Several months after securing funding from both the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially launched the construction of the Elwak-Modogashe Road Construction Project (Isiolo–Mandera road).
This major infrastructure project spans 749 kilometers and comes with a price tag of Ksh85 billion. It is set to link four counties in northern Kenya: Isiolo, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera.
Elwak-Modogashe Road Construction Project Factsheet
Length: Approximately 749 kilometers
Route: The highway connects four counties: Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera. It spans key towns including Isiolo, Kulamawe, Modogashe, Samatar, Wajir, Tarbaj, Kutulo, El Wak, Rhamu, and Mandera.
Phased implementation: The project is being carried out in four main phases:
- Isiolo–Kulamawe–Modogashe: Approximately 200 kilometers. The Isiolo-Kulamawe (77km) and Kulamawe-Modogashe (118km) sections have seen construction works begin.
- Modogashe–Samatar–Wajir
- Wajir–Tarbaj–Kutulo–Elwak
- Elwak–Rhamu–Mandera: The 140-kilometer El Wak–Rhamu section has resumed construction after previous delays due to security concerns.
Funding:
- Cost: The entire 749-kilometer road is estimated to cost KSh 85 billion.
Major funders:
World Bank: Approved approximately US$756.3 million (KSh 81 billion) in 2020 for the upgrade of a 365km section of the Isiolo–Mandera Road and 30km of spur roads, as well as the installation of a fiber optic cable.
African Development Bank (AfDB): Provided a KSh 27.5 billion (US$215 million) loan for the 140-kilometer El Wak–Rhamu section.
Timelines:
- World Bank approval Date: September 8, 2020
- Project effectiveness date: December 22, 2020
- Planned completion date: June 30, 2028 (for the entire Isiolo-Mandera corridor). The El Wak-Rhamu section has a planned completion date of June 29, 2027.
Recent footage captured ongoing construction activities, with engineers actively monitoring the progress to ensure the project follows the outlined specifications and plans.
The Road to be Implemented in Four Phases
The development is being implemented in four stages. The first segment, stretching 200 kilometers from Isiolo through Kulamawe to Modogashe, is currently 40 percent finished.
The next phase will cover the Modogashe–Samatar–Wajir section. Phase three will extend from Wajir through Tarbaj and Kutulo to Elwak, while the final segment will connect Elwak to Rhamu and Mandera.
Significance of the Project
This road is intended to enhance the movement of people and goods while also improving digital connectivity and access to essential services for communities along the route.
A KeNHA representative noted that the new highway will strengthen links with northern neighbors such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. “Before these roads were introduced, the northern region often felt isolated from the rest of Kenya. But when discussing international trunk roads, we must consider connections to countries like Somalia and Ethiopia,” the official remarked.
Also read: Kenya’s 170-Kilometer Nakuru-Nairobi Highway Construction to Commence in July
KeNHA also mentioned that most of the 60-meter-wide road passes through public land. Nonetheless, the agency confirmed that individuals encroaching on the land would be relocated to facilitate construction.
In addition, engineers have begun laying down a high-capacity optical fibre cable along the highway to enhance internet connectivity throughout the region.
Signing of the Elwak-Modogashe Road Construction Agreement
The agreement for the highway and fibre optic installation was initially signed in March 2021 between the Kenyan government, represented by the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), and the World Bank. Following the agreement, the World Bank released Ksh81 billion to support the road network under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
Also read: Kenya Secures $215 Million El Wak-Rhamu Road Construction Funding
