From Isiolo to Mandera: Gov't fast track efforts to deliver key road project

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the 740-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera Road within the stipulated timelines, underscoring the project’s strategic importance in opening up northern Kenya and strengthening national security.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is implementing a synchronised, multi-agency approach involving key ministries and security agencies to fast-track completion of the landmark infrastructure project.

“We wish to reassure our development partners and contractors that security measures on the ground have been significantly strengthened and that adequate resources have been deployed to guarantee the safety of personnel and equipment along the entire corridor,” Murkomen said.

The Cabinet Secretary made the remarks on Monday, January 18, 2026, following a high-level security meeting with Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya. The meeting focused on enhancing security operations and accelerating implementation of the project.

Murkomen said the government has deployed additional police units, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, and specialised security equipment to enhance patrols, surveillance, and rapid response along the construction corridor.

He described the Isiolo–Mandera highway as a transformative development project that will significantly improve trade, boost security, and deliver far-reaching socio-economic benefits to communities along the route.

“The President expects this project to be completed through a whole-of-government approach in the shortest time possible and within the timelines that have been set. One of the key enablers of national development is national security,” Murkomen said.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya reaffirmed the military’s commitment to close coordination with other agencies to ensure the project is delivered on schedule and without disruption.

The Sh100 billion Isiolo–Mandera Highway—part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor—is the longest single-road infrastructure project ever undertaken in Kenya. It links the counties of Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera and is considered critical to improving access in northern Kenya, enhancing regional trade with neighbouring Somalia and Ethiopia, and strengthening national security.

The road traverses several towns, starting in Isiolo and passing through Kula Mawe, Modogashe, Samatar, Wajir, Tarbaj, Kotulo, Kobo, Elwak, Garre, and Rhamu, before terminating in Mandera.

In addition to improving physical connectivity, the project includes the installation of a 740-kilometre fibre optic cable aimed at expanding digital connectivity across northern Kenya. The fibre infrastructure is expected to enhance internet access for e-commerce, education, government services, and communication, helping bridge the digital divide in the region.

When operational, the road would increase people and products transportation and communication, and access to social services for almost 3 million people living along the Isiolo-Mandera regional road corridor in the North-Eastern area.

During a tour of the project last year, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed that construction was on track for completion by June 2027.