Kenya is set for a major lift in connectivity and trade after securing Sh71.28 billion from an international lender to expand roads, border infrastructure, and digital networks along a key corridor stretching from Nairobi through Isiolo to Mandera, targeting improved movement, service delivery, and regional integration in underserved areas.
The funding, provided by the World Bank, is structured into two parts, with Sh37.58 billion allocated as Additional Financing for an ongoing gateway development initiative and Sh33.7 billion directed to a second phase of the same programme.
The combined support is aimed at accelerating infrastructure development along the Isiolo–Mandera route, which forms part of a broader regional trade link.
Under the plan, 508 km out of the 740 km corridor will be upgraded, alongside the rollout of about 1,270 km of high-capacity fibre optic cable to strengthen digital connectivity. The investment is also expected to align with contributions from other partners to ensure full coverage of the corridor.
The programme places emphasis on trade facilitation through the construction of three one-stop border posts and three trade facilitation centres. In addition, 87 socio-economic facilities will be developed, including schools, health centres, and water supply systems, aimed at improving access to essential services for communities along the corridor.
Road safety improvements form part of the interventions, with planned upgrades to driver licensing systems and vehicle registration systems to enhance efficiency and safety in transport management.
“Regional road corridors in the Horn of Africa cross remote and underserved areas inhabited by disadvantaged communities with comparatively high poverty levels,” Qimiao Fan, World Bank Division Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, said.
“Multisectoral interventions that enhance connectivity, support livelihoods, create jobs, and strengthen resilience are essential to fostering inclusion, a shared sense of benefits, and ultimately fostering greater peace, security and economic growth.”
The infrastructure works will also incorporate climate-resilient designs for roads and bridges to withstand changing weather conditions, while also addressing rising costs of construction materials recorded in recent years.
Key physical components include upgrading 365 km of the Isiolo–Mandera corridor, constructing 32 km of roads connecting market centres, developing an 18 km bypass around Meru town, and building two major bridges at the Kenya–Ethiopia border. Fibre optic deployment will span about 1,000 km, with 260 km dedicated to linking public institutions.
Beyond physical works, the programme includes institutional strengthening measures such as the establishment of the Kenya School of Engineering for continuous professional training and the Kenya Academy of Engineering and Technology as a policy and research body.
Training initiatives will focus on land acquisition and resettlement processes, road safety, digital infrastructure, and institutional capacity building to support long-term management of the investments.
Implementation will be integrated within existing government systems, with agencies managing their respective roles under a coordinated framework led by the Ministry of Roads and Transport. The approach mirrors the model used in the earlier phase of the gateway project.
The lender noted that successful execution will depend on sustained government commitment, including timely release of counterpart funds, careful handling of environmental and social impacts, and prompt settlement of payments owed to affected persons, contractors, suppliers, and consultants.
