After years of unfulfilled promises, a paved road connecting Kenya to Ethiopia is finally becoming a reality with the help of Chinese road engineers. The ambitious project aims to replace a challenging rock track with tarmac, spanning 530 kilometers from Isiolo to Moyale on the border. This road, part of the Great North Road envisioned by British colonialists, is one of the last unpaved sections in the region. China's involvement in this project signifies a shift in the development of the area, as they work towards creating a major trade route that will unlock the economic potential of the northern half of Kenya. This collaboration between China and the Kenyan government reflects a growing trend across Africa, where China's interests in resources and economic growth align with the goals of local governments to develop untapped regions. The construction of a new road in a beautiful but historically troubled area is expected to bring economic benefits such as increased tourism and trade. The road project, funded by the African Development Bank and the Kenyan government, is being carried out by China Wu Yi (Kenya) Co. The completion of the road between Isiolo and Moyale could potentially increase trade between Kenya and Ethiopia by fivefold, according to estimates by the AfDB. Additionally, trade between China and Kenya has been steadily increasing in recent years. The tarmac of the Cape-to-Cairo road ends abruptly at the edge of pavement in Isiolo, signaling the border between the two Kenyas according to residents. Many in the northern region feel disconnected from the rest of the country, with hopes that improving the road will boost tourism and generate revenue for the area. However, there are some individuals who question China's intentions, echoing the uncertainty felt by many Africans towards the Asian country's investment efforts. In some African nations such as Zambia, there are concerns that China is essentially colonizing the region again by exploiting its resources and flooding the market with inexpensive products. Despite these suspicions, China has a long history of trade and collaboration with Kenya spanning 50 years. Currently, the Chinese are focused on reconstructing the initial portion of the Isiolo-Moyale road to facilitate the transportation of heavy machinery to Merti, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) east of the section they have committed to develop. Companies like China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Sweden's Lundin Petroleum AB are conducting seismic tests in Merti in preparation for oil drilling operations next year. In Isiolo, residents have harbored suspicions about oil exploration ever since a venture in the 1980s failed to produce any results under questionable circumstances. There are other indications of growing resentment in the community. In a recent incident on April 21, a Chinese engineer was fatally shot by bandits near the Merille River. According to tribal elders, the engineer was targeted due to a belief that not enough local men had been hired by the Chinese company. Wu, a representative of the project, stated that the majority of the project's workforce consisted of Kenyans, with all day laborers being from the local area. Following the shooting incident, the Kenyan government deployed its elite paramilitary General Service Unit to the Merille River region in order to disarm young individuals and establish a security presence. The construction of a road in the area is seen as a crucial development that could potentially improve the connectivity of northern Kenya and put an end to years of neglect. During the colonial era, Isiolo served as an isolated outpost on the edge of the closed Northern Frontier District, which extended across the top half of Kenya from Uganda and Sudan in the west to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east. George Cardovillis, a Kenyan with Greek roots, highlighted the restrictive regulations that prohibited Europeans from residing in the area due to its perceived dangers and harsh climate. The government instructed them to continue their journey over 600 km (373 miles) to Maralal, south of Isiolo towards Ethiopia. The landscape remains unchanged, with desolate stretches of black volcanic stones and reddish sands, similar to when Cardovillis' ancestors traveled south in a donkey train. The sun still beats down with intense heat, mountains are visible in the distance, and water is hard to come by. Electricity, telephone lines, and most other services are almost non-existent in the area. Despite this lack of infrastructure, Kenya's national parks remain untouched and pristine, with some rarely visited due to their remote location. Just 50 km past Isiolo are three game reserves that are comparable to the popular Maasai Mara in terms of the number and variety of animals. It was in this region that Joy Adamson, the author of "Born Free," settled to raise leopards until her tragic death. Jayne Nguatah, the manager of Sarova Shaba lodge in Shaba park, believes that their occupancy rates will increase significantly once the road construction is completed. The Sarova Shaba will be a Christmas present for us. Located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river, the lodge is surrounded by crocodiles, Samburu and Borana herdsmen, baboons, and monkeys. The main lodge resembles a treehouse and is situated over a natural spring. However, the challenges of establishing a sustainable tourism industry in northern Kenya go beyond just infrastructure. Banditry and tribal conflicts are frequent due to the influx of weapons from historical and current conflicts in neighboring countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. Security forces are thinly spread as nomadic herders continue to search for pasture and water for their animals, a practice that has been ongoing for centuries. Some herders now carry modern assault rifles, while others still use rifles from colonial times. Despite industrial activity near Isiolo by Chinese engineers, people in Moyale are skeptical that the road will reach them. Plans to extend the road beyond the current Chinese construction project are still in the planning stages. Trader Gumucha Gisiko expressed his frustration by mentioning that for 45 years, they have been assured of the construction of the road. He waved his hand dismissively and emphasized the importance of seeing it to believe it.