The El Wak–Rhamu Road Project is a critical 142-kilometre infrastructure venture in Mandera County, forming “Package 4” of the broader Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP). Funded primarily by a $215 million (Sh28 billion) loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and overseen by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project aims to upgrade the A13 corridor to bitumen standards. This transformation is designed to reduce travel time between El Wak and Rhamu from nearly five hours to just over three, drastically lowering vehicle operating costs and fostering regional trade between Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

While the El Wak–Rhamu project focuses on regional integration and security in Kenya’s marginalized northern frontier, it is inextricably linked to the Kiambu Road Dualling Project through the national government’s broader 2026 infrastructure priority framework. Both projects were fast-tracked in early 2026 under the same ministerial oversight, specifically following high-level engagements by CS Davis Chirchir to address two different but equally urgent economic needs: the El Wak project to unlock the “blue economy” and trade potential of the North, and the Kiambu dualling to alleviate the urban gridlock stifling productivity in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.

February 24, 2025

The Kenyan government is set to kick off the 140-kilometer El Wak-Rhamu Road Construction after securing $215 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB). Kenya confirmed the receipt of this funding while making an announcement for a tender for the supply of vehicles for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Rapid Response Unit (RRU) in El wak, Mandera County.

This information was revealed in a notice via MyGov on Tuesday, February 11. KENHA confirmed that the government had received funding for the road project, which was initially scheduled to commence last year.

Project Factsheet

Length: 142 kilometers.

Location: North-Eastern region of Kenya, connecting El Wak to Rhamu.

Funding: Approximately $215 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Objectives: Improve road transport services by reducing travel time and vehicle operating costs, enhance road traffic safety, and promote regional integration between Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.

Components: Upgrading the existing road to bitumen standard, construction of town loop roads, flood mitigation measures, provision of a virtual axle load weighing station, and construction of access roads.

Expected Benefits: Increased trade, reduced transport costs, improved security, and enhanced economic opportunities for the local population.

Completion Date: Expected to be completed by June 2027

El Wak-Rhamu Road Construction Financier

“The Government of the Republic of Kenya has acquired funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to finance the Multinational Horn of Africa Isiolo-Mandera Corridor: El Wak-Rhamu (A13) Road Upgrading Project,” a part of the notice read.

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AfDB is financing the project with about $215 million for the 740-kilometer road upgrade that covers the Isiolo-Mandera Corridor.

Challenges Facing the El Wak-Rhamu Road Construction Project

This project was initially planned to kick off in the year 2023 but faced security challenges that delayed its implementation. Recently, the region had experienced instability due to activities by the Al Shabaab militant group. This really posed a threat to the implementation of the project.

In response to curb this issue, the Kenyan government has implemented a security plan responding to the note of AfDB that required security to be looked into.

Significance of the Project

Upon completion, the 740-kilometer road will link Isiolo via El Wak to Mandera. This will enhance trade routes between Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

According to projections, there will be 15% increase in trade activities among the three nations. This will boost the annual trade volumes from around Ksh25.7 billion to Ksh29.5 billion.

Furthermore, the upgraded road will cut transit time from 4.7 hours to 3.2 hours. It will also cut vehicle operating costs per kilometer to Ksh65 from Ksh90.

Project Team

China Railway No.10 Engineering Group: The lead contractor awarded the construction of the 142km stretch from El Wak to Rhamu. They are responsible for the bitumen upgrading and the construction of associated social amenities.

Sino-Hydro Corporation: Involved in the broader Isiolo–Mandera corridor development, providing logistical and technical support for the northern packages.

GIBB Africa Ltd: The lead engineering consultancy firm providing project design reviews and construction supervision to ensure compliance with international standards.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA): The primary implementing agency responsible for the overall procurement, contract management, and technical oversight of the A13 road corridor.

Ministry of Roads and Transport: The oversight body providing policy direction and facilitating the inter-governmental security protocols required for the project area.

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA): The regulatory body overseeing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and ensuring the protection of local ecosystems during construction.

African Development Bank (AfDB): The primary financier, providing a $215 million loan for Package 4 to facilitate regional integration under the Horn of Africa initiative.

World Bank: A co-financer for the broader 740km Isiolo–Mandera corridor, specifically focusing on the fiber optic and social infrastructure components.

African Development Fund (ADF): Providing supplementary grants for the “soft” components of the project, such as cross-border trade facilitation and capacity building for local authorities.

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