The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is racing against time to complete the Ksh 889 million Malindi Integrated Social Health Development Programme Phase II (MISHDP-II) in Malindi and Magarini sub-counties.
The Authority successfully implemented Phase I of the program, funded by the Italian government, between June 2008 and 2012.
The program, funded by the Italian government to the tune of €6,395,373 (equivalent to Ksh 889 million at current exchange rates) through the National Treasury, is being implemented by the CDA in collaboration with the National Land Commission, Kenya Space Agency, Kilifi County Government, and the local community.
The three-year program began in May 2022 and is designed to improve the social and economic development of the two sub-counties.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting to review the progress of Phase II implementation, CDA Acting Managing Director (MD) Pamela Ngure said all the completed projects in MISHDP-I are operational and the local community is benefiting.
The Italian Government, through the National Treasury, has so far disbursed a total of Ksh 271 million to MISHDP-II. The projects are at advanced stages of construction.
To improve education facilities and school enrollment in Malindi and Magarini sub-counties, Phase II of the project involves the construction of a dining hall, kitchen, dormitory, and four classrooms at Ngomeni Secondary School.
The project also includes an award scheme for the five best-performing students from Form One to Form Four at Ngomeni Secondary School.
Other school infrastructure development projects include the renovation of a six-classroom block at Ngomeni Primary School and the construction of a six-classroom block, a laboratory, and a pit latrine at Rasi Primary School.
Construction of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) block is underway at Malindi Sub-County Hospital, and Ksh 571 million has been allocated for the tarmacking of the 12-kilometer Mjanaheri – Ngomeni road.
“Phase II will improve education in the area. In Malindi, we had only one ICU during the COVID-19 era, and we realized that patients had to go all the way to Mombasa to access ICU facilities. But now we will have a fully operational ICU,” said Acting CDA MD Ngure.
CDA Chairman Mzee Mwinyi said the ICU will not only serve the residents of Kilifi but also those in the neighboring counties of Tana River, Lamu, and Garissa.
CDA Chairman Mwinyi revealed that they received a no-objection letter for the construction of the road, which will open up the Ngomeni and Mjanaheri areas.
“The economy of the area will improve. Access to a fish landing site that was opened by the Head of State will be easier,” said the CDA Chairman, urging coastal legislators to lobby for more development projects to improve the region’s economy.
Joseph Katana, Assistant Chief of Ngomeni Sub-Location, said the project will improve education standards and boost business.
“Our children will no longer have to walk long distances to access secondary school. We have a pristine beach, but the road has been a hurdle. With the construction of the road, it will boost tourism,” said Assistant Chief Katana.
Kassim Abdalla said that since the commencement of the projects, the livelihood of Ngomeni residents has significantly improved. “The road will increase the value of our land,” said Abdalla.
