The Ksh 42 billion Nairobi-Isiolo-Moyale road has seen an influx of investors flood into the area where purchase and sale of land has seen them raking in millions.
The highway, which is part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) Corridor Project was undertaken to expand the road network away from the Mombasa-Uganda Corridor that passes through Nairobi and much of the Rift Valley.
The value of land along the highway has been spiking since 2016 with areas closer to towns selling at three times the amount since the completion of this section of the road in 2017.
Before the construction of the 501km highway, a 50 by 100 feet piece of land in Marsabit town would go for Ksh 200,000, now, it fetches between Ksh 1 million to Ksh 1.5 million depending on availability.
As the major highway cuts across the Chalbi desert, the fortunes of the residents of Marsabit and its environs have changed for the better.
The once hot and dry landscape that was dominated by shrubs and wild bush has now turned into a gold mine for real estate developers.
Investors have been moving quickly to secure not only land close to the new road but also any parcels available near the three major game reserves in the area - Bisanadi, Buffalo Springs and Shaba.
Safari hotels and lodges have been cropping up targeting the tourists who now flock to the area due to the improved access to the tourist destinations.
A good example of such an establishment is the El Boran Hotel (located 2km from Isiolo town) whose completion coincided with the opening of the 501km section of the highway.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali recently acknowledged that the county was growing at a tremendous rate thanks to the improved infrastructure.
"I would advise you to seek space in the outskirts of Marsabit town since the scramble has seen many investors and donors lack office spaces," he stated during a past interview.
Banks have also moved in the area to cash in on the increased trade and cash flow.
The project, funded by the African Development Bank, was launched by former President Mwai Kibaki in November 2012, and its completion has opened new horizons for the area.
