Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the 740-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera road, saying the project will unlock economic development and strengthen security across Kenya’s North Eastern region.

Murkomen said the road, being implemented under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, is critical to transforming connectivity in the region by opening up remote areas to trade, investment and public services.

The CS spoke after chairing a high-level multi-agency meeting that reviewed the progress of the project and explored measures to address bottlenecks that could delay its completion.

“We are fully committed to the timely completion of the 740km Isiolo-Mandera road which will transform the North Eastern region by unlocking its development and boosting the security of the entire belt,” Murkomen said.

He said the government was encouraged by security measures already put in place to protect contractors and other personnel working on the major infrastructure project.

Murkomen, however, said the security arrangements would be strengthened further, with the deployment of additional multi-agency security personnel along the road corridor.

The move is aimed at ensuring contractors can work without disruption while safeguarding communities and other people involved in the project.

The Isiolo-Mandera road is expected to improve transport and trade links between northern Kenya and other parts of the country while supporting broader regional integration within the Horn of Africa.

The government has also linked the project to efforts to enhance security in the region, particularly in areas that have historically faced insecurity and limited infrastructure.

The meeting brought together Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Principal Secretaries Eng. Joseph Mbugua of Roads, Dr Raymond Omollo of Internal Security and Dr Patrick Mariru of Defence.

Also present were Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and General Officer Commanding Eastern Command Major General L.K. Kutto, among other senior government officials.

Murkomen said the multi-agency approach would remain central to addressing security and implementation challenges along the road corridor as the government pushes for the project's completion.