Members of Parliament have raised serious concerns over the prolonged delay in the construction of the Wajir–Griftu–Eldas–Buna–Bute–Moyale international road corridor, a project they say holds immense economic and regional significance.

Speaking during a plenary sitting on Tuesday 22nd July 2025, lawmakers from the North Eastern region strongly criticised the Ministry of Roads and Transport over the lack of tangible progress on the corridor, despite repeated government commitments. The project is expected to unlock trade potential and improve connectivity between Kenya and Ethiopia through Northern Kenya.

Eldas MP, Hon. Adan Keynan who had sought a statement on the status of the road, lamented the fact that the route has been in planning stages since the 1970s.

“This road has remained at the planning stage since 1974. We cannot continue to plan for over four decades without implementation. The people of Northern Kenya have waited long enough,” said Hon. Keynan.

Reading a written response from the Ministry, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. George Kariku (Ndhia) informed the House that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is still finalizing the detailed design work, with completion expected in December 2025.

“Construction will begin once the design is finalized and funds are secured,” Hon. Kariuki reported, noting that no confirmed funding has been allocated yet under any development programme.

The response was met with dissatisfaction from MPs, who demanded clearer timelines and faster implementation.

Hon. Fatuma Gedi (Wajir County) decried the slow progress, calling it a betrayal of the people of Northern Kenya.“Wajir was once an economic hub. This road is vital to restoring our region’s access to trade, services, and opportunity. We need commitment, not endless planning,” she said.

Hon. Yusuf Adan Haji (Mandera West) urged the Ministry to provide a fixed date for design completion, stressing that donor and government funding cannot be mobilised without a finished design.“This is a priority road. We need the design done soon so that funding discussions can begin,” he said.

Legislators also expressed concern about the lack of visible work on the ground and urged the Committee to conduct a site visit to confirm progress.

The Committee Chairperson assured Members that the Cabinet Secretary for Roads would be invited to appear before the Committee to explain the ministry’s plans and fast-track implementation.

“I commit that the Cabinet Secretary will come before the Committee to explain the measures being taken and ensure timely execution,” he said.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Moses Wetang’ula directed that the matter be placed on the Order Paper for further discussion and encouraged Members to submit follow-up questions for a detailed response from the Ministry.

“Members you are free to seek more clarity. I direct the Majority Leader to coordinate with the Ministry to provide a substantive response,” said the Speaker.