World Bank Commits Sh90 Billion for Isiolo-Modagashe Highway

The State Department for Roads has confirmed that the World Bank is providing 90 billion shillings to finance the construction of the Isiolo-Modagashe highway.

This 200-kilometer stretch is a primary component of the Horn of Africa Gateway Road Project. It is designed to establish a more reliable link between Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

Construction on the first package of the project is currently underway. Officials from the State Department for Roads indicated this week that the government intends to have the entire highway finished by May 2027.

The project is expected to influence trade patterns across the three neighboring countries. By upgrading this section of the corridor, the government aims to reduce transit times and lower the cost of moving goods through the northern and eastern regions of Kenya.

For years, the route between Isiolo and Modagashe has been a difficult passage for transporters due to the lack of a paved surface. Heavy rains often made sections of the existing track impassable, cutting off vital supplies to residents in the frontier counties.

President Ruto has previously emphasized the need for high-quality infrastructure to open up the northern parts of the country. This funding commitment ensures that the heavy civil works can proceed as scheduled.

The highway is being built under the Horn of Africa Gateway Road Project, which involves several development partners. This initiative focuses on improving connectivity in a region that has historically faced infrastructure deficits.

Work on Package 1 is already visible. Earthmoving equipment and technical teams are currently on-site to handle the initial grading and foundation laying for the new tarmac road.

The project includes not only the main carriageway but also provisions for fiber optic cables and social amenities for the towns located along the route. These additions are intended to support digital connectivity alongside physical transport.

Engineers on the project are working within a strict timeline to meet the May 2027 target. This requires efficient coordination between the Ministry of Roads and the various contractors assigned to different sections of the highway.

The 90 billion shilling investment represents one of the largest single infrastructure commitments for the region in recent years. It reflects a broader strategy to integrate East African economies through improved logistics.

Security remains a consideration for projects in this part of Kenya. However, the government has assured contractors and development partners that measures are in place to allow construction to continue without interruption.

Once the Isiolo-Modagashe section is complete, it will link with other planned upgrades further east toward Mandera. This will eventually create a seamless paved corridor from the Kenyan heartland to the borders of Ethiopia and Somalia.

Trade experts suggest that a paved road of this scale will change the logistics landscape for livestock and agricultural traders. Currently, the dust and rough terrain lead to significant vehicle wear and tear.

The State Department for Roads has committed to providing regular updates on the progress of Package 1. The transparency in reporting is part of the requirements for projects receiving substantial multilateral funding.

With the World Bank's financial backing now in place, the focus shifts to the engineering and delivery of the 200-kilometer road within the four-year window.