The High Court in Malindi has temporarily suspended the tarmacking of the Absa-Mtanngani road.
The development coming after the Malindi Progressive Welfare Association, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Malindi Residents Development Group and the Kenya Hotel Keepers and Caterers Association moved to court challenging the legality of the project.
The complainants were seeking an order for the project to be stopped until the matter is heard and determined. Malindi High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi certified the matter as urgent and ordered the Malindi Municipal Board to suspend tarmacking of the road.
Tukero Ole Kina and Conrad Otiang the Lawyers representing the petitioners accused the Municipality for disregarding public participation before launching the project and for failing to follow due process in changing the nature of the project. The petitioners are seeking an order for the county government to conduct proper public participation in the implementation of the project.
The road estimated to cost Ksh 67 million is among the Ksh 230 million World Bank-funded projects to upgrade the town under the Kenya Urban Support program.