Wajir is undertaking infrastructure upgrade with major road upgrades and rehabilitation projects underway in the town as preparations intensify for Madaraka Day celebrations next month.
The works, being implemented by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, include upgrading selected roads to bitumen standards, rehabilitating deteriorated sections, and improving drainage systems across the town.
Kura's Northeastern regional engineer Pious Ndege said the ongoing projects are designed to improve existing road networks and expand new ones.
He said the upgrades have been divided into three main segments measuring 3.2km, 4km and 1.8km respectively.
Rehabilitation is also ongoing along the Wajir Airport–town stadium corridor, covering about 8.8km of tarmac road, while drainage works are being extended from Wajir town to the county assembly area and towards the stadium.
The developments come as Wajir prepares to host Madaraka Day celebrations for the first time, triggering a fast-tracked upgrade of urban infrastructure and public amenities.
Residents say the changes are already visible and transformative. Boda boda rider Kirimi Mwendwa said the improved roads have made movement easier and boosted daily business, especially for transport operators who rely on access routes.
Taxi driver Hussein Ahmed also welcomed the upgrades, saying the town’s appearance and functionality have improved significantly.
Another resident, Rukia Abdullahi, described the transformation as remarkable, saying the new developments reflect a town that previously existed only in aspiration.
She noted that while some tarmac roads had been constructed under county leadership, the current national-level interventions had accelerated progress in a way that is reshaping the town’s identity.
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said the infrastructure investments are not only improving mobility but also opening up economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
He said Wajir is steadily becoming more accessible, organised and attractive to investors, adding that the ongoing works represent both physical and economic transformation ahead of the national event.
The governor also pointed to earlier milestones, including the hosting of the Pastoral Leadership Summit attended by more than 112 legislators and President William Ruto, during which the President pledged to stage Madaraka Day celebrations to Wajir.
Major developments in the county include the construction of Wajir International Stadium, expansion of Wajir International Airport, upgrading of municipal roads, installation of street lighting, and the development of a County State Lodge.
Once largely dependent on county funding, Wajir is now benefiting from increased collaboration with the national government, a shift leaders say has accelerated long-delayed infrastructure growth.
Abdullahi appreciated the partnership, saying it has restored confidence among residents and positioned Wajir for greater national visibility as it prepares to host a major state celebration.
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
Ongoing road construction works in Wajir town being done by the national government ahead of the Madaraka day celebrations. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
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