Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the move after a high-level meeting involving Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
He said enhanced security along the construction corridor was necessary to guarantee the safety of contractors, workers, and equipment, while ensuring the project is completed within the set timelines.
Murkomen noted that the vast road corridor passes through regions that have historically faced security challenges, making the deployment of additional forces critical to protecting the project from threats posed by armed groups and criminal networks.
“Reinforcing security at this construction site is fundamental to protecting both the project and the people working on it from enemies and other security risks that are prevalent in the region,” Murkomen said.
Coordinated Security Plan
According to the Interior CS, the government has already put in place a comprehensive security protocol that will allow contractors and personnel on site to work closely with security agencies. The strategy is intended to ensure uninterrupted progress on the project and prevent delays caused by insecurity.
Murkomen added that the security deployment will not be limited to the Isiolo–Mandera corridor alone, noting that similar measures will be extended to other regions where ongoing national projects face security threats.
“The President expects this project to be completed through a whole-of-government approach, within the shortest time possible and according to the timelines that have been set,” he said.
“National security is a key enabler of development, and this responsibility rests squarely with the security sector.”
He further revealed that the government will continue engaging local leaders and conducting regular field visits to monitor the implementation of security measures and address emerging concerns on the ground.
Part of the LAPSSET Corridor
The Isiolo–Mandera road is a major component of the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project, one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes.
He further revealed that the government will continue engaging local leaders and conducting regular field visits to monitor the implementation of security measures and address emerging concerns on the ground.
Part of the LAPSSET Corridor
The Isiolo–Mandera road is a major component of the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project, one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes.
The highway links Isiolo, Modogashe, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera, and is expected to significantly improve access to northern Kenya while enhancing cross-border trade with Ethiopia and South Sudan.
President William Ruto officially launched the project on February 7, 2025, describing it as a game-changer for regions that have long been marginalised in national development planning.
The government says the World Bank, through its International Development Association, has already disbursed an initial Ksh81 billion to kick-start the project, with total funding expected to reach approximately Ksh100 billion.
Economic Impact and Political Significance
Murkomen expressed confidence that the highway will unlock vast economic potential in northern Kenya by opening up the region to investment, improving mobility, and reducing the cost of doing business.
President William Ruto officially launched the project on February 7, 2025, describing it as a game-changer for regions that have long been marginalised in national development planning.
The government says the World Bank, through its International Development Association, has already disbursed an initial Ksh81 billion to kick-start the project, with total funding expected to reach approximately Ksh100 billion.
Economic Impact and Political Significance
Murkomen expressed confidence that the highway will unlock vast economic potential in northern Kenya by opening up the region to investment, improving mobility, and reducing the cost of doing business.
The road is also expected to enhance access to social services and improve security by enabling faster movement of security personnel.
Despite facing public criticism when it was first announced—particularly over cost concerns and security risks—the Ruto administration remains optimistic that the project will stand out as one of its major achievements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In December 2025, the government announced plans to commence construction of the second phase of the project, the 70-kilometre Modogashe–Samatar route, once the initial phase is completed.
Project Progress
Construction of the 195-kilometre Isiolo–Modogashe section began in May 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2026, marking a major milestone in the broader highway programme.
Despite facing public criticism when it was first announced—particularly over cost concerns and security risks—the Ruto administration remains optimistic that the project will stand out as one of its major achievements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In December 2025, the government announced plans to commence construction of the second phase of the project, the 70-kilometre Modogashe–Samatar route, once the initial phase is completed.
Project Progress
Construction of the 195-kilometre Isiolo–Modogashe section began in May 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2026, marking a major milestone in the broader highway programme.
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