The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the 740-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera Road on schedule, saying the major infrastructure project will unlock economic opportunities in the North Eastern region while strengthening security across the area.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the Government is working to address challenges that could delay the project and ensure that construction progresses as planned.
Murkomen made the remarks after chairing a high-level multi-agency planning meeting bringing together senior government officials to review the progress of the road project and identify ways of addressing emerging bottlenecks.
The CS said the Isiolo-Mandera road is expected to play a significant role in transforming the North Eastern region by improving connectivity, opening up trade and investment opportunities and supporting broader economic development.
The project is also considered important to the security of the region, with the Government linking improved road connectivity to enhanced movement and coordination of security personnel along the North Eastern corridor.
Murkomen said the Government had already put in place security measures to protect contractors and other workers involved in the project.
The Isiolo-Mandera road is being implemented under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a major regional infrastructure initiative aimed at improving transport connectivity and facilitating trade within the Horn of Africa.
The Government’s renewed focus on the project comes as authorities seek to address bottlenecks and maintain momentum towards the completion of the entire 740-kilometre corridor.
Murkomen said the Government would continue working closely with the agencies responsible for roads, security and defence to ensure that challenges affecting the project are addressed promptly.
The high-level meeting was attended by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Principal Secretary for Roads Eng. Joseph Mbugua, Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo, and Principal Secretary for Defence Dr Patrick Mariru.
Also present were Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and General Officer Commanding Eastern Command Major General L. K. Kutto, among other senior government officials.
The Government says the completion of the Isiolo-Mandera road will be a major boost to North Eastern Kenya, with improved transport expected to enhance access to markets, services and economic opportunities while supporting stronger security operations across the region.
