NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the 740-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera road on schedule, saying enhanced security measures are now in place to allow uninterrupted construction across the entire corridor.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the multi-agency approach adopted by the government would ensure the project proceeds concurrently along all sections, easing longstanding security concerns that have slowed work in parts of northern Kenya.
The road, a flagship component of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, is expected to open up the region by improving connectivity, strengthening cross-border trade, and enhancing security along the northern frontier.
Murkomen spoke after holding a high-level security consultation with Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir and Defence CS Soipan Tuya to review measures safeguarding workers, contractors and equipment along the corridor.
“We wish to reassure our development partners and contractors that security measures on the ground have been significantly bolstered,” Murkomen said, adding that adequate resources had been deployed to guarantee safety throughout the entire route.
The construction of the Isiolo–Mandera Regional Road Corridor, being implemented under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, is of critical importance in opening up northern Kenya, enhancing regional trade, strengthening connectivity, and improving security.The
He said the Interior Ministry would continue engaging local leaders and conducting regular field visits to ensure security protocols are not only in place but effectively implemented.
Defence CS Soipan Tuya underscored the importance of sustained inter-agency coordination, noting that security support remains critical to the successful delivery of the project.
On his part, Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir said contractors had been cleared to resume work, citing improved stability along the corridor.
“The prevailing security situation is stable and well managed. Contractors can now resume work, and we assure them of continued government protection as implementation progresses,” Chirchir said.
The meeting was attended by senior government and security officials, including Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, Defence PS Dr Patrick Mariru, Roads PS Eng Joseph Mbugua, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, Internal Security Principal Administrative Secretary Jacob Narengo, and the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, Major General Luka Kutto.
Once completed, the Isiolo–Mandera road is expected to significantly transform northern Kenya by reducing travel time, boosting economic activity and improving access to essential services in previously underserved areas.
