Ethiopia Approves Construction of Nakuwa Bridge to Boost Cross-Border Peace and Trade
Last Updated on October 2, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
Ethiopia has officially approved the construction of the long-awaited Nakuwa Bridge, a landmark project set to transform peace, security, and economic activities along its border with Kenya.
The breakthrough follows a high-level peace mission to Ethiopia in early September 2025 by a Kenyan delegation led by Hon. John Munyes Kiyonga, Kenya’s Special Envoy for Peace in the Ateker region, and Hon. Paul Ekwom Nabuin, Member of Parliament for Turkana North. The delegation held engagements with Ethiopian authorities in Addis Ababa and Turmi, securing a firm commitment to the project, which residents have described as “a vital step towards peace and connectivity.”
Confirming the development, Talahun Kebede, President of the South Ethiopia Regional State, announced that the bridge will be accompanied by a new road network extending into South Sudan.
The Nakuwa Bridge is expected to be a lifeline for communities in Turkana North and Kibish, areas long plagued by isolation, insecurity, and recurring disruptions caused by seasonal floods from River Nakuwa. For years, the flooding has cut off local populations from essential services and trade opportunities with their cross-border neighbors.
Local leaders and residents have hailed the decision as a historic step towards strengthening cross-border cooperation in the Ateker region, enhancing mobility, and unlocking economic potential through trade and cultural exchange.
The project is also seen as a boost to regional peace efforts, reducing conflict fueled by resource competition and enhancing security through improved connectivity.
