The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has secured significant funding from the World Bank to expand the Isiolo-Mandera Road, a transformative project expected to be completed by 2029. According to an announcement in the government publication MyGov, the project will enhance regional connectivity by upgrading the road to bitumen standards, stretching from Isiolo Town in Isiolo County through Meru, Wajir, and Mandera counties.
Project Overview and Funding
World Bank documents reveal that the $750 million (approximately Ksh96.75 billion) funding comes from the International Development Association (IDA). This year, Kenya will receive Ksh19.35 billion (USD 150 million) as part of the financing under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
The project aims to:
- Improve connectivity between Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
- Facilitate trade and movement of goods and people.
- Strengthen digital connectivity and access to social services in targeted areas.
Economic and Social Impact
KeNHA states that upgrading the Isiolo-Mandera road is pivotal to integrating Kenya’s northern frontier into the national economy. The road also serves as a vital link in the international corridor connecting Kenya to Ethiopia and Somalia, catalyzing trade, development, and improved transport efficiency.
Additionally, the project will incorporate information and communication technologies to enhance connectivity and service delivery for communities along the corridor.
Land Acquisition and Displacement Mitigation
While most of the road corridor, spanning 60 meters in width, is public land, some areas face encroachment that could lead to displacement. KeNHA has developed a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) to mitigate the negative impacts of land acquisition, ensuring affected individuals are adequately compensated for their losses.
Trade Facilitation Centers
As part of the project, KeNHA is seeking companies to design and supervise the construction of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Trade Facilitation Centers (TFCs) in Isiolo, Modogashe, and Wajir. These centers are expected to streamline trade activities and enhance revenue collection in the region.
A Vision for Regional Development
The Isiolo-Mandera Road expansion is poised to unlock the economic potential of Kenya’s northern frontier, fostering regional trade, creating jobs, and improving access to social services. Once completed, the project will transform the Mombasa-Garissa-Wajir-Mandera-Mogadishu corridor, positioning Kenya as a key player in East African economic integration.
