In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at reshaping the future of Northern Kenya, the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) have joined forces to implement the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), a transformative infrastructure initiative backed by the World Bank.
Far more than a road-building project, HoAGDP represents a bold step towards inclusive, people-led development across some of Kenya’s most historically underserved regions.
The project is unlocking new opportunities in the frontier counties, driving social and economic transformation by improving access, connectivity, and livelihoods.
“We are not just building roads. We are paving the way for a more resilient, connected, and empowered Northern Kenya,” says a statement from FCDC Kenya.
FCDC plays a central coordinating role in the project, serving as a critical bridge between County Governments, the National Government, and KeNHA.
Through this partnership, FCDC ensures that development efforts are inclusive, responsive, and rooted in the real needs of the people.
At the heart of this initiative is a deep commitment to grassroots participation. FCDC has led extensive consultations with community elders, Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), Members of Parliament (MPs), and local leaders to ensure that the infrastructure aligns with the social and economic realities of the communities it serves.
“Community-first is not just a slogan; it’s our guiding principle,” FCDC emphasized.
In the pastoralist regions of Northern Kenya, roads are more than just pathways they are lifelines. The HoAGDP roads are designed to support seasonal migration, improve access to grazing lands, and connect remote communities to essential services such as health care, markets, and education.
This enhanced connectivity is especially critical for pastoralist communities, where movement and access are vital to survival. The project directly supports livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion, creating a platform for sustained regional development.
The HoAGDP has become a model for participatory infrastructure development, placing local voices at the center of decision-making.
By integrating community insights into every stage of planning and implementation, the project aims to build infrastructure that is both sustainable and socially impactful.
Through this visionary partnership, FCDC and KeNHA are not only improving roads, they are also constructing the foundation for a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future for Northern Kenya.
As the project advances, every kilometer built is a step toward bridging historical gaps, reducing marginalization, and realizing the full potential of a region rich in cultural heritage and economic promise.