World Bank Gives Update on Progress of KSh 168 Billion Isiolo-Mandera Road Project

The World Bank has announced that construction of the 740 kilometre Isiolo Mandera Road corridor has reached 60% completion, with the ambitious infrastructure project expected to be delivered by 2030.

The update offers a major milestone for one of Kenya’s largest infrastructure investments, which is expected to improve transport, trade and access to essential services in the country’s northern region.

World Bank Country Director Qimiao Fan disclosed the latest progress during an inspection visit to Isiolo, where he highlighted the project’s impact on surrounding communities.

According to the update, construction activities are already creating employment opportunities for local residents, with further economic benefits expected once the entire road corridor becomes operational.

The World Bank is committing KSh 168.2 billion, equivalent to approximately USD 1.3 billion, to the Isiolo Mandera corridor through the International Development Association (IDA).

In March 2026, the World Bank Board approved additional financing worth KSh 71.1 billion (USD 550 million) to support the expansion and completion of the corridor.

The funding comprises KSh 37.5 billion (USD 290 million) for the ongoing Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project and KSh 33.6 billion (USD 260 million) for its second phase.

The road is strategically important because it connects Kenya to Ethiopia and Somalia, forming part of the wider Horn of Africa Initiative, which aims to improve regional connectivity and reduce the cost of transporting goods.

Beyond improving road transport, the project is expected to introduce significant digital and social infrastructure along the corridor.

A fibre optic backbone running alongside the highway will support Kenya’s Digital Superhighway initiative by extending broadband connectivity to schools, hospitals, businesses and government offices in underserved areas.

The project also includes plans for water facilities, health centres, schools and livestock markets. According to the report, 87 socio economic projects are scheduled for implementation under the World Bank component.

Additionally, one stop border posts are planned at Rhamu and Mandera to improve cross border trade with Ethiopia and Somalia.

Principal Secretary for Roads Joseph Mbugua said the completed corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Isiolo and Mandera from approximately 96 hours to 48 hours.

The journey from Nairobi to Mandera could also fall from about three days to approximately one day, making it easier to transport goods and access markets.

Despite the progress, construction has faced security challenges in some sections of the corridor. The government has deployed multi agency security teams to protect construction workers and equipment.

The project’s completion deadline was also revised from January 2028 to 2030 to allow the remaining sections to receive adequate funding and implementation coverage.

Mbugua confirmed that contractors had been remobilised following improvements in cash flow, while the government indicated that funding for the remaining sections had been secured.

Once completed, the 740 kilometre corridor is expected to benefit approximately 4.5 million people across northern Kenya.

The project is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority in collaboration with the ICT Authority, the National Transport and Safety Authority and the Kenya Revenue Authority.

For communities in northern Kenya, the project represents an important opportunity to improve access to markets, employment, education and essential services.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/business-economy/645295-world-bank-give-update-completion-s-biggest-project-investment-kenya/

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