The Government Delivery Unit (GDU), headed by acting head, Mr. Olando Sitati, with Isiolo County officials inspect the Isiolo–Kulamawe–Garbatulla–Modogashe road. PHOTO/GDU.
By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
The Government Delivery Unit (GDU), headed by acting head, Mr. Olando Sitati, has wrapped up a two-day inspection and stakeholder engagement in Isiolo County.
The team called for renewed urgency and collaboration among agencies to speed up the completion of the Isiolo–Kulamawe–Garbatulla–Modogashe road, a critical infrastructure project under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
The government, through the National Land Commission (NLC), has allocated funds for land compensation, and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is set to begin payments to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) within the next two weeks.
The inspection focused on Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the project, which spans 218 kilometres from Isiolo through Kulamawe, Garbatulla, and on to Modogashe. This road is a key commitment by President William Ruto to the people of Northern Kenya and forms part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, aligning with Vision 2030’s LAPPSET framework.
Jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, the HoAGDP aims to modernise transport infrastructure, foster trade, and drive socio-economic growth across Northern Kenya and the Horn of Africa.
The Sh 30 billion project, contracted to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd., includes the upgrade of 77 kilometres of the Isiolo–Kulamawe section and the installation of a fibre optic cable along the route. Construction is currently 45% complete.
The contractor has been instructed to complete critical bridges and tarmac over 60 kilometres by the end of this year, with the entire project set to be substantially finished by 2026. So far, over 2,000 direct jobs have been created, with 80% of the workforce sourced from local communities.
During the inspection, the GDU team assessed progress on earthworks, culverts, bridges, and service infrastructure. The team was joined by Isiolo County Commissioner Mr. David Kiprop, Isiolo County Police Commander Mr. Paul Wambugu, County DCI Officer Mr. Dennis Wekesa, KeNHA Project Inspector Mr. Gedion Mwiti, National Land Commission Officer Ms. Zahra Ahmed, and Resident Engineers Mr. Joash Ochieng (Lot 1) and Mr. Justus Otwani (Lot 2), alongside other local officials.
Mr. Sitati commended the quality of work but stressed the need for faster execution.
“This is a flagship national project with tremendous economic and social value. We must address bottlenecks through collaboration, accountability, and urgency. Our focus is delivery,” he remarked.
Mr. Sitati urged KeNHA to take full responsibility for the project and accelerate pending land compensation and community outreach efforts to maintain public trust and ensure timely completion.
A section of the Isiolo–Kulamawe–Garbatulla–Modogashe road. PHOTO/GDU.
Mr. Sitati identified insecurity and delayed land compensation as significant challenges and called for close cooperation among security agencies to safeguard the project corridor.
He also emphasised the importance of engaging the local community, stressing that the project’s benefits must be shared equitably and well understood by residents. Beyond the road, the project is bringing improvements in water, health, education, TVET, and security, with land compensation payments due to begin shortly.
“Security infrastructure, including police stations along the corridor, will be key to sustaining progress and protecting investments,” he added.
Mr. Sitati also instructed GDU Regional Lead Mr. Duncan Mwariri to prioritise complementary projects such as affordable housing and student hostels in Isiolo, as part of a broader regional development strategy.
He proposed the installation of mini power grids in Garbatulla to improve electricity access and called for collaboration with Kenya Power and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to expedite connectivity.
During the visit, the GDU team met with local leaders, contractors, and residents, who expressed optimism that the road would transform lives by improving market access, enhancing security, and creating new opportunities for business.
Isiolo County Commissioner Mr. Kiprop praised the project’s progress, highlighting the strong coordination between implementing agencies and local authorities despite logistical challenges.
“The project team has shown resilience and quality workmanship. With continued collaboration, we will meet our deadlines,” said Mr. Kiprop.
The GDU, operating 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 positive impact for citizens.
Once completed in March 2026, the Isiolo–Kulamawe–Garbatulla–Modogashe road will enhance security and serve as a vital economic lifeline for Northern Kenya, connecting communities, bolstering trade networks, and unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.
