In a decisive move to address longstanding infrastructure challenges in Isiolo County, Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, alongside Garbatulla Ward MCA and County Assembly Majority Leader Abdirashid Ali, popularly known as Girandira, held a high-stakes meeting with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Director General, Eng. Luka Kimeli, on the morning of August 3, 2025, at KeNHA’s Nairobi headquarters.
The discussion zeroed in on the deplorable condition of the Garbatulla-Modogashe-Gafarsa road, with a particular focus on the hazardous Darer Dima (Lagga Dima) section, which has long been a source of concern for residents due to its severe safety and security risks.
A Road in Crisis: Safety and Security at Stake
The Garbatulla-Modogashe-Gafarsa road, a critical artery in Isiolo County, serves as a lifeline for communities in the region, connecting remote areas to essential services, markets, and neighboring counties.
However, years of neglect have left the road in a state of disrepair, with the Darer Dima section standing out as a particularly perilous stretch.
Characterized by deep potholes, eroded surfaces, and inadequate drainage, this section has become a hotspot for accidents and a breeding ground for insecurity, including ambushes and banditry, which have plagued travelers and local residents alike.
Mumina Bonaya, a vocal advocate for her constituents, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues during the meeting.
“The state of the Garbatulla-Modogashe-Gafarsa road is not just an inconvenience; it’s a matter of life and death,” she stated. “The Darer Dima section, in particular, poses significant risks to our people, from commuters to traders, who rely on this road daily. We cannot afford further delays in making this route safe and accessible.”
Abdirashid Ali echoed her sentiments, highlighting the broader implications of the road’s condition.
“As the Majority Leader and a representative of Garbatulla, I’ve seen firsthand how this road’s poor state stifles economic growth and endangers lives,” he said. “Our communities deserve better infrastructure to foster development and ensure their safety.”
KeNHA’s Commitment: A Step Toward Solutions
The meeting with Eng. Luka Kimeli proved productive, with the KeNHA Director General acknowledging the gravity of the concerns raised by the Isiolo leaders.
In a significant development, Kimeli pledged to dispatch a team of engineers to the Garbatulla-Modogashe-Gafarsa road as early as next week for a comprehensive on-site assessment.
This evaluation will pave the way for critical road works and the construction of a bridge at the Darer Dima section, addressing one of the most dangerous bottlenecks on the route.
“The assessment will allow us to understand the full scope of the challenges and prioritize interventions,” Kimeli assured the leaders. “KeNHA is committed to improving connectivity and safety across the country, and we take the concerns raised by Hon. Bonaya and MCA Ali very seriously.”
This commitment marks a significant step forward in addressing the infrastructure deficit in Isiolo County, where poor road conditions have long hampered economic progress and access to essential services.
The proposed bridge at Darer Dima is expected to mitigate flooding risks during the rainy season, which often renders the section impassable, isolating communities and disrupting supply chains.
Mumina Bonaya: A Trailblazer for Isiolo’s Development
Mumina Bonaya’s leadership in spearheading this initiative underscores her growing reputation as a tireless advocate for Isiolo’s marginalized communities.
Since assuming office, the Woman Representative has consistently championed projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the county.
Her proactive approach in engaging with national authorities like KeNHA reflects her commitment to delivering tangible results for her constituents.
“Hon. Bonaya’s efforts to bring attention to the Garbatulla-Modogashe-Gafarsa road demonstrate her dedication to addressing the real issues facing our people,” said a local resident, Halima Wako, who relies on the road for her small-scale trading business. “We are hopeful that this meeting will lead to meaningful change.”
The Bigger Picture: Infrastructure and Development in Isiolo
“This is just the beginning,” Ali added. “We need a comprehensive approach to improve roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure to transform the lives of our people.”
The push to rehabilitate the Garbatulla-Modogashe-Gafarsa road aligns with broader efforts to unlock Isiolo County’s economic potential.
As a gateway to northern Kenya, Isiolo serves as a critical hub for trade, tourism, and regional connectivity. However, dilapidated infrastructure has long hindered the county’s ability to capitalize on its strategic location.
The Darer Dima section, in particular, has been a focal point of community grievances. During the rainy season, flash floods transform the area into a muddy quagmire, stranding vehicles and leaving commuters vulnerable to accidents and attacks.
The lack of a proper bridge exacerbates these challenges, forcing residents to take dangerous detours or risk crossing swollen rivers.
By securing KeNHA’s commitment to prioritize repairs, Bonaya and Ali are addressing not only immediate safety concerns but also laying the groundwork for long-term development.
Improved road infrastructure is expected to boost trade, enhance access to markets, and attract investment to the region, creating opportunities for local businesses and youth.
What Lies Ahead: A Call for Accountability
While KeNHA’s promise to dispatch engineers is a welcome development, Bonaya and Ali emphasized the need for swift action and accountability.
“We will closely monitor the progress of this project to ensure that the assessment translates into actual road works and bridge construction,” Bonaya affirmed. “Our people have waited long enough.”
The leaders also called on other stakeholders, including the county government and national agencies, to collaborate in addressing the broader infrastructure needs of Isiolo County.
A Beacon of Hope for Isiolo
The meeting between Mumina Bonaya, Abdirashid Ali, and Eng. Luka Kimeli marks a pivotal moment in the quest to improve infrastructure in Isiolo County.
As KeNHA prepares to assess the Garbatulla-Modogashe-Gafarsa road, residents are cautiously optimistic that long-overdue repairs will soon become a reality.
For Bonaya, this initiative is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her constituents and her ability to bridge the gap between local needs and national action.
As Isiolo awaits the promised road works, Mumina Bonaya’s leadership continues to shine as a beacon of hope, proving that determined advocacy can pave the way for transformative change.
With the spotlight now on KeNHA to deliver, the people of Isiolo are watching closely, hopeful that safer, more accessible roads are on the horizon.
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