President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Sh100 billion Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, dismissing claims that the ambitious Northern Kenya highway has stalled.
During an inspection tour of the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera corridor, the President said construction is progressing steadily, with approximately 40 per cent of the project completed. Speaking at Kula Mawe, Ruto described the road as one of the most transformative infrastructure investments since independence.
“This is not a promise. It is work that is visible on the ground,” the President said, standing alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Political Dispute Over Progress
The tour comes amid criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that construction had slowed due to unpaid contractor dues. Government officials, however, maintain that contractors have been fully re-mobilized and that funding arrangements are secure.
Ruto’s public inspection appeared aimed at countering perceptions that the project had stalled. Officials from the Transport Ministry confirmed that multiple sections are currently under active construction.
Opening Up Northern Kenya
The Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera highway forms part of the broader Horn of Africa Gateway initiative, designed to integrate historically marginalized northern counties into the national economy.
For decades, infrastructure gaps have limited trade, mobility, and investment in the region. Once complete, the road is expected to:
Reduce travel time between Nairobi and Mandera, significantly cutting transport costs.
Boost trade and livestock markets, a major economic activity in northern counties.
Enhance security operations by improving rapid deployment capability in border areas.
Stimulate regional development, including access to education, healthcare, and markets.
The project is also linked to the 420-kilometre Isiolo–Garissa–Lamu corridor, which the President confirmed is progressing as scheduled.
Economic and Strategic Importance
Analysts say the corridor could strengthen cross-border trade within the Horn of Africa, positioning Kenya as a regional logistics hub. Improved road infrastructure is expected to attract private investment, lower the cost of goods, and enhance connectivity to ports and neighboring countries.
However, infrastructure experts note that sustained funding and transparent implementation will be critical to maintaining momentum, given the project’s scale and cost.
A Broader Development Agenda
President Ruto framed the highway as part of a larger national integration strategy.
“If any part of Kenya is left behind, we are all poorer,” he said, emphasizing that equitable development is central to his administration’s agenda.
While political debate around the project continues, construction progress on the ground suggests that the government is pushing ahead with one of the country’s most ambitious road investments in recent history.
