By correspondent | Wajir Today | Thursday, 5 February 2026
Residents of Garissa County and the wider North Eastern region are set to witness a major breakthrough in transport and connectivity, as the long-awaited Sh1.8 billion Tana Bridge edges closer to completion.
The modern bridge, designed to ease congestion and handle the growing volume of traffic in and out of the region, is expected to be commissioned within the next four months, regional officials have confirmed.
North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno announced the update on Wednesday after conducting an inspection tour of the site. He was joined by members of the Regional Project Implementation Monitoring and Communication Committee.
“The contractor has requested a short extension due to minor challenges, which is under review. We therefore expect this project to be completed and commissioned within the next four months,” Otieno told reporters.
Describing the bridge as a game changer, Otieno said it would significantly improve safety and connectivity. “As you know, we have been relying on a bridge that has served us for decades. This is a very modern structure, built to last 100 years,” he added.
Once operational, the new bridge will be dedicated to vehicular traffic. The existing 43-year-old bridge will remain for light use, including pedestrians, boda bodas, and livestock.
Otieno also highlighted other major infrastructure projects underway, including the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor. He revealed that 68 kilometres of road had already been paved, opening new routes for goods from the port to neighbouring countries.
The Regional Commissioner noted that the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project is progressing steadily, with key road sections connecting Wajir to Kotulo, Elwak, Ramu, and Mandera already under construction. “By mid-next year, we expect these projects to come to fruition,” he said.
Duncan Mwereri, Regional Head of the Government Delivery Unit in the Office of the President, said the Tana Bridge was a flagship project under President William Ruto’s administration. He emphasised that developing feeder roads to support the livestock economy remained a priority.
“This region has long been marginalised. A lot is happening now, and the President has made it clear that North Eastern Kenya will no longer be left behind,” Mwereri added.
