Record 103 Community Projects Validated Along Isiolo–Mandera Road Corridor

Kenya, 8 July 2026 - A total of 103 community development projects have been validated for implementation along the proposed Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera Road Corridor under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), paving the way for improved access to essential social services across northern Kenya.

The projects, identified under the Social-Economic Infrastructure Projects (SEIPs) component of the HoAGDP, span key sectors including water, health, education and other public services aimed at ensuring communities directly benefit from the multibillion-shilling road project.

In a statement on Wednesday, a day after the stakeholder validation workshop on the Social Impact Assessment in Wajir, National Coordinator of the Northern and North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI) projects, Simba Guleid, said the projects complement the flagship Isiolo–Mandera Road Corridor by addressing critical social infrastructure needs in communities along the route.

"The Social-Economic Infrastructure Projects are a key component of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project. A total of 103 sub-projects have been identified across the corridor covering critical sectors such as health, education, water and other essential public services," Guleid said.

He said the projects are expected to commence in the coming months, describing the initiative as a major milestone in improving livelihoods and expanding access to essential services in northern Kenya.

Guleid shared the platform with Council of Governors Chairman and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi,Wajir East MP Adan Daud,and representatives from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC).

Governor Ahmed described the proposed Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera Road Corridor as a transformative investment that extends beyond road construction.

"The proposed Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera Road Corridor is more than a transport project; it is a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration and expanded opportunities for the people of northern Kenya," he said while closing the validation workshop held at I-Mall in Wajir on Tuesday.

He said the validation exercise brought together government agencies, development partners and local stakeholders to review the findings of the Social Impact Assessment and ensure that the priorities and aspirations of communities are incorporated before implementation begins.

The governor commended KeNHA, the Ministry of Roads and Transport, FCDC and other partners for advancing the landmark project, saying the county government would continue working with the national government and development partners to ensure its successful delivery.

According to the validation findings, Wajir residents overwhelmingly prioritised investments in water supply, school infrastructure, health facilities and local access roads, underscoring the urgent need for basic social services alongside the highway.

The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project is expected to improve connectivity between Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera while enhancing cross-border trade with neighbouring Ethiopia and Somalia. 

The accompanying social infrastructure projects are intended to ensure that communities living along the corridor share in the economic and social benefits generated by the major transport investment.