The government has initiated plans to upgrade 31 roads in Wajir town as part of a multi-billion-shilling project aimed at improving road accessibility in the county.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a notice on Tuesday, June 16, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) invited bids from local and international contractors for the construction of roads under the Development of Urban Roads in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (ASALs) Programme.

According to the notice, the project is financed by the OPEC Fund for International Development. It is estimated to cost approximately USD 35 million, equivalent to about Ksh 4.5 billion.

"The Government of the Republic of Kenya has received financing from the OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) towards the cost of the Development of Urban Roads in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (ASALs) Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Construction of Wajir Town Roads," the notice read in part.

📌 What You Need to Know

The project, according to KURA, is intended to enhance urban mobility, improve road safety, boost accessibility, and support socio-economic development in Wajir, one of Kenya's arid and semi-arid regions.

The move comes weeks after President Ruto visited Wajir County and announced that the county and the region would not be left behind in development under his administration, unlike in past regimes.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Wajir Stadium on June 1, the Head of State made several promises to the north-eastern people, including major developments for residents, including the upgrade of their roads.

The project will involve upgrading 31 roads covering approximately 65 kilometres to bitumen standards within Wajir Town.

KURA has grouped the roads into three lots, with contractors allowed to bid for one, two, or all three. However, successful bidders will be awarded a maximum of two lots.

A mandatory pre-tender site visit for interested bidders has been scheduled for July 7, 2026, in Wajir, while bid submissions are expected by early August.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke