Introduction: A Strategic Project Gone From Pride to Problematics
The Liwatoni Floating Pedestrian Bridge (LFPB) in the Kenyan Coast was hailed in 2020 as a symbol of resilience and engineering prowess. Today, reports of sagging metals and creeping deterioration cast a long shadow over a project initially celebrated as a landmark. As discussions intensify about who bears responsibility, many observers ask whether political power dynamics—often described in media as “untouchables” or influential networks—play a role in the Coast’s procurement, maintenance, and oversight failures.
What Happened to the Liwatoni Bridge?
The Liwatoni Floating Pedestrian Bridge, designed to connect communities along the Ras Bofu area, was meant to improve mobility, tourism, and daily life for residents and visitors. However, several years after its completion, the structure is showing signs of wear and neglect. Corrosion, sagging supports, and limited maintenance budget allocations paint a worrying picture for a project that was supposed to be a lasting public good. The problem is not merely technical; it implicates governance, oversight, and the sustainability of public investments on the coast.
Is There a Link to Political Power and Influence?
Analysts and residents alike wonder whether the “hand” of powerful interests or the so-called untouchables could influence decisions around maintenance funding, contract renewals, and accountability. In any democracy, large infrastructure projects can become entangled with patronage networks, where oversight is inconsistent and budgeted maintenance is deprioritized. Critics argue that when oversight institutions lose independence or when political protection shields officials from scrutiny, essential upkeep can take a back seat to political convenience or short-term optics.
Coast Projects: From Pride to Public Scrutiny
The Coast region has several flagship projects that aim to boost tourism, trade, and regional development. When projects encounter cost overruns, delays, or under-run maintenance, communities on the ground bear the consequences—fewer reliable transport links, safety concerns, and wasted public funds. The Liwatoni case becomes a lens through which to scrutinize broader governance practices, procurement transparency, and the effectiveness of long-term asset management in the region.
Maintenance, Accountability, and Public Trust
Experts stress that the longevity of infrastructure hinges on robust maintenance regimes, regular inspections, and transparent funding streams. Public trust erodes when maintenance cycles are skipped or when procurement records do not align with actual investment. The Liwatoni example underscores the need for independent audits, open reporting, and clear timelines for rehabilitation or replacement. Strengthening these elements helps ensure that public assets serve residents today and stand the test of time for future generations.
Key Questions for Stakeholders
- Are maintenance budgets guaranteed and protected from political fluctuations?
- Is there independent oversight of contracts and performance milestones?
- What are the concrete timelines for repairs or replacement, and how are communities informed?
- How can the Coast region reconcile development ambitions with sustainable asset management?
Conclusion: Toward Transparent Governance and Durable Infrastructure
As the Liwatoni Bridge case continues to unfold, it offers an opportunity for Kenya to reinforce governance norms that protect public investments. The goal is not to apportion blame alone but to insist on accountability, transparent procurement, and a disciplined maintenance regimen. If the Coast’s flagship projects are to deliver lasting benefits, they must be accompanied by strong oversight, independent review, and a recommitment to the public’s right to know how and why funds are spent. In that light, every stakeholder—from local communities to national agencies—has a role in ensuring that infrastructure endures beyond political cycles and serves as a true engine of development.
