The County Government of Mombasa has temporarily restricted the movement of heavy good vehicles to effectively manage traffic this holiday season.
In a gazette notice dated December 24, 2021, Transport, Infrastructure and Public Work county executive committee member Taufiq Balala said there will be restricted usage of the Northern Mainland and Central Business District (CBD) roads.
He noted that the vehicles would not be allowed in these areas from 6am to 10am and from 3.30pm to 8pm.
“All vehicles with 10 wheels shall not be allowed to prove within the following roads during the period,” he said.
The vehicles will be restricted on Nyali Bridge, Fidel Odinga Road, Links Road, New Malindi Road, Old Malindi Road and CBD roads.
Balala reiterated that the restrictions are for effective traffic management during peak hours and the busy festive period effective the December 24 to January 6, 2022.
Mombasa has experienced a surge in population as Kenyans throng the coastal county to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year.
The Nairobi-Mombasa and the Nairobi-Kisumu trains and airlines have reported good business because of the festivities.
Kenya Railways has increased passenger capacity on the SGR train between Nairobi and Mombasa to cater to the rising demand during the Christmas festive season.
The company has increased coaches to 11 from eight for economy class passengers. First-class passengers also got an additional unit from the two coaches in operations.
The increased capacity from the extra coaches took effect from December 9 to January 6, 2022.
The Madaraka Express train's bookings register shows it is fully booked for the Christmas season.
Hotels in Mombasa and Diani are also fully booked between December 23 and January 2, according to the Kenya Coast Tourism Association.
“We are doing well. There is a boom driven by the domestic market as families, corporate groups and individuals travel down to the coast ,” KCTA chief executive Julius Owino said.
Lamu is at 85 per cent with occupancy at key tourist hotels expected to hit 100 per cent over the Christmas week and New Year, thanks to direct flights from Nairobi and Mombasa.
In Diani, leading facilities are reported to be fully booked.
“We are fully booked for Christmas and New Year. Most of our guests are from Nairobi,” Sylvester Mbandi, general manager at the Baobab Beach Resort told the Star.
Hotels and camps in parks are also recording good business.