By Patrick Amimo
The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) team, led by Acting Head, Mr. Olando Sitati, concluded a two-day inspection and stakeholder engagement in Isiolo County with a call for renewed urgency and collaboration among implementing agencies to accelerate the completion of the Isiolo–Kulamawe-Garbatulla-Modogashe road, a key infrastructure project under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
The government, through the National Land Commission (NLC), has released funds for land compensation, with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) tasked to ensure payment to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) begins within two weeks.
The visit covered Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the project, stretching 218 kilometers from Isiolo through Kulamawe and Garbatulla to Modogashe.
The project is a key promise by President William Ruto to the people of Northern Kenya and forms part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor under Vision 2030’s LAPPSET framework.
Jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, the HoAGDP is a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing key transport infrastructure, boosting trade, and fostering socio-economic growth across Northern Kenya and the wider Horn of Africa.
The KES 12.5 billion project, implemented by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd., involves upgrading 77 kilometres of the Isiolo–Kulamawe section and laying a fibre optic cable along the corridor. Construction work currently stands at 45 per cent completion.
The contractor has been directed to finalize critical bridges and tarmac over 60km by the end of this year, with substantial completion targeted for 2026.
The project has so far created over 2,000 direct jobs, with 80% of the workforce drawn from local communities.
During the inspection, the GDU team reviewed progress on earthworks, culverts, bridge construction, and service works.
The team was accompanied by Isiolo County Commissioner Mr. David Kiprop, Isiolo County Police Commander Mr. Paul Wambugu, County DCI officer Mr. Dennis Wekesa, KeNHA Project Inspector for Upper Eastern Mr. Gedion Mwiti, National Land Commission Officer Ms. Zahra Ahmed, Resident Engineers Mr. Joash Ochieng (Lot 1) and Mr. Justus Otwani (Lot 2), among other security and county officials.
Speaking during the site visit, Mr. Sitati lauded the quality of ongoing works but emphasized the need for faster execution.
“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,” he said.
He urged KeNHA to take full ownership of the project and fast-track pending land compensation and community sensitization exercises to maintain public trust and ensure timely completion.
Mr. Sitati identified insecurity and delayed land compensation as key challenges affecting progress and called for close coordination among security agencies to safeguard the project corridor.
He underscored the importance of community engagement, saying that project benefits must be equitable and well understood by residents. Alongside the road, the project is uplifting communities through investments in water, health, education, TVET, and security, with land compensation payments set to begin within two weeks.
“Security installations, including police stations along the corridor, are essential to sustaining progress and protecting investments,” he added.
Mr. Sitati further directed GDU Regional Lead Mr. Duncan Mwariri to prioritize complementary initiatives such as affordable housing and student hostels in Isiolo as part of the region’s wider development strategy.
He also proposed the use of mini power grids in the Garbatula section to expand access to electricity and called for partnerships with Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to expedite connectivity.
During the visit, the GDU team engaged local leaders, contractors, and residents, who expressed optimism that the project would transform livelihoods by improving access to markets, enhancing security, and creating new opportunities for enterprise.
Isiolo County Commissioner Mr. David Kiprop commended the project’s progress, noting the strong collaboration between implementing agencies and local authorities despite logistical challenges.
“The project team has demonstrated resilience and quality workmanship. With continued coordination, we will deliver this corridor on schedule,” said Mr. Kiprop.
The GDU, which operates under the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency, continues to inspect, verify, and fast-track national projects across the country to ensure efficient delivery, transparency, and impact for citizens.
Once completed in March 2026, the Isiolo–Kulamawe-Garbatulla-Modogashe road will enhance security and serve as a strategic economic lifeline for Northern Kenya, linking communities, strengthening trade networks, and unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.
