The government has ramped up efforts to unlock the economic potential of Northern Kenya through the construction of the 750-kilometer Isiolo-Mandera Highway.
Speaking after an impromptu inspection of the ongoing construction works, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the KSh.100 billion mega infrastructure project is expected to be completed within two years, bringing to an end the long awaited transformation.
Kindiki affirmed the government’s commitment in ensuring the road is completed on schedule.
“My work is to ensure we are proceeding well in delivering this promise. I have spoken with the contractor and the community here and have confirmed everything is going on well,” said Kindiki
The road that has been segmented into 11 parts starts from Isiolo and cuts across various key locations including Kula Mawe, Modogashe, Samatar, Wajir, Tarbaj, Kotulo, Kobo, Elwak, Garre, and Rhamu, before culminating at Mandera.
During his visit, the Deputy President inspected two key sections which includes Isiolo to Kula Mawe and Kula Mawe to Modogashe .
He noted that the highway is not just a transportation corridor but a multi-dimensional development initiative that seeks to bring holistic transformation to North Eastern Kenya.
The DP emphasized the critical role the road will play in enhancing security, combating banditry and terrorism and opening up the region to trade and investment.
“The road will help in beefing up security, dealing with banditry and terrorism, and will catalyze the economic growth of this region which has been marginalized for a long time,”added Kindiki .
He further said that the transformative nature of the project cannot be overstated adding for decades, residents of the vast arid and semi-arid region have struggled with poor infrastructure, insecurity, and limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
“When complete, the highway will become the largest road infrastructure project in Kenya’s history. It will significantly reduce travel challenges , facilitate the movement of goods ,livestock and people, and enhance access to government services in remote areas. It will also attract Investors to unlock the untapped market and potential,” he said.
President William Ruto, during an earlier visit to the region, had promised residents that his administration would prioritize the region’s development agenda and ensure key projects, including the Isiolo-Mandera road, are implemented without delay.
Kindiki lamented that to ensure seamless coordination and support for the contractors, government agencies and officials have been deployed to facilitate operations including security forces and local administrative officers tasked with maintaining peace, solving disputes, and creating a favorable working environment.
“Our security teams and other government officials have been deployed here to ensure good working relationships between the contractors and the locals. This is because the region historically has been plagued by insecurity and inter communal conflicts, which in the past have hindered many developments ,” he noted.
Local communities leaders who spoke also expressed optimism that the project is expected to open up markets for pastoralist products which is the mainstay income for the residents .
Kindiki at the same time said the road with proximity to the Horn of Africa and neighboring countries like Somalia and Ethiopia, could evolve into a critical cross-border trade route, increasing Kenya’s economic footprint in the region.
