World Bank approves Sh71 billion for Isiolo-Mandera road construction

Business
By Esther Nyambura | Apr 11, 2026
The Isiolo-Mandra Highway. [File, Standard]

The World Bank has approved Sh71 billion loan for the development of the Isiolo-Mandera road corridor.

According to government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, the funding will support the rehabilitation of 508 kilometres of road and the rollout of about 1,270 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure along the corridor.

“The World Bank has approved Sh71 billion for the construction and improvement of the Nairobi–Mandera road,” said Mwaura.

The financing, provided through the World Bank’s International Development Association, includes Sh37.7 billion under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project and Sh33.8 billion for its second phase.

The project covers sections of the Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera corridor and is to be implemented through the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

According to Mwaura, once completed, travel time between Nairobi and Mandera is expected to drop from about three days to one, reducing transport costs and improving logistics efficiency, while also enhancing cross-border trade with Somalia and Ethiopia.

Share this story
World Bank approves Sh71 billion for Isiolo-Mandera road construction
The World Bank has approved Sh71 billion loan for the development of the Isiolo-Mandera road corridor.
Banks double lending target to small businesses to hit Sh326b
Kenyan banks doubled new lending to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in 2025, according to new data from the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA).
Contradictions in rural economies 13 years into devolved governance
Listening to the tales from the local communities, daily incomes are quite good, but for some reason, the residents remain trapped in poverty through generations.
Return of the bitter pill: Kenya softens IMF stance as Iran shock bites
The government is eyeing a "positive outcome" from long-standing talks with the IMF to be held in Washington DC, Central Bank of Kenya Governor Kamau Thugge has said.
Court clears way for Sh619 billion EABL shares sale
Court clears way for Diageo to sell its Sh619 billion stake in East Africa Breweries Limited to Asahi Group Holdings after dismissing an application by distributor Bia Tosha Limited.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS