The construction of the transformative Isiolo–Mandera highway has picked up pace, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s infrastructure development agenda. Once seen as an elusive promise, the 794-kilometer road project is now visibly taking shape, offering hope for enhanced connectivity and economic rejuvenation in the northeastern region.
The highway cuts across four counties—Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera forming a vital artery that connects numerous towns including Rhamu, Gari, El Wak, Kobo, Kutulo, Tarbaj, Wajir, Samatar, and Modogashe. It is a major component of the larger Isiolo–Mandera Corridor, envisioned to bolster regional integration and stimulate economic growth.
After years of delay and skepticism, the recent acceleration in construction reflects renewed government commitment to bridging regional disparities and fostering national unity through infrastructure. The road has long been touted as a game-changer for the historically marginalized northeastern region, and the ongoing works are giving form to that vision.
A key segment of the project is the 140-kilometer El Wak–Rhamu section, now under active construction with funding from a Sh27.5 billion loan secured from the African Development Bank. This portion had faced major delays in the past due to security challenges. However, the government has now implemented a comprehensive security plan that has enabled work to resume, providing much-needed assurance to contractors and communities along the corridor.
The project is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and is supported by seven contractors already deployed to various sites along the route. These efforts are a response to growing calls for improved road infrastructure in the region, which has suffered from decades of underinvestment.
When completed, the highway will dramatically reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs. Current travel durations along the corridor average around 4.7 hours; the new highway is expected to bring this down to 3.2 hours. This reduction in travel time will have a ripple effect across the local and regional economy, facilitating faster, safer, and more efficient movement of people and goods.
The anticipated economic impact is significant. Trade volumes within and across the northeastern region are projected to grow by 15 per cent annually, increasing from Sh25.7 billion to Sh29.5 billion. This uplift will not only boost local businesses but also strengthen trade ties with neighboring Somalia and Ethiopia, whose proximity makes them key partners in cross-border commerce.
Beyond trade, the improved connectivity is set to enhance access to health services, education, and government services. For a region long plagued by isolation, the highway represents a path to greater inclusion and opportunity.
The government’s active presence on the ground has provided a morale boost for local leaders and residents alike. The push to deliver on promises made to the region is not just about roads; it symbolizes a broader effort to build trust and foster equitable development across Kenya.
As work on the Isiolo–Mandera highway continues to advance, its completion is poised to usher in a new era of mobility, integration, and prosperity for Kenya’s northeastern frontier.
