President William Ruto has unveiled the construction of the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera road, a flagship KSh100 billion infrastructure project expected to transform connectivity, unlock economic opportunity, and accelerate development across Northern Kenya.
Speaking during an address to wananchi and traders in Garissa town, the president described the mega road as one of the longest and most comprehensive transport corridors ever undertaken in the country, underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable national development.
“We are building one of the longest and most comprehensive roads in Kenya, the 750km Isiolo–Mandera road for KSh100 billion, to demonstrate our commitment to developing every part of our country,” Ruto said.
He emphasised that the project forms part of a broader national agenda to correct historical inequalities affecting frontier regions and ensure inclusive growth across all communities.
“Under our leadership, we will correct the past of marginalisation and discrimination and rewrite a future of transformation that leaves no Kenyan, no region, and no community behind,” he added.
The president noted that expanded road connectivity in Northern Kenya will play a critical role in strengthening the country’s long-term food security by opening up vast agricultural potential in the region.
“Northern Kenya is where the future of our agriculture lies. The completion of the Isiolo–Mandera and Isiolo–Garissa–Lamu roads will open up the region, actualising our vision of being a food-secure country in the long run,” he said.
During the visit, President Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, inspected the Kulamawe–Garbatulla section of the highway, which is part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project designed to enhance regional integration and mobility.
Officials confirmed that construction of the corridor has reached 45 per cent completion, signalling steady progress toward delivery.
Beyond the Isiolo–Mandera corridor, the President reaffirmed the government’s broader infrastructure push aimed at connecting underserved regions to markets, services, and national economic systems.
“We will keep building more roads across the country, connecting every part of Kenya to fully harness our potential,” Ruto said.
Leaders and residents in Northern Kenya have welcomed the project as a long-awaited catalyst for trade, agriculture, and social transformation, expressing optimism that improved transport networks will lower the cost of movement, expand access to markets, and stimulate investment across the region.
Once completed, the Isiolo–Mandera highway is expected to significantly reshape economic prospects in Northern Kenya, positioning the region as a key frontier for agricultural production, cross-border trade, and inclusive national growth.