The NEDI delegation and officials from the county during
the meeting at the county headquarters /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
Garissa is among the counties set to benefit from 103 infrastructure projects approved and validated under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, paving the way for construction works to commence in the coming months.
These investments form part of the broader Isiolo-Mandera Road development programme and are expected to markedly improve access to essential public services.
They will also ensure that communities along this strategic transport corridor directly benefit from one of northern Kenya’s most significant infrastructure initiatives.
Among the flagship projects earmarked for Garissa are the Modogashe Water Supply Project, Skanska Water Supply Project, Jilango Dam, Eldere Dam, Kupbader dispensary, Kampi Samaki dispensary, the construction of laboratory facilities at Janju and Barquqe dispensaries, and support for the Health Sciences Programme at Garissa University.
These projects aim to expand access to clean and reliable water, bolster healthcare delivery, enhance medical training, improve water security, and stimulate economic growth by creating an enabling environment for both businesses and communities along the Isiolo-Mandera corridor.
During a courtesy call by officials from the National Engineering and Development Initiative, county executive for Roads and Transport, Nassir Mohamed, described the investments as a major milestone for Garissa’s development agenda.
"These projects represent far more than infrastructure. They are investments in people, livelihoods, and the future of Garissa. By expanding access to clean water, quality healthcare, and education, we are laying the foundations for sustainable economic growth while ensuring that communities along the Isiolo-Mandera corridor benefit directly from this historic investment," he stated.
He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to working closely with the national government, development partners, and implementing agencies to ensure the projects are delivered on schedule and to the highest standards.
"The county government will provide the necessary support to guarantee smooth implementation because these investments will improve service delivery, create economic opportunities, and raise the quality of life for our people. Infrastructure should transform lives, and that is precisely what these projects are designed to achieve," he added.
The NEDI delegation, led by coordinator Mohamed Guled, held discussions with county officials on the implementation modalities and stakeholder collaboration ahead of the commencement of construction works.
County executive for Trade, Mohamed Suleiman, welcomed the initiative, saying the projects align with the county’s long-term development priorities of improving public services, attracting investment, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
These investments form part of the social investment component of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a flagship programme financed by the International Development Association of the World Bank.
While the programme’s headline project involves the upgrading of the Isiolo-Mandera Road, it also aims to ensure that communities along the corridor benefit from improved social infrastructure.
Recognising that roads alone cannot unlock sustainable development, the project emphasises complementary investments in water, health, education, and other essential services.
Once completed, the upgraded transport corridor is expected to strengthen regional trade between Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, reduce transportation costs, improve mobility, enhance security, and open northern Kenya to greater investment opportunities.
The accompanying socio-economic initiatives are designed to position local communities to capitalise on the economic opportunities expected to arise from the improved road network.
Both the Garissa county government and the NEDI team reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close collaboration to facilitate the timely implementation of these projects, with construction slated to begin in the coming months.
County executive for Roads and Transport Nassir Mohamed /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
The NEDI delegation and officials /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
NEDI coordinator Mohamed Guled /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.
