark project will replace the long-serving Likoni Ferry with a permanent road connection across the Likoni Channel, significantly improving mobility, reducing travel time, and easing congestion for thousands of commuters and businesses every day.

The project will feature a four-lane cable-stayed bridge stretching at 1.4 kilometres’ length, to be complemented by other ​connecting ​roads measuring approximately 13 kilometres ​and linked with modern ​infrastructural interchanges.

The whole setup will be creating a seamless transport corridor between Mombasa Island and the South Coast.

Once completed, the Mombasa Gate Bridge is expected to enhance regional trade, boost tourism, improve logistics, and become one of Kenya’s most iconic pieces of transport infrastructure.

Mombasa is located on an Island which sprawls to the surrounding mainlands.

Mombasa island, which is also the Kenyan coastal city, is separated from the mainland by two creeks including the Kilindini Harbor and the Tudor Creek.