𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗜–𝗥𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗨 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗘 𝗔𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗔 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗣 𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦 𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗢'𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔

By Ahmed Salat Ali political Affairs AARAN TV KE 

Major (Rtd.) Abdullahi Bashir Says Landmark Highway Will Transform North Eastern Kenya and Boost Regional Trade

 Mandera North Member of Parliament Major (Rtd.) Abdullahi Bashir has expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of the 68-kilometre Gari–Rhamu road, a critical component of the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera Highway being implemented under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.

Speaking after an inspection tour of the project, the legislator described the pace of construction as encouraging, revealing that the first kilometre has already been tarmacked, while work on the remaining sections is progressing steadily.

The MP noted that the Isiolo–Mandera Highway is jointly financed by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, while the Gari–Rhamu section is funded through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

He further observed that the project includes the construction of the Rhamu Bridge, a strategic link expected to strengthen connectivity between Kenya and Ethiopia, facilitate cross-border trade and unlock new economic opportunities for communities across the Horn of Africa.

Major Bashir praised President Dr. William Samoei Ruto for his commitment to accelerating development in North Eastern Kenya, saying the project reflects the government's determination to bridge the region's infrastructure gap and promote inclusive economic growth.

"I extend my deepest gratitude to H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring that North Eastern Kenya receives its fair share of transformative national development. This landmark project is a testament to the Government's resolve to connect our region, unlock economic opportunities, and improve the lives of our people," he said.

The lawmaker also challenged the contractor to sustain the current momentum and ensure the project is completed within the agreed timeframe so that residents can begin enjoying its economic and social benefits.

"I urge the contractor to maintain the current pace of work and ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeline," Major Bashir stated.

Responding to critics who have questioned the implementation of the highway, the MP dismissed claims that the project exists only on paper, insisting that the progress on the ground speaks for itself.

"To those who doubt this project, I invite you to visit the site and witness the progress for yourselves. The work is visible, the project is real, and President Ruto is building a stronger and more prosperous North Eastern Kenya," he said.

The Isiolo–Mandera Highway is expected to significantly improve transport and trade, reduce travel time, enhance security and strengthen economic integration between Kenya and neighbouring Ethiopia, making it one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects ever undertaken in North Eastern Kenya.