The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has confirmed the rollout of a 65‑kilometre urban roads project in Wajir Town, marking the start of a major infrastructure programme expected to improve transport, accessibility, and economic activity within the municipality.
The project, financed through funding secured by the national government from the OPEC Fund for International Development, will upgrade 31 roads in Wajir Town to bitumen standards at a cost of Sh4.5 billion.
The announcement was welcomed by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who described the initiative as a major step towards growth and transformation in one of Kenya’s arid and semi‑arid regions.
In a statement following the confirmation of the project, Governor Ahmed said the commencement of the road works represents an important moment in the county’s development plans and moves Wajir closer to achieving its long‑term infrastructure goals.
“I am pleased to announce the commencement of the 65KM urban roads project within Wajir Municipality, a historic milestone in our development journey,” he said.
He noted that the investment would help advance the county’s vision of building a modern municipality supported by improved transport infrastructure and better connectivity for residents and businesses.
According to the governor, the project forms part of the final phase of efforts aimed at transforming the municipality’s road network and improving movement within the town. He said residents should remain confident that the plans outlined by the county leadership are gradually being realised.
“As we begin the final phase of transforming our road network, I want every resident to know that the future we envisioned together is steadily becoming a reality. Wajir is rising,” he added.
Details released by KURA indicate that the project falls under the Development of Urban Roads in Arid and Semi‑Arid Areas (ASALs) Project, which seeks to improve infrastructure in counties that have historically faced challenges related to road connectivity and access.
The Authority said the planned works will focus on the construction and improvement of selected roads within Wajir Town with the aim of enhancing mobility, accessibility, road safety, and socio‑economic development.
According to the tender notice issued by KURA, the project will involve upgrading approximately 65 kilometres of roads spread across 31 town roads. The works have been divided into three separate lots to facilitate implementation and procurement.
“The project involves upgrading thirty‑one (31) town roads totalling approximately sixty‑five (65) Km to bitumen standards in Wajir Town, divided into three (3) Lots,” KURA stated.
The Authority further noted that contractors interested in undertaking the works will be selected through an International Competitive Bidding process in line with the procurement guidelines of the OPEC Fund. Firms will be allowed to bid for one, two, or all three lots, although successful bidders will only be awarded a maximum of two lots.
It noted that the procurement process will be guided by the provisions contained in the financing agreement between the Government of Kenya and the OPEC Fund, while also drawing on internationally recognised procurement standards where necessary to ensure transparency, efficiency, and value for money.
The project is expected to improve transport links within Wajir Municipality and support economic activities by making it easier for residents, traders, and service providers to move across different parts of the town.
Once completed, the upgraded roads are expected to strengthen urban infrastructure in Wajir and contribute to broader government efforts aimed at improving connectivity and supporting development in arid and semi‑arid regions across the country.
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