KeNHA secures funding for Samatar-Wajir Road and opens bids for construction
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 15, 2025The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the civil works contract for the construction of the Samatar-Wajir (A13) Road, marking a crucial milestone in the development of the long-anticipated Isiolo-Mandera Highway.
The 90-kilometre stretch lies in Wajir County, within the northeastern region of Kenya, and is part of the larger 740km Isiolo-Mandera road corridor, an integral link between Kenya and the Somalia border.
According to the tender notice, Tender No. KeNHA/2890/2025, the government has secured financing from four major development partners: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). These funds will go toward covering part of the construction cost.
Scope of works
The planned works involve upgrading the current gravel road to a bituminised two-lane single carriageway, including several critical civil engineering components such as: 567 hectares of site clearance, 2.9 million m³ of earthworks, 900,000 m³ of improved subgrade material, 65,000 m³ of asphalt concrete surfacing, one 100m reinforced concrete bridge, 30 box culverts and 104 pipe culverts, and additional works include bus bays, signage, guardrails, road markings, and landscaping
This infrastructure development is expected to greatly improve mobility, security, and economic activity in the region.
Strategic importance
The Samatar–Wajir section is one of the key links in the Isiolo–Mandera Highway, a flagship road project that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed had finally broken ground in May 2025 after years of delays and public scepticism. The entire highway is divided into 11 sections and assigned to seven contractors, with the government aiming for completion within two years.
“The highway will serve as a vital artery, fostering growth in a region long neglected,” Kindiki said during a recent visit to Kula Mawe.
Officials believe the road will significantly boost trade, attract investment, improve access to services, and strengthen security by enhancing mobility in an area prone to insecurity.
KeNHA has invited eligible local, African, Arab, or African-Arab associated contractors to express their interest. A 5 per cent margin of preference will be applied for these categories. Interested firms must submit their EOIs in hard copy by Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 11:00 am, addressed to Deputy Director (Supply Chain Management.