World Bank is advancing Kenya the money for the construction of the 750km Isiolo-Mandera road complete with a fibre-optic cable by issuing a loan of Sh 81bn for the project.
Mandera Governor Ali Roba, confirmed the report and said the project will boost the region’s economy by opening up trading opportunities for farmers in central and eastern Kenya who will now supply fresh farm produce to the northern part.
“There is no doubt the road will improve living standards and reduce widespread poverty in these counties while at the same time opening up many jobs and income-generating opportunities for youth and bolstering cross border trade and regional integration with neighbouring countries of Ethiopia and Somalia,” he said in a statement.
Isiolo-Mandera road project
The 750km road highway project traverses five counties of Isiolo, Meru, Wajir, Garissa and Mandera. According to the authority, the road project has been divided into nine lots, all of which are in different stages of design. The road corridor will be a regional route, which serves as a transit route connecting Kenya to Somalia and landlocked Ethiopia.
The road project will be implemented through the North Eastern Transport Improvement Project (NETIP) and financed by the government and International Development Association (IDA); KeNHA is the implementing agency.
The Mandera-Isiolo road is always impassable during heavy rains. It is currently characterized by deep gullies and potholes and requires an off-road vehicle to navigate. Travelling to Mandera from Nairobi by bus takes about two days and during rainy seasons the journey can take up to two weeks as roads become impassable with buses and trucks carrying relief food getting stuck.
The second term Governor further pointed out that the fiber optic cable from Isiolo to Mandera will improve internet connectivity and digital opportunities and will facilitate an additional 200 kilometers fiber optic connectivity within the region.
“When completed, the project is envisaged as one that will bring to an end the discussion of marginalization in the North as well as the single most transformative investment any government in that region for over 100 years,” said governor Roba.
