Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan has lauded the government, through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura), for prioritising the upgrade of the Wajir Town–Elnur Road to bitumen standards.
He termed the project a transformative intervention for the region. Keynan who was speaking at a function in Nairobi was reacting to a tender notice by KURA.
“Infrastructure development remains a critical pillar in unlocking inclusive growth and shared prosperity, particularly in historically underserved regions. In this regard, I thank the Government, through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), for prioritising the upgrade to bitumen standard of the Wajir Town-Elnur Road which remains a transformative intervention that will significantly enhance regional connectivity and economic activity,” Keynan said.
The MP said the road upgrade will significantly enhance regional connectivity, spur economic activity and improve the overall quality of life for residents of Eldas Constituency and neighboring areas.
“As a critical link from Wajir Town passing ICF, Sunrise and Towhid to Elnur and the surrounding settlements, this road will lower transport costs, ease the movement of people, livestock and goods, and improve access to markets, health facilities, learning institutions and other essential services,” Keynan said
Keynan, one of the longest serving MPs noted that Northern Kenya, largely depends on pastoralism and small-scale trade, sectors that have long been constrained by poor infrastructure.
He said an all-weather road will unlock new trade opportunities, attract investment, improve security through better accessibility and strengthen socio-economic linkages across the wider constituency.
“Improved internal roads will enhance the welfare of residents, promote orderly urban growth, support local businesses, create employment opportunities and elevate Elnur’s role as a functional administrative and economic hub,” Keynan said.
“Equally important is the tarmacking of all Elnur Town roads, especially given the town’s status as the Eldas South Sub-County Headquarters; tarmacked township roads will greatly improve access to administrative offices, public institutions and security installations, enabling more efficient service delivery and better coordination of government functions.”
The MP, who chairs the Northern Kenya Parliamentary Group, added that the ongoing and planned road projects will enhance governance, restore dignity to the community and significantly improve the quality of life for the people of Eldas South and the larger Eldas Constituency, extending benefits to surrounding regions.
Keynan who was elected on a Jubilee ticket reiterated his support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying his backing of President William Ruto is driven by trust and gratitude for the government’s focus on historically marginalized areas such as Northern Kenya.
“President Ruto’s administration has invested in infrastructure, education, security and economic empowerment across Northern Kenya,” he said.
“This has reignited hope in a region long neglected and, for that, we stand firmly behind him.”
For decades, he observed, residents of Wajir have endured impassable and dusty roads that crippled economic growth and left communities disconnected..
The improved road network, he added, is also expected to attract investment and strengthen cross-border trade, particularly with neighboring Ethiopia, further positioning Wajir as a strategic economic hub in Northern Kenya.
The region, encompassing the counties of Wajir, Mandera and Garissa, has historically struggled with inadequate infrastructure.
The lack of connectivity has also resulted in economic stagnation and minimal development in the region.
The poor road network has impacted the local economy and contributed to high costs of commodities and services.
by STEPHEN ASTARIKO
