The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed receiving World Bank funding for the expansion of the Isiolo-Mandera road, which is expected to be completed by 2029. 

According to a notice issued via the government publication MyGov, KeNHA is set to undertake the expansion of the road that traverses in a north-easterly direction from Isiolo Town (in Isiolo County) through Meru County, Wajir County, and Mandera County. 

World Bank documents seen by Kenyans.co.ke indicate the project is to be implemented in parts, with the last funding for the project expected in 2029. 

According to the documents, Kenya is expected to receive a credit of $750 million USD about Ksh96.75 billion, in the current exchange rates from the International Development Association (IDA). 

Mombasa – Mariakani (A109) Highway project Lot 1 2017.

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KeNHA

The funding is part of the Project Development Objective (PDO) of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP). This year, the country was set to receive approximately Ksh19.35 billion (USD 150 million) for the project.

“The Government of the Republic of Kenya has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services,” noted KeNHA.

The project aims to enhance connectivity between Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, improve the movement of people and goods, and strengthen digital connectivity and access to social services for communities at designated locations along the targeted sections of the Isiolo-Mandera Regional Road Corridor.

According to KeNHA, this will be achieved by upgrading the existing road to bitumen standards, thereby increasing transport efficiency.

The project is expected to facilitate trade and development along the Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera part of the Mombasa-Garissa-Wajir-Mandera-Mogadishu road corridor, as well as connecting the area with information and communication technologies.

“The road connection is seen as an important catalyst for the integration of the northern frontier into the Kenyan economy and an important link in the international road connection between Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia,” KeNHA said.

According to KeNHA, the larger section of the road corridor, which is 60 metres wide, is already public land. However, there are encroachers within the settlements where displacement impacts will occur.

KeNHA states that the land to be acquired for civil works will result in negative impacts due to the physical loss of land and economic loss of livelihoods. However, a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) has been developed by KeNHA for the unknown areas where displacement impacts will occur.

In its announcement on Tuesday, KeNHA stated that it is seeking a company to undertake the design and construction supervision of the proposed Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) offices in Isiolo, Modogashe, and Wajir.

An undated picture of Hassan Kulow Maalim's convoy in Mandera County.

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ADAN HAJI YUSSUF