Road upgrades accelerate in Wajir ahead of Madaraka day celebrations

Road upgrades accelerate in Wajir ahead of Madaraka day celebrations

Wajir town is currently experiencing a significant boost in infrastructure development, particularly in road construction and rehabilitation, as preparations gather momentum for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.

For a person who visited the town before devolution and happens to visit the town this time, he will be mistaken to think that he is visiting a different town due to the total transformation the town is experiencing.

The ongoing works, being carried out by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), are aimed at upgrading selected roads to bitumen standards, rehabilitating worn-out sections, and enhancing drainage systems in key areas across the town.

According to KURA’s Northeastern Regional Engineer, Eng. Pious Ndege, the authority is focused on both improving existing road networks and constructing new ones to better standards.

He noted that the upgrade projects have been divided into three segments measuring 3.2 kilometres, 4 kilometres, and 1.8 kilometres respectively.

At the same time, rehabilitation is underway along the Wajir Airport–town stadium corridor, covering approximately 8.8 kilometres of tarmac road.

Efforts to improve drainage are also ongoing, targeting areas stretching from Wajir town to the county assembly and extending towards the stadium.

These developments come as Wajir prepares to host the national Madaraka Day celebrations for the first time, prompting a fast-tracked transformation of its infrastructure and urban landscape.

Public transport operators have also welcomed the projects, saying the improved road conditions are enhancing their operations and boosting business.

Kirimi Mwendwa a bodaboda rider in Wajir town said the changes are already making a noticeable difference, improving mobility and creating a more conducive environment for business activities.

“There is no denial of the fact that the road upgrades that are currently going in Wajir town will come as a big relief to us residents especially to motorists and bodaboda riders. Good infrastructure means everything,” he said.

Hussein Ahmed a taxi driver praised the national government for the upgrades, adding that they have significantly improved the town’s appearance.

Another resident, Rukia Abdullahi, expressed appreciation for the developments, noting that the preparations have brought much-needed improvements to the area.

“It is true the county had constructed some tarmac roads and we really appreciate that. But now the national government has picked from there and they are doing a fantastic job. This is a new Wajir that was only existing  in our dreams,,” Rukia a grocery vender said.

The projects form part of a broader plan to modernize Wajir’s infrastructure, with authorities keen to ensure the town is fully prepared to host the national event.

In an interview, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi highlighted that the investments in roads and urban infrastructure are gradually transforming Wajir into a more accessible, organized, and investment-friendly town.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi interacts with senior National government officials at the Wajir stadium during an inspection tour of the Wajir stadium that will host Madaraka day celebrations. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

He emphasized that the improvements go beyond physical infrastructure, noting that they are opening up economic opportunities, easing movement, and improving the quality of life for residents.

“I want to take this opportunity to invite all Kenyans to join us in marking this important occasion, a milestone moment for our county. As we prepare to host the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations, We are  positioning ourselves to visitors from across the country, showcasing our progress, resilience, and future ambitions,” Abdullahi said.

Reflecting on his leadership, he noted that upon beginning his second term, he had committed to restoring hope among the people of Wajir—a goal he says has seen meaningful progress over the past four years.

He also pointed to Wajir’s successful hosting of the Pastoral Leadership Summit, which brought together over 15 pastoral counties and more than 112 legislators, with President William Ruto as the chief guest.

Ongoing road construction works in Wajir town being done by the national government ahead of the Madaraka day celebrations. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

It was during this engagement, he said, that the President pledged to bring Madaraka Day celebrations to Wajir—a promise that has now been fulfilled.

Beyond the celebrations, the county has seen major investments, including the construction of Wajir International Stadium, upgrading of key municipal roads, the expansion of Wajir International Airport, the installation of street lighting, and the development of a County State Lodge that will host the President’s luncheon during the celebrations.

For many years, Wajir largely depended on county funding. However, through closer collaboration with the national government, it is now benefiting from wider national development initiatives.

Governor Abdullahi concluded by expressing gratitude to President William Ruto for his continued support and partnership in driving Wajir’s development forward.

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