President William Ruto has announced a raft of major infrastructure and housing projects aimed at driving economic growth and tackling long-standing development inequalities in Northern Kenya. In a statement shared on his official X account after meeting leaders from Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties at the Wajir State Lodge, the President said the government is rolling out transformative investments worth hundreds of billions of shillings to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Among the flagship projects is the Isiolo–Mandera highway, being developed under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project at a cost exceeding Ksh.100 billion. The road is expected to significantly improve connectivity, boost trade, and open up new economic opportunities for communities across the region.
Ruto also noted that construction of the 500-kilometre Lamu–Garissa–Isiolo road is progressing well and is now halfway complete. The project is on track for completion next year and is expected to strengthen transport links between northern and coastal Kenya while encouraging investment and commerce.
In addition, the government is investing over Ksh.45 billion in affordable housing projects across Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties. The President described the initiative as one of the most significant housing programmes ever implemented in the region since independence. On aviation, Ruto revealed that the expansion of Garissa Airport is nearing completion, while plans are in place to upgrade Wajir Airport at an estimated cost of Ksh.700 million. These upgrades are expected to enhance air connectivity and support economic activities in Northern Kenya.
The President emphasised that the projects are part of a broader government agenda to ensure equitable development across the country and address decades of marginalisation in the region.
Our commitment is to ensure that every part of Kenya, including Northern Kenya, benefits from development and opportunities for prosperity
President RutoThe ambitious investments signal a renewed push by the government to integrate Northern Kenya into the national economy through improved infrastructure, housing, and connectivity, paving the way for sustainable growth and development.
