New funding model to revive stalled Northern Kenya road projects - Kindiki

Long-delayed road projects in northern Kenya are set to resume after years of inactivity, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said, citing a new funding approach that has brought contractors back to site.

Speaking after meeting Members of Parliament from the region at his official residence in Karen, Kindiki said the securitisation of the Roads Levy has unlocked resources to restart key corridors, some of which had been abandoned for more than six years.

Among the priority projects is the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Modogashe–Wajir–Kotulo–Elwak–Rhamu–Mandera road, seen as vital for opening up the region to trade, improving access to services, and strengthening security operations. Others include the Lamu–Ijara–Garissa and Isiolo–Mandera roads.

“Many contractors that had abandoned sites are now back,” Kindiki said. “The financing model will expedite the completion of the northern Kenya roads. The completion of this road will be a game-changer for the region and the whole of Kenya.”

The roads form part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which also targets expansion of electricity, water supply, modern markets and affordable housing. While reaffirming that the Isiolo–Mandera route will be completed as planned, the Deputy President did not give updated timelines or milestones for the works.

Away from infrastructure, Kindiki said the government will maintain the eased vetting process for Kenyans living along the borders seeking identification documents, describing it as a measure to end past discriminatory practices.

On health, he reported that Universal Health Coverage under the Social Health Authority has enrolled more than 25.4 million people. Efforts are now focused on fixing operational bottlenecks such as delayed approvals and fictitious claims, and ensuring medicines move directly from KEMSA to health facilities.

Kindiki also defended the affordable housing programme as a national initiative that will extend to towns in Wajir, Garissa, Mandera and other counties, in line with projections that 60 percent of Kenyans will live in urban areas within two decades.

Leaders from the North Eastern Parliamentary Caucus welcomed the renewed push on roads and other infrastructure, calling it the most significant investment in the region since independence, but urged the government to ensure steady funding to avoid further delays.