By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Nairobi, 5 September 2026 Somalia and Kenya are working to develop a transport corridor linking the two countries, including a long-term plan for a road between Mogadishu and Mandera, the Somali Embassy in Nairobi said Thursday.
The plan was discussed during a meeting between Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya Jabriil Ibrahim Abdulle and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Roads Joseph Mbugua, according to the embassy.
Talks focused on the World Bank-financed Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, particularly development of the Isiolo-Mandera corridor and plans to extend it into Somalia.
The project is expected to improve movement of people and goods between the two countries and create new economic opportunities, the embassy said.
A key component is opening and developing the Kenya-Somalia border corridor at Mandera to facilitate cross-border trade, movement of people and connectivity between infrastructure networks on both sides, it added.
Related articles
The two sides agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee to handle technical matters, future discussions and efforts to accelerate implementation.
Ambassador Jabriil said the project would help strengthen links between Somalia and Kenya, particularly in trade, transportation and economic development.
The project is not limited to roads and infrastructure but could also contribute to regional economic integration, trade and stability in border areas, the embassy said.
The two sides also discussed the Joint Commission for Cooperation, focusing on trade and economic cooperation, and a planned memorandum of understanding on fisheries and the blue economy expected to be signed soon.
The embassy described the Mogadishu-Mandera road as part of the project’s long-term plan and did not give a timetable for construction or completion.