President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki inspect the Kulamawe–Garbatulla section of the 750km Isiolo–Mandera road /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Cabinet has approved additional financing for the 67-kilometre Modogashe–Samatar and 76-kilometre Rhamu–Mandera road sections, paving the way for faster completion of the strategic Isiolo–Mandera corridor and strengthening connectivity across Northern Kenya.
The funding approval, announced after the Cabinet meeting on June 30, is expected to accelerate construction on the road sections, which form part of the 750-kilometre Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.
The corridor is designed to improve transport, boost trade, expand access to essential services, and strengthen regional integration within the Horn of Africa.
The latest development follows President William Ruto's commitment to revive stalled infrastructure projects. During an inspection tour of the Tarbaj–Kotulo section on June 2, the President said contractors had returned to sites after previous delays caused by unpaid bills.
“I am here to see the road construction works for myself. There have been many stories from political brokers and naysayers claiming that nothing is happening here. But I want to assure you that this road project will be completed, God willing,” Ruto said.
The
President also announced that the government plans to tarmac 28,000km of roads in the next phase of its infrastructure programme, including 1,000km in Northern Kenya. He dismissed claims that little progress had been
made on the project and assured residents that the road would be completed.
“We have re-mobilised contractors who had been demobilised by debt and pending bills in 2021 and 2022, and we hope to complete all stalled roads by next year,” he said.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan welcomed the Cabinet's decision, describing it as a demonstration of the government's commitment to inclusive development, equitable distribution of resources, and balanced regional growth.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also praised the approval, posting on social media: “Promise made, Promise delivered.”
Former
Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow described the announcement as “light at the end
of the tunnel,” adding that residents of North Eastern Kenya could now say,
“Tunajivunia serikali yetu.” The road project is expected to unlock the
region's economic potential while improving mobility and investment
opportunities.
For many residents, the Cabinet's decision represents more than just a road project—it renews hopes for better connectivity, faster economic growth, improved access to services, and greater inclusion in Kenya's national development agenda.
Resident Batula Yunis welcomed the Cabinet's decision, saying, "This road will change our lives by improving transport, creating opportunities, and connecting Mandera to the rest of the country. We only hope the government completes it on time."
