NLC Moves to Acquire Land for Major 750km Isiolo-Mandera Highway as Multi-Billion Project Gains Momentum
The National Land Commission (NLC) has taken a major step towards the construction of the ambitious 750-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera Highway after announcing plans to compulsorily acquire additional land along part of the strategic corridor.
In a gazette notice published on Friday, May 29, the commission, acting on behalf of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), revealed amendments to previously identified parcels of land required for the project, including deletions, corrections and new additions.
The latest notice focuses on the 77-kilometre Isiolo-Kulamawe section, a critical segment of the wider highway project that stretches across northern Kenya and forms part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
According to the commission, the land acquisition will facilitate the construction of the road and the installation of fibre optic cable infrastructure designed to enhance digital connectivity along the corridor.
“NOTICE is given that the National Land Commission intends to delete, correct and add parcels of land shown in the schedule hereunder on behalf of the Kenya National Highways Authority in accordance with Section 110 of the Land Act No. 6 of 2012,” the notice stated.
The commission further explained that the land is required for the “construction of Isiolo-Kulamawe (A10/B84) Road and civil works associated with installing a fibre optic cable along the 77 km section under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP) in Meru and Isiolo Counties.”
The acquisition affects multiple parcels located within Isiolo Township and the Igembe North/Amwathi Mutuati areas, alongside several land reference numbers situated along the planned route.
Under Section 110 of the Land Act, 2012, the government is permitted to acquire private land for public projects deemed to be in the national interest, provided affected property owners are compensated through a legally prescribed process.
As part of that process, NLC has scheduled a series of public inquiry hearings for affected landowners between June 23 and July 6, 2026.
The hearings will take place at various locations, including Tuulu Chief’s Camp, Ndumuru Open Air Market, Gambella Chief’s Camp and designated county government offices.
During the sessions, the commission will verify ownership documents, hear compensation claims and address any disputes or concerns arising from the acquisition exercise.
Affected landowners have been instructed to attend the hearings with national identification cards, KRA PIN certificates, ownership documents and bank account details to facilitate compensation payments.
The Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project is one of Kenya’s most significant infrastructure investments aimed at opening up the country’s northern frontier. Once completed, the 750-kilometre highway will link Isiolo to Mandera through several counties in the North Eastern region, improving transport, trade and access to government services.
The World Bank-funded project is also expected to strengthen regional integration and enhance economic ties between Kenya and neighbouring countries within the Horn of Africa.
Construction works have gathered pace since the project was officially commissioned by President William Ruto in 2025, with government officials describing the highway as a transformative development expected to unlock economic opportunities across some of Kenya’s historically underserved regions.
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