South Sudan and Kenya had ambitious plans to construct roads connecting them, with the goal of boosting cross-border trade by reducing travel time and distance. However, the realization of this project has faced numerous challenges and setbacks.
The Nadapal-Nakodok project was initially proposed in 2015, with an 11-kilometre road slated to be completed within three months. This road was intended to be part of a larger highway project stretching from Eldoret in western Kenya to South Sudan, covering a distance of approximately 600km and requiring an estimated budget of at least $700 million. Unfortunately, the outbreak of conflict in South Sudan hindered progress on the project, leaving Kenya to push forward independently.
As South Sudan gradually emerges from years of turmoil, the two countries have failed to meet a World Bank deadline for completing technical reports on the cross-border road. The fate of the 11km road linking Nadapal in Kenya to Nakodok in South Sudan remains uncertain, sparking political tensions and concerns.
One of the key issues surrounding the project is the disputed border area through which the road is planned to pass. The Toposa community in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatorial State has expressed reservations, fearing that the road construction could facilitate Kenya’s encroachment on their land. They advocate for adherence to the African Union Border Programme principles and urge the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed in 2019 regarding the demarcation and delimitation of the South Sudan-Kenya border.
Border disputes and incursions are not uncommon in the region, with tensions existing between ethnic groups such as the Toposa and Turkana on both sides of the border. Efforts are being made to promote peaceful coexistence and resolve territorial issues through high-level meetings and community engagement.
Kenya’s Roads Principal Secretary recently appealed to border communities to support the construction of the Nadapal-Nakodok road, emphasizing its importance within the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor (Lapsset). Technical and political challenges have delayed the project, prompting calls for community cooperation and government intervention to address the impasse.
In a bid to salvage the project, Kenya and South Sudan have sought an extension from the World Bank and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cross-border infrastructure for trade and connectivity. The road’s completion is seen as vital for economic growth and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
As discussions continue and efforts are made to overcome obstacles, the future of the Nadapal-Nakodok road remains uncertain. Collaboration between governments, community support, and adherence to established protocols will be crucial in advancing this important cross-border initiative.
