The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced that the 142-kilometre El Wak–Rhamu road is expected to be completed within 48 months, following the release of funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The project forms part of the Ksh 85 billion Isiolo–Mandera corridor development, aimed at improving transport, trade, and connectivity in northeastern Kenya.
Security and Project Oversight
KeNHA is seeking a security liaison firm to coordinate with government agencies to:
Monitor threats and conduct risk assessments for worksites.
Ensure protection measures for personnel and project assets.
Support planning and operations while addressing emerging security concerns.
The security oversight is particularly important due to ongoing insecurity in northern Kenya, including cross-border threats from Somalia.
For example, in January 2026, a chief and a primary school teacher were killed in a suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Garissa County.
Strategic Importance
The El Wak–Rhamu road is part of the 749-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera corridor, connecting Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, and Isiolo counties.
The road is expected to boost economic activity, facilitating the transport of goods and people, and improve access for local communities.
It is included in the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a cross-border initiative enhancing trade among Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea.
Funding and Construction
Construction began in May 2025 under the combined financing of the World Bank and the AfDB.
The project will supplement ongoing works along the Isiolo–Mandera corridor, enhancing the broader transport infrastructure in northeastern Kenya.
President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have been actively monitoring progress, highlighting the government’s commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
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