KeNHA revises Isiolo-Mandera road project, adds new features to enhance cross-border links
The road, once complete, is expected to play a major role in connecting remote parts of Northern Kenya to national and regional markets.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has revised the ongoing Isiolo-Mandera Road project by introducing new infrastructure components to boost transport efficiency and cross-border integration.
In a notice, KeNHA announced that it had revised the general procurement plans for the 749-kilometre road to include new features not initially stated in the earlier procurement notice.
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The changes are being implemented as part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a regional initiative supported by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA).
Among the new additions to the project are trade facilitation centres, One-Stop Border Posts, housing units for Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) staff in Rhamu and Mandera, three virtual weighbridge stations, and a fibre optic cable network along the Elwak-Mandera corridor.
According to KeNHA, the new components are necessary to support regional trade and provide critical infrastructure for customs, taxation, transport monitoring, and communication services.
The One-Stop Border Posts are expected to streamline cross-border procedures, while the KRA housing is meant to accommodate staff working along the trade route.
The agency clarified that the enhancements will be funded using a portion of the resources from the IDA, a member of the World Bank Group.
The 749-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera road is part of this larger regional effort to improve transport and connectivity between Kenya and neighbouring countries, specifically Ethiopia and Somalia.
The construction of the highway officially began in May 2025 and is expected to be completed over three years at an estimated cost of Sh85 billion.
The road, once complete, is expected to play a major role in connecting remote parts of Northern Kenya to national and regional markets.
KeNHA said the road will help facilitate the movement of goods and people, boost regional integration, and create economic opportunities in counties such as Isiolo, Wajir, and Mandera.
During an inspection tour of the project in May, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the road is one of the government’s priority infrastructure investments for Northern Kenya.
Kindiki noted that the project has the potential to transform the region's economy and improve its integration with the rest of the country.
“This road is set to connect Isiolo to Mandera; many people thought it was impossible. From what I am seeing, I want to confirm to the people of Kenya that this is a game-changing project,” said DP Kindiki.
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