Infrastructure

El Wak–Rhamu Road to Begin with Sh27bn AfDB Funding

The El Wak–Rhamu road will be upgraded to meet international standards.

Updated on

February 21, 2025

road construction machinery — The project was due to start in August 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

Construction of the much-delayed 140-kilometre El Wak–Rhamu road is set to begin after the Kenyan government secured funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

This marks an important step in the larger Multinational Horn of Africa Isiolo–Mandera Corridor project, which will span 740 kilometres.

Once completed, the corridor will not only alter the infrastructure of northern Kenya but also significantly improve trade links with neighbouring countries Somalia and Ethiopia.

On February 11, 2025, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) assured that it had secured the necessary funding to execute the project.

In a notice published in MyGov, KeNHA stated: “The Government of the Republic of Kenya has received financing from the AfDB to fund the Multinational Horn of Africa Isiolo–Mandera Corridor: El Wak–Rhamu (A13) Road Upgrading Project.”

Funding from the bank totals approximately Sh27.5 billion, ensuring that the El Wak–Rhamu section, along with the entire Isiolo-Mandera Corridor, can be upgraded to meet international standards.

The project, which was due to start in August 2023, was delayed because of security issues in the area caused by Al-Shabaab militants. The government, however, set up a security plan to protect the project and the area.

The El Wak–Rhamu road will provide a direct connection from Isiolo to El Wak to Mandera, enhancing infrastructure and regional economic integration.

Trade within the region between Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia is expected to increase by 15%, raising the level of trade from Sh25.7 billion to Sh29.5 billion per year.

Travel time will also be cut by 1.5 hours to 3.2 hours from 4.7 hours.

Also, operating costs of vehicles will decrease from Sh90 to Sh65 per kilometre, bringing advantage to transporters with significant economic benefit.

The El Wak–Rhamu road project is a key part of Kenya’s infrastructure development programme, and completion will increase regional connectivity and economic growth.