KeNHA Lands World Bank Deal for 536KM Road Across Seven Counties

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has secured funding from the World Bank for the construction and rehabilitation of a 536 kilometre road corridor expected to improve transport and trade across seven counties. The project is part of efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and support economic activities in key agricultural and industrial zones.

The road network will pass through Nakuru, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu and Laikipia counties. According to KeNHA, the project will focus on upgrading existing sections, improving road safety and reducing travel time for motorists and transporters using the corridor.

The World Bank funding is expected to support road construction works, bridge improvements, drainage systems and supporting infrastructure. The project also includes plans for non-motorised transport facilities in urban centres along the route to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

KeNHA said the road corridor is important in linking several counties that have faced transport challenges for years due to poor road conditions. During rainy seasons, some sections become difficult to use, affecting movement of goods, public transport and access to social services.

The improved road is expected to benefit farmers by easing access to markets for agricultural produce. Counties along the corridor produce maize, livestock, potatoes and other farm products that often face delays and high transport costs because of damaged or underdeveloped roads.

Transporters are also expected to benefit from lower vehicle maintenance costs and shorter travel times once the road is completed. The improved corridor will support trade between counties while opening up remote areas to investment opportunities and tourism activities.

KeNHA noted that the project aligns with the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at improving mobility and supporting economic growth. Better roads are considered important in connecting rural communities with towns, schools, hospitals and commercial centres.

The project is also expected to create employment opportunities during construction. Local communities are likely to benefit from jobs related to road works, supply of construction materials and other support services linked to the project.

Environmental and social impact assessments are expected to form part of the implementation process before construction begins in some sections. KeNHA stated that compensation and resettlement plans will be handled according to legal requirements where land acquisition becomes necessary.

Leaders from the affected counties have welcomed the project, saying it could improve transport reliability and support economic development in regions that have historically faced infrastructure gaps. They noted that better road connectivity can help attract investors and improve access to government services.

Road safety measures are also expected to be included in the project. These may include road signage, pedestrian crossings, service lanes in busy towns and improved lighting in selected urban areas along the corridor.

The World Bank has continued to support Kenya’s transport sector through financing of major road projects aimed at enhancing regional integration and reducing logistical barriers. The lender has previously funded projects focused on highways, urban transport and road maintenance programmes across the country.

KeNHA said preliminary activities, including detailed engineering designs and procurement processes, are expected to continue before construction works begin. The authority added that collaboration with county governments and local communities will be important for the smooth implementation of the project.

Once completed, the 536-kilometre corridor is expected to improve movement of people and goods across the seven counties while strengthening links between northern and western parts of Kenya. Officials believe the investment will contribute to long term economic and social development in the affected regions.