Kindiki inspects Sh100 billion Isiolo–Mandera Highway, says region poised for growth

Residents of Lafey when they were addressed by DP Kithure Kindiki. (DPPS)

By Issa Hussein
Saturday, August 23, 2025

He emphasised that the highway will connect previously marginalised areas to the rest of the country, improving the movement of goods and people and spurring regional development through trade and investment.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has described the ongoing construction of the Sh100 billion Isiolo-Mandera Highway as the largest single road project in Kenya's history, marking a major milestone in efforts to open up Northern Kenya for economic transformation.

Speaking during an inspection tour in Elwak, Mandera County, the DP said the 750-kilometre highway, being implemented by 11 contractors, is a game-changer for the region.

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"Kenya is making historic strides in unlocking the economic potential of Northern Kenya through unprecedented infrastructure development, led by the construction of the 750-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera Highway — the largest single road project in the country's history," he said.

He emphasised that the highway will connect previously marginalised areas to the rest of the country, improving the movement of goods and people and spurring regional development through trade and investment.

In Lafey Town, Mandera County, Kindiki announced that residents will soon benefit from the first-ever bitumen-standard roads in the area, with construction expected to begin in the coming weeks.

He further revealed that Lafey is among the beneficiaries of the Government's Market Infrastructure Programme, which is delivering 400 modern markets countrywide.

"These markets aim to bolster local economies by providing formal spaces for traders, particularly women and youth," he noted.

Electricity access is also set for a significant boost under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme. In Lafey Constituency, the government has allocated Sh155 million to connect an additional 637 households to the national grid, while Mandera East will receive Sh78 million for the connection of 314 households.

Overall, the Deputy President said the government has invested Sh2.8 billion in Mandera County to expand rural electrification.

He also announced that the construction of the Elwak Hybrid Power Plant is 90 per cent complete. The Sh538 million facility is expected to solve persistent power shortages in Mandera and the wider North Eastern region. Similar hybrid energy projects are underway in Wajir and Garissa counties.

During his visit to Lafey and Elwak, Kindiki joined local and national leaders, including Members of Parliament and county officials, for a series of economic empowerment engagements aimed at supporting SACCOs and small enterprises, especially those run by women and youth.

In Wajir County, where he also visited, he said the government is accelerating infrastructure development, including roads, affordable housing, education and health facilities, and power connectivity.

"More than Sh3 billion has been invested in Wajir's Last Mile Connectivity Programme, which will connect over 18,500 households to electricity. The construction of eight modern markets is also underway, alongside student hostels to support learners in tertiary institutions," he said.

Addressing historical injustices, Kindiki affirmed that, under President William Ruto's directive, the government has abolished discriminatory vetting procedures that previously denied residents of Northern Kenya and other border counties access to national identification cards and citizenship documents.

"This move is part of our commitment to ensure all citizens access government services without discrimination based on ethnicity, region, religion, or political affiliation," he stated.