Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has confirmed the temporary closure of Nyali Bridge on Wednesday, April 9, at 8:00 AM to facilitate the controlled demolition of a structurally compromised nine-storey building located off Abdel Nasser Road.
The building, which has been declared a public hazard due to serious foundational weaknesses, will be brought down using a controlled explosive operation. This initiative is a joint effort between the county government and national agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
“Investigations revealed severe structural failure caused by unauthorized borehole drilling that compromised the foundation. The building’s ground floor columns have already sunk by nearly three meters, posing a serious threat to life and nearby property,” said Governor Nassir in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 8.
Traffic & Public Safety Measures
For safety reasons, Nyali Bridge will be closed to all vehicular traffic for one hour during the demolition. Authorities have also ordered the evacuation of a 1.2-kilometre radius around the blast site in accordance with international standards for explosive demolitions.
The restricted zone spans multiple major roads and areas including:
- Digo Road to Hospital Road
- Jomo Kenyatta Road to Mwembe Tayari to Kava Shibu Road
- Faza Road to Kisauni Road
- Tononoka Road to Muslim Road
- Tana Street to Wajir Road, stretching up to Solomon Castle Hotel and Ronald Ngala Road
Businesses within this perimeter will temporarily shut down, and residents have been advised to vacate the area before the scheduled demolition.
Hospital Evacuations Underway
The county government is also relocating patients from Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, which lies within the impact zone. Of the 504 patients currently admitted, 380 are ready for discharge. The remaining 124—including 8 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)—are being safely moved to Utange and Port Reitz Hospitals to ensure uninterrupted care during the operation.
Governor Nassir emphasized that the exercise is a precautionary measure to prevent potential disaster and ensure public safety. Authorities will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating with emergency services before, during, and after the demolition.
