Transport in Mombasa: This paper seeks to describe the following headings: Introduction; Kenya’s Geographic Location; Port of Mombasa; Industry Highlights; and Conclusion.
Most important city at the coastal region of Kenya is the city of Mombasa which plays a central role in providing access to the East African region due to its position along the Indian Ocean. This paper looks at the role of transport in Mombasa because the city is a port city and the transport system is significant in the performance of the city’s activities. SBS services range from the old-fashioned matatus to metro trains, the variety in the transport system mirrors the cultural, historical and development aspects of the city. In this case let us look at the various forms of transport in Mombasa and how these affect the connectivity of the town.
- The Port of Mombasa: An Entry Point to East Africa
He said the port of Mombasa is the largest and most busy port in the east and central region and act as a major hub of the maritime business in the region. Situated along the Indian Ocean coast and operated by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), it handles all types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, cars, among others making it an important icon to the region’s economy.
Being an inland port, the port plays an important role in facilitating the movement of goods from other international sea ports for importation into Kenya and other land locked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. On-going efforts to expand port capacity, upgrade capacity, and make improvements on port infrastructure are ongoing efforts to improve general performance, de-congest the ports, and increase the port’s ability to host larger vessels which will further cement Mombasa’s status as the regional trading centre.
- Road Transport: Bridge spanning the City And Beyond
Road transport is the most dominant since road networks enable linkages to different part of Kenya as well as neighboring countries. Transportation including the Mombasa Nairobi Highway and the Mombasa Malindi Highway enhance movement within the region mainly for passengers and merchandise.
- Matatus: Matatus are the mini buses which are colorful and most of the time crowded, they are the main means of public transport in Mombasa. They offer low cost and easy means of transport to the people within the city and the neighboring towns since they follow a defined and predictable path. Matatus are quite popular though their arrival and departure times are rather erratic and sometimes there is even overcrowding inside them.
- Boda Bodas and Tuk-Tuks: For short distances and affordable charges boda bodas or motor cycle taxis are used while tuk-tuks or three-wheeler auto rickshaws are also present. Due to their ability to maneuver through tight corridors or congested roads these transportation methods are fast and convenient. Tuk-tuks are more specifically popular in Mombasa because of charges, convenient to move in the crowded roads of Mombasa.
- Buses: Express coaches are used in the main routes within and around Mombasa to accommodate the high capacity another means of transport. Some of the buses provide some intercity services to Nairobi, Malindi, and other big cities and towns for both local and tourist passengers.
- Rail Transport: Modernizing Connectivity
Mombasa rail transport has undergone expansion to current SGR as a result, more improvements been observed in the recent past. This SGR has brought a facelift of passenger and freight transport from the coastal region to the country’s capital, Nairobi.
- Standard Gauge Railway (SGR): The SGR was launched in May 2017, which provides the improved mode of transport to the road transport since it’s faster, safer and efficient for transporting goods and passengers from Mombasa to Nairobi and other neighbouring countries. The passenger train known as the Madaraka Express which is part of the SGR currently offers several trips in a day giving passengers an enchanting experience. The freight service of the SGR has also helped to enhance the movement of goods from the port to the interior thereby helping to decongest the roads.
- Metre Gauge Railway: We also have the older metre gauge railway which operational and offers only cargo transport on the routes that the SGR does not provide. Further measures are being taken to reconstruct segments of this network to enhance the bypassing and connectivity role of the SGR along with general railway access in the area.
- Air Transport: Mombasa and a Route to the rest of the World
Moi International Airport is the second largest airport in Kenya which is located in Mombasa. The Mombasa airport is approximately 10 kilometers West of the city center, the airport handles both domestic and international travelers providing link between Mombasa and several other cities in the country, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
- Domestic Flights: Moi International Airport connects to Nairobi, Kisumu Eldoret and other major cities in Kenya and hence air transport is easily accessible for the business and tourists.
International Flights: It also serves the international tourist with direct connection to Europe, Middle East and other neighboring African countries thus boosting tourism in Mombasa.
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- Water Transport: Ferries and Dhows are other means that can be hiked in order to enhance the provision of the means to the needy.
Due to the geographical location of Mombasa which is on the coast, water transport has hence formed a major segment of the transport system of the city.
- Likoni Ferry: Likoni Ferry is a means of transport with high demand and is used to transverse from Mombasa Island to the southern main mainland. Owned by Kenya Ferry Services Company Limited the ferry serves Likoni channel and ferries thousands of passengers and their cars on daily basis. Though it is a critical service it is however not properly enhanced which at times results in delays and congestion and this has resulted to others demanding change of the current channel by providing other structures like Likoni Bridge.
- Dhows and Boats: Sailing wooden boats locally called as dhows and boats are used for transportation, fishing and in recreational activities along the coast. These transport vessels act as a symbol of the historical connection that Mombasa had with seaborne commerce; though now still make picturesquely elegant on water views.
- Future Developments: Enhancing Connectivity
Mombasa has a good transport network base that is being developed with several projects that have the intentions of enhancing transport connectivity and decongesting the city. Likewise, the construction of the Dongo Kundu Bypass also know as the Mombasa Southern Bypass under construction is an attempt to managing the traffic headaches around the Likoni Ferry that connect the mainland with Mombasa Island.
Further, there are existing plans to put into operation improved and a modern system of bus rapid transit (BRT) alongside increasing the rail-services to meet the improved and sustainable mode of transport of the people in the city as well as visitors.
Conclusion
The transport’s system of Mombasa consists of various forms of wheel that are conventional as well as innovative to highlight the spirits of the Mombasa city. From the Matatus that are tuk-tuks, the stretched and squeezed minivans that ply the Mombasa’s roads to the modern SGR,transportation in Mombasa is as colourful and as diverse as the city. With the Mombasa city ever expanding and encouraging growth, the improvement of the transport systems will remain central in the improvement of this connectivity, economic fortunes and living standards of the people of Mombasa.