[PHOTOS] Ruto inspects Sh100bn Isiolo-Mandera road project

President Ruto on the ground checking the Tarbaj-Kotulo road works in Wajir on June 2, 2026/ PCS

President William Ruto on Tuesday inspected one of Northern Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, the multi-billion-shilling Isiolo–Mandera road corridor, as construction of a key section in Wajir County gathers momentum.

The President toured the 64-kilometre Tarbaj–Kotulo section of the A13 road under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a major transport initiative expected to transform connectivity, trade and economic activity across Northern Kenya.

The Tarbaj–Kotulo stretch forms part of the larger 750-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera corridor, which runs through Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera counties and is regarded as one of the most significant road investments in the region since independence.

The project is estimated to cost between Sh80 billion and Sh100 billion and is being financed through partnerships involving the World Bank and other African development partners.

Implemented in phases, the corridor is designed to unlock economic opportunities in areas that have historically struggled with poor road infrastructure and limited connectivity.

Construction has already made visible progress on other sections of the highway, including the Isiolo–Kulamawe and Kulamawe–Modogashe stretches, where tarmacking and road works are underway.

The Tarbaj–Kotulo section represents the next phase of the project, with engineers and contractors working to ensure its completion according to schedule.

Once completed, the corridor is expected to significantly improve movement of people and goods across Northern Kenya, reducing travel times and easing access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

Communities along the route are already witnessing changes as construction advances, with improved mobility opening up opportunities for trade and economic growth.

Beyond local benefits, the road is also expected to strengthen cross-border trade links with neighbouring Ethiopia and Somalia, positioning Northern Kenya as a critical gateway for regional commerce.

Ruto’s inspection formed part of his wider development tour of Wajir County during the Madaraka Day celebrations.

His visit to the project site underscored the government's focus on expanding infrastructure in regions that have long faced development challenges.

Construction machinery operates at the site of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project in Tarbaj Constituency, Wajir County, as work progresses on the key infrastructure project on June 2, 2026/ PCS

A water bowser operates at the construction site of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project in Tarbaj Constituency, Wajir County, supporting ongoing road construction works on June 2, 2026/ PCS