Isiolo-Mandera road key to transforming Northeastern

I had the privilege of serving as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Roads and Public Works during the first term of President Kibaki’s administration between 2003-2007.

That period witnessed the transformative implementation of infrastructure projects that were pivotal in enhancing Kenya’s economic growth, improving connectivity and laying the foundation for sustainable development.

This period also saw the implementation of essential reforms in the roads sector by streamlining institutional and road network ownership arrangements leading to the establishment KeNHA, KERRA and KURA.

President Kibaki’s visionary leadership also laid the groundwork for Vision 2030, a transformative economic blueprint aimed at addressing regional disparities and incorporating underserved areas, such as Northern Kenya, in the country’s development agenda.

Some of the key projects in the sector were the Thika Superhighway, Isiolo-Moyale road and the total rehabilitation of the Mombasa-Malaba Highway, just to mention a few. Plans were also initiated to upgrade two other critical corridors — the Kitale-Sudan road and the broader LAPSSET corridor — comprising rail,road and oil pipeline connections to enhance regional connectivity with Ethiopia and South Sudan. But it appears no significant progress has taken place in the LAPSSET project.

The Isiolo-Moyale road is a vital infrastructure project that has transformed connectivity between northern Kenya and the rest of the country. As a key segment of the Trans-Africa Highway, it has opened up previously marginalised regions, facilitating trade, tourism and investment.

Access to essential services

This road has enhanced cross-border commerce with Ethiopia, improved access to essential services for local communities and fostered socio-economic integration. Its construction represents a significant step in bridging regional inequalities and advancing Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda.

During President Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidency, the upgrading of an important and crucial corridor, the 740-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera road, was initiated in 2015, culminating in securing financing from development partners. It is a component of the ongoing Horn of Africa Gateway Project (HoAGP). The corridor plays a vital role in enhancing connectivity and economic integration in Kenya and the greater Horn of Africa . This road connects the central part of Kenya (Isiolo) to Mandera in the northeast, near the border with Somalia and Ethiopia. 

Fast- forward to 2025 and notable progress has been made, albeit slowly, in the upgrading of some sections of this road which are funded by the World Bank, Isiolo-Modogashe and Wajir-Elwak (400km including 40km of spur roads); Consortium of Arab Banks (Samatar-Wajir, 90km); and African Development Bank (Elwak-Rhamu, 142km).

The upgrading of the remainder of the sections (143km) of the corridor — Modogashe-Samatar (67km) and Rhamu-Mandera (76km) — was initially intended to be funded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, referred to as a road annuity program me.

This programme has faced challenges, and the upgrading of these two segments has come to a halt. Unfortunately, the two segments are the most difficult sections of the Isiolo-Mandera road corridor in terms of terrain and other technical challenges. 

President William Ruto recently acknowledged these challenges, calling the road annuity model impractical for the Isiolo-Mandera road. He pledged to personally oversee its completion, echoing President Kenyatta’s hands-on approach with the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway. 

Economic empowerment

This commitment is a positive step; however, it is crucial that directives lead to meaningful action. I am reliably informed that the Ministry of Roads and Transport has been instructed to plan for alternative financing. The concerned State Departments of Roads and Finance must fast track this process.

Additionally, even though the funding is available through a consortium of Arab banks for the segment between Samatar and Wajir, the timeline for implementing the upgrading works is of concern since the procurement phase has not yet started. Moreover, the segments between Elwak and Rhamu, financed by the African Development Bank, are progressing very slowly. 

Since nearly 80 per cent of this road has secured funding, the government needs to provide the Kenya National Highway Authority, ICT Authority and Kenya Revenue Authority with a fixed yet realistic timeline to complete the upgrade of the road and associated bridges at Rhamu and Suftu as well as the complementary investments, including the laying of 1,000-km fiber optic cable along the corridor, provision of community socio-economic infrastructure and trade facilitation facilities. 

For the people of the Northeastern region, the upgrading of this road corridor signifies more than just infrastructure — it represents inclusion, progress and equity. It serves as a pathway to economic empowerment and national integration. Leaders from the region must take ownership of this project and advocate for its timely execution as a legacy for future generations.

The Isiolo-Mandera road is not just a road; it a transformative project that addresses long-standing challenges of isolation and underdevelopment in Northern Kenya, unlocking the potential of the region while contributing to broader regional integration. Its completion will unlock the region’s economic potential and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to equitable development.

Eng Mahamud is immediate Former Senator for Mandera and former PS Ministry of Roads and Public Works. mahamud.mm @ gmail.com