By Mumo Judah
June 2, 2026
WAJIR, Kenya — President William Ruto says improved security in Northern Kenya has created a stable environment for residents to engage in meaningful economic activities, laying the foundation for accelerated growth, investment and regional development.
The President said the enhanced security situation has allowed communities in the region to focus more on economic productivity, noting that stability remains a key driver of long-term development in the arid and semi-arid areas.
To further unlock the region’s economic potential, Ruto said the Government is implementing the 750-kilometre Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a major road corridor running from Isiolo to Mandera through Wajir at a cost of Sh100 billion.
The strategic corridor traverses Isiolo, Meru, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties, significantly improving connectivity within Northern Kenya while also strengthening transport links between Kenya and neighbouring Ethiopia and Somalia.
According to the President, the project is expected to ease the movement of people and goods, reduce transport costs, expand access to markets and boost cross-border trade, with particular emphasis on the livestock sector, which remains a key economic pillar in the region.
He noted that improved infrastructure will help integrate Northern Kenya more fully into national and regional economies, opening up opportunities for trade, investment and job creation.
More than 11 contractors have been engaged in various sections of the expansive corridor to ensure timely delivery of the project, which is being implemented across multiple counties.
The President also highlighted ongoing construction works during an inspection of the 64-kilometre Tarbaj–Kotulo stretch of the Isiolo–Mandera road in Tarbaj Constituency, Wajir County.
Ruto said the inspection was part of efforts to ensure accountability and progress in the implementation of key infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the region’s economic landscape.
The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project is among the government’s flagship infrastructure initiatives aimed at opening up remote regions, improving connectivity and strengthening Kenya’s role as a regional trade hub in the Horn of Africa.
Once completed, the corridor is expected to significantly improve access to markets and services while boosting economic activity across Northern Kenya and neighbouring countries.
