Isiolo–Kulamawe–Garbatulla–Modogashe road.[Courtesy]
The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) has directed agencies implementing the Isiolo–Kulamawe–Garbatulla–Modogashe road to fast-track completion of the strategic corridor, citing its importance to economic transformation and regional security in Northern Kenya.
The directive followed a two-day inspection led by Acting GDU Head Olando Sitati, who called for renewed urgency, accountability and inter-agency coordination to deliver the 218-kilometre project, a flagship component of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
The government has released funds for land compensation through the National Land Commission, with KeNHA expected to begin payouts to Project Affected Persons within two weeks.
The road, jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, is being implemented by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd at a cost of Sh 30 billion. It includes upgrading 77 kilometres of the Isiolo–Kulamawe section and laying fibre-optic infrastructure along the corridor. Overall progress stands at 45 per cent.
Mr Sitati urged KeNHA and the contractor to finalise key bridges and deliver at least 60 kilometres of tarmac by the end of the year, noting that substantial completion remains targeted for 2026. The project has created over 2,000 direct jobs, 80 per cent of which have gone to local residents.
“This is a flagship national project with immense economic and social value. We must overcome bottlenecks through collaboration, accountability and urgency. Our focus is delivery,” Mr Sitati said during the inspection.
He identified insecurity and delayed land compensation as major challenges and called for close coordination among security agencies to safeguard the corridor. He also emphasised community engagement, saying residents must understand the project’s benefits, which include investments in water, health, education, TVET and security infrastructure.
Accompanying the GDU team were Isiolo County Commissioner David Kiprop, County Police Commander Paul Wambugu, DCI officer Dennis Wekesa, KeNHA Upper Eastern Project Inspector Gedion Mwiti, NLC officer Zahra Ahmed and resident engineers for Lot 1 and Lot 2, among other county and security officials.
Mr Kiprop commended the progress made so far, citing strong collaboration despite logistical challenges. “The project team has demonstrated resilience and quality workmanship. With continued coordination, we will deliver this corridor on schedule,” he said.
Mr Sitati also directed GDU Regional Lead Duncan Mwariri to prioritise complementary development initiatives in Isiolo, including affordable housing and student hostels. He proposed mini-grids for the Garbatulla area to increase electricity access, urging partnerships with Kenya Power and REREC.
Local leaders and residents expressed optimism that the upgraded corridor will spur enterprise, ease market access, improve mobility and enhance security across the wider region.
Once completed in March 2026, the Isiolo–Kulamawe–Garbatulla–Modogashe road will serve as a critical economic lifeline for Northern Kenya and anchor the LAPSSET corridor under Vision 2030.
