Kenya Fast-Tracks 740km Isiolo–Mandera Road Project

Kenya, July 02, 2026 - The government has stepped up efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), a flagship infrastructure programme that will see the entire 740-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera Road Corridor upgraded to bitumen standards.

Roads Principal Secretary Eng. Joseph Mbugua on Thursday chaired the HoAGDP Multi-Agency Implementation Support Mission Wrap-Up Meeting and the Second Quarter 2026 Project Oversight Committee Meeting, where stakeholders reviewed implementation progress and agreed on measures to hasten project delivery.

The meeting resolved to fast-track key procurements, strengthen project oversight, improve road safety measures, and expedite land acquisition and compensation to avoid delays.

Eng. Mbugua said implementation of the project was progressing steadily, noting that contracts for all road sections as well as the accompanying fibre optic infrastructure had already been awarded.

He further announced that the approval of the Second Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP II), alongside additional financing, had secured funding for the entire Isiolo–Mandera corridor, paving the way for completion of one of Kenya's largest road infrastructure projects.

"The implementation of the project is progressing well, with all road contracts and fibre optic infrastructure already awarded. The approval of HoAGDP II and additional financing has secured funding for the entire 740-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera Road Corridor," the Principal Secretary said.

Once completed, the corridor is expected to improve transport links across northern Kenya, enhance regional trade, expand digital connectivity through fibre optic infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth in communities along the route. The project is also expected to strengthen Kenya's trade links with neighbouring Ethiopia and Somalia, reinforcing the country's position as a regional transport and logistics hub.

The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project was launched in 2020 with financial support from the World Bank to improve connectivity and promote economic integration in Kenya's historically underserved northern region. The flagship component of the programme is the upgrading of the Isiolo–Mandera Road,a corridor that passes through Isiolo, Meru, Wajir and Mandera counties.

The project aims to reduce travel time and transport costs, improve access to education, healthcare and markets, enhance road safety, and support peace and stability by opening up remote areas to investment and government services.

Beyond road construction, the programme includes installation of fibre optic cable to improve digital connectivity, community development initiatives, and measures to strengthen institutional capacity in road management and transport safety.

The meeting was attended by officials from the World Bank and representatives of several government agencies, including the State Departments for Roads, Transport and Public Works, the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), National Land Commission (NLC), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), National Construction Authority (NCA), Kenya Roads Board (KRB), the University of Nairobi and the Engineers Board of Kenya.

The multi-agency meeting underscored the government's commitment to ensuring the timely delivery of the strategic corridor, which is expected to transform mobility, boost trade and unlock new economic opportunities across Northern Kenya and the wider Horn of Africa.