The government has set June 2030 as the deadline for completing the 740-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera highway after the World Bank finalised its funding commitment for the multi-billion-shilling project.
Roads and Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar said the entire corridor is now fully funded, with support from the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB) and Arab development funds.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 8, Daghar said the government would now focus on speeding up construction works along the different sections of the highway.
The World Bank is financing 508 kilometres of the road, while the AfDB is supporting the 142-kilometre Elwak-Rhamu section. Arab development banks are funding the 90-kilometre Samatar-Wajir section.
The Ksh168 billion project is already under construction, with more than 50 kilometres of the highway having been laid with asphalt.
“Works are already underway, with more than 50 kilometres of the road already on blacktop. Once completed, the improved corridor is expected to reduce travel times significantly,” Daghar said.
The highway construction started in September 2022 and aims to open up northern Kenya through improved transportation from Meru, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties.
This road shall act as an important connection to Ethiopia and Somalia, thus facilitating transport of goods and access to markets in these areas.
This came at the Second Annual Monitoring and Evaluation Report Validation Workshop for the project, where Daghar urged all bodies working on the construction of the road to step up efforts to meet the deadline of June 2030.
He noted that the success of the project should not only be measured in terms of kilometres constructed but also the difference it makes to the people living along the corridor.
“Success of the project should not just be measured in kilometres of road or fibre laid but in the transformation of lives, creation of businesses and access to education and health services among others,” he stated.
The project will also include a digital infrastructure component, with the government planning to install about 1,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable along the highway.
Plans are also underway to establish One-Stop Border Posts at the borders with Ethiopia and Somalia.
Trade facilitation centres will also be developed along the corridor to support cross-border trade and make the movement of people and goods easier.
With financing now secured, the government is expected to accelerate works on the remaining sections as it works towards completing the long-awaited highway by June 30, 2030.
