Ruto inspects progress of Horn of Africa Gateway road project

President William Ruto with local leaders inspecting the ongoing construction works of the Tarbaj–Kotulo section of the A13 Road in Tarbaj Constituency, Wajir County. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

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President William Ruto on Tuesday inspected the progress of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project Package II, Lot 2, covering the 64-kilometre Tarbaj–Kotulo section of the A13 Road in Tarbaj Constituency, Wajir County.

The President said enhanced security in Northern Kenya has created a conducive environment for residents to engage in productive economic activities, laying the foundation for accelerated growth, investment and development across the region.

To unlock Northern Kenya's vast economic potential, the president said the government is implementing the 750-kilometre Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, stretching from Isiolo to Mandera through Wajir at a cost of approximately KSh100 billion.

After inspecting construction works on the 64-kilometre Tarbaj–Kotulo stretch of the Isiolo–Mandera Road, President Ruto reiterated his administration's commitment to improving security and infrastructure in Northern Kenya.

Addressing residents, the President dismissed claims that little progress was being made on the road project and assured them that the government remained fully committed to its completion.

“I am here to see the road construction works for myself. There have been many stories from political brokers and naysayers claiming that nothing is happening here. But I want to assure you that this road project will be completed, God willing,” he said.

The President further emphasised that security remains a top priority for his administration.

“I want to assure you that as we move forward, our intention is to ensure that Kotulo, Tarbaj and Northern Kenya in general are safe so that residents can continue with their businesses without fear, children can attend school peacefully, and communities can continue engaging in livestock production as we move our country forward,” he added.

The strategic corridor traverses Isiolo, Meru, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties, significantly improving connectivity within Northern Kenya while strengthening Kenya's links with neighbouring Ethiopia and Somalia.

Once completed, the project is expected to ease the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, expand access to markets and enhance cross-border trade, particularly in the livestock sector, which remains a key economic pillar in the region.

More than 11 contractors have been engaged across different sections of the expansive corridor to ensure timely completion of the project.

President Ruto also highlighted ongoing development projects under the Affordable Housing Programme and other government initiatives in Wajir County.

According to the President, the county is set to benefit from investments worth Sh15 billion, which will support the construction of 18 markets, hostels accommodating more than 2,000 students, and 4,600 affordable housing units.

The Head of State was accompanied by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Members of Parliament and other national and county leaders.

The inspection comes a day after President Ruto underscored the importance of infrastructure development during the Madaraka Day celebrations, describing connectivity as central to Northern Kenya's transformation.

“We are investing in infrastructure that connects communities to opportunity. That is why connectivity remains central to Northern Kenya's development. For decades, distance was used to justify exclusion. Today, we are defeating distance,” the President said.

He noted that the 750-kilometre Northern Kenya Gateway Corridor linking Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera represents one of the most significant road investments in the region since independence.

“By connecting communities that were once isolated from markets, investment, development, essential services and economic opportunities, this project is transforming lives and livelihoods,” he said.

The President described the corridor as more than just a road project.

“This is a bridge between exclusion and opportunity, between neglect and investment, and between the Kenya that was and the Kenya that we are building together.”

He also emphasised the importance of the livestock sector to the economy of Northern Kenya, noting that it remains a source of income and resilience for thousands of households.

“Livestock is more than an economic activity. It pays school fees, feeds families, creates jobs, drives trade and, in difficult times, sustains entire communities,” he said.

The sector contributes approximately 12 per cent of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 42 per cent of the country's agricultural GDP, underscoring its significance to both regional and national economic growth.

The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project is expected to play a transformative role in opening up Northern Kenya, enhancing regional integration and positioning the region as a key hub for trade and investment in the Horn of Africa.