The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially commenced the construction of the Elwak–Modogashe Road, a major infrastructure initiative that forms part of the larger Isiolo–Mandera road corridor.
Spanning approximately 749 kilometers, the project is valued at KSh 85 billion and is designed to boost regional connectivity in northern Kenya. Once completed, the road will traverse four counties—Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera—facilitating easier movement of people and goods across some of the country’s historically underserved regions.
Scope of work
The road project is being implemented in four phases, with the first segment covering a 200-kilometer stretch from Isiolo through Kulamawe to Modogashe. Construction on this section, which includes the Isiolo–Kulamawe (77 km) and Kulamawe–Modogashe (118 km) sub-sections, is currently 40 percent complete.
The subsequent phases will extend the highway from Modogashe to Samatar and Wajir, then continue through Tarbaj and Kutulo to Elwak, before reaching the final segment between Elwak, Rhamu, and Mandera. Notably, the 140-kilometer Elwak–Rhamu section, which had previously stalled due to security issues, has now resumed construction.
Funding for the project has been secured from two major international financiers. The World Bank approved a loan of US$756.3 million (KSh 81 billion) in September 2020, which supports the upgrade of 365 kilometers of the corridor and the installation of a high-capacity fiber optic cable to enhance internet access. In addition, the African Development Bank (AfDB) provided a KSh 27.5 billion (US$215 million) loan specifically for the Elwak–Rhamu section. This financial support was formalized through an agreement signed in March 2021 between the Kenyan government, the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), and the World Bank.
This highway is expected to transform northern Kenya by improving trade, access to essential services, and digital connectivity. Engineers have already begun laying a fiber optic network along the road to bolster digital infrastructure in the region. The project is also seen as a strategic move to strengthen Kenya’s economic ties with neighboring countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. While most of the road passes through public land, KeNHA has assured that individuals encroaching on the designated corridor will be relocated in a fair and orderly manner to allow for smooth implementation.
Planned for completion by June 2028, the Isiolo–Mandera road project is a key component of Kenya’s broader development goals. It aims not only to open up the north for increased investment and economic growth but also to foster inclusivity by bridging the developmental gap between marginalized and urban areas. The project serves as a crucial step toward integrating remote regions into the national and regional economy, contributing to long-term peace, stability, and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.