The construction of the 750-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera Highway, a Ksh100 billion project, has officially begun, ending decades of unfulfilled promises, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has confirmed.
The highway, linking Isiolo, Kula Mawe, Modogashe, Samatar, Wajir, Tarbaj, Kotulo, Kobo, Elwak, Garre, Rhamu, and Mandera, is divided into 11 sections and assigned to seven contractors to ensure completion within two years.
President William Ruto’s launch of the project triggered an uproar, with critics questioning the Ksh100 billion budget amid economic strain and others doubting the government’s ability to deliver after decades of unfulfilled promises.
“The 77-kilometre Kula Mawe-Isiolo section, costing Ksh8.3 billion, is already in progress. Pleased to do an impromptu spot check on progress of the ongoing construction works,” Kindiki expressed during his impromptu visit to Kula Mawe, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Connecting Isiolo, Kula Mawe, Modogashe, Samatar to Mandera
The project is set to revolutionise Northern Kenya’s economy. By connecting remote towns to major markets, it will boost trade, attract investment, and improve access to healthcare and education.
“The highway will serve as a vital artery, fostering growth in a region long neglected. This transport artery will turn around the economy of Northern Kenya,” Kindiki declared, stressing its potential to create jobs and spur development.
Security improvements are another key benefit. The region’s vast, poorly connected terrain has fueled banditry and conflict, hampering effective policing. The new highway will enable faster security responses and better surveillance.
“It will also deal a massive blow to insecurity,” Kindiki emphasised.
Importantly, the Isiolo-Mandera Highway is a key component of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, a strategic infrastructure programme aimed at enhancing regional trade and integration.
Once completed, the highway will improve connectivity between Kenya and its northeastern neighbours, positioning Mandera as a critical trade gateway.
The project is set to revolutionise Northern Kenya’s economy. By connecting remote towns to major markets, it will boost trade, attract investment, and improve access to healthcare and education.
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].
