The government has intensified implementation of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), a major infrastructure programme expected to transform northern Kenya by improving transport, trade and digital connectivity across historically marginalized regions.
The multi-billion-shilling project, funded through a World Bank International Development Association (IDA) credit alongside support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Kenya, covers Meru, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties.
The initiative focuses on upgrading the 740-kilometre Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera road corridor to bitumen standards, laying fibre-optic infrastructure, and constructing critical cross-border trade facilities aimed at opening up the region to economic opportunities.
Major Infrastructure Expansion
According to Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo, the project is designed to integrate northern Kenya into the national and regional economy by easing movement of people, goods and services.
“Opening up the country’s Northern frontier and linking the region to new opportunities in trade and tourism, the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project stands out as a transformative infrastructure programme,” Omollo said.
He noted that the project would significantly improve connectivity between Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia while positioning northern Kenya as a strategic economic gateway for the Horn of Africa region.
“The project is unlocking economic potential by improving access to markets, enhancing service delivery and positioning the region as a strategic gateway linking Kenya with Ethiopia and Somalia,” he stated.
Fibre Connectivity and Border Trade
Apart from the road upgrade, the programme also includes installation of a parallel fibre-optic network to enhance digital connectivity across remote areas that have historically experienced limited access to communication infrastructure.
The government is also constructing One-Stop Border Posts and river bridges at Rhamu and Mandera to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and movement.
Officials say the infrastructure improvements are expected to reduce transport costs, improve access to social services and attract private sector investment into northern Kenya.
Security and Oversight
Dr. Omollo said the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is playing a central role in supporting implementation of the corridor project.
“The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is playing a critical role in supporting implementation, particularly in coordinating local oversight, enhancing road safety and ensuring secure movement of people and goods along the corridor,” he said.
The government believes improved infrastructure and enhanced security coordination will help stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and strengthen regional integration.
Economic Transformation Vision
The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project is among Kenya’s flagship regional infrastructure programmes aimed at reducing historical inequalities in development while expanding trade opportunities within East Africa and the Horn region.
Leaders say the project will not only improve transport and communication networks but also support tourism, commerce and investment in counties that have for decades remained economically isolated.
