Residents of Watamu and Dabaso areas in Kilifi County are urging President William Ruto to fulfill his promise to tarmac the 17-kilometer Gede Forest-Dabaso-Turtle Bay Road, which he committed to during a visit in November 2022.
The President had pledged that the road would be completed by June 2023, but it remains in a rough, dusty condition, negatively impacting tourism and business activities in the area, especially as it connects to the Mida Creek tourism circuit.
Emmanuel Changawa, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Dabaso Ward, highlighted the challenges the community faces due to the state of the road, stressing its importance for the local economy and urging area MP Owen Baya to push for immediate allocation of funds in the national assembly to begin the project.
Governor Gideon Mung’aro also expressed frustration, stating that if the President does not fulfill his promise, the county government will take matters into its own hands and use local funds to construct the road.
He reiterated the commitment to bring attention to the issue until the road is completed.
In addition to addressing the promised road, Governor Mung’aro launched new road projects, including the construction of a 3-kilometer Kizingo-Mbaraka Chembe-Jakaranda road to support tourism, and a 2.5-kilometer Timboni-Dabaso-Crab Shark road to improve access to the Mida Creek tourism circuit.
These projects, alongside planned drainage systems and street lighting, aim to enhance the area’s transportation infrastructure and stimulate a 24-hour economy.
The county’s Chief Officer for Roads, Phillip Charo, assured that these projects would be completed by January next year, further supporting the region’s tourism and agricultural sectors.
Catherine Kenga, the County Executive Member for Public Works, Roads, and Transport, emphasized the importance of these developments for improving local infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to nighttime business activities.
