The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) announces changes on the construction of the 749-kilometer Isiolo-Mandera road project. The state-owned entity has revealed that the initial project procurement strategy has been updated. The updates reflect factors such as current market conditions, changes in contract packaging, and revised cost estimates. Moreover, KeNHA disclosed that the changes were necessary to include other activities. Those included are those not explicitly detailed in the original general procurement notice published before the road construction works began.
The updated procurement plan will now see the construction of additional bridges. It will also include approach roads, and other access road infrastructure at Rhamu and Mandera routes. Moreover, it will incorporate construction of trade facilitation centres, One-Stop Border Posts. A Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) staff accommodation units at Rhamu and Mandera will also be constructed. KeNHA will also undertake the construction of virtual weighbridge stations at three proposed sites.
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The Significance of the Isiolo-Mandera Road Project
The 749-kilometre road project is part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project. This is a flagship regional initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity between Kenya and its neighbouring countries. These include two of its closest neighbors in this region, Ethiopia and Somalia. Its full construction commenced in May this year, with the construction expected to cost an estimated Ksh85 billion for the next three years. Upon its completion, the road is expected to enhance trade and economic integration across the North Eastern region of Kenya.
It will achieve this by investing in border infrastructure and related logistics support systems. The project also seeks to facilitate cross-border movement of goods and people. It will also reduce transportation costs and unlock economic opportunities for marginalized areas. Earlier last month, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured residents of the project’s completion by 2027. He noted this remarks during an inspection of the project at Kulamawe in Isiolo County, noting it will be done before the next general elections.
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