County Government of Isiolo

19/05/2026

Isiolo County Partners with Impact to Launch the WEE RESP Project for Pastoralist Women

The County Government of Isiolo, in collaboration with Impact, has convened a high-level stakeholder meeting to strategize the implementation of the Women’s Economic Empowerment and Resilience in Pastoral Systems (WEE RESP) project.

This multi-county initiative targets four Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties: Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit, and Isiolo. By addressing structural barriers and unlocking market opportunities, WEE RESP aims to directly benefit over 30,000 women while indirectly impacting more than 118,000 household and community members across the region.

Speaking during the stakeholder forum, Dr. Lawrence Mwongela, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Tourism and Trade, highlighted the project's potential to transform livelihoods at the grassroots level.

​"The project is expected to deliver substantial benefits to vulnerable women within our communities, significantly elevating their incomes and fostering long-term financial independence," Mwongela stated.

Addressing the environmental vulnerabilities faced by pastoral communities, Guracha Kikuyu Sarite, the CEC Member for Water and Climate Change, emphasized the project's role in mitigating ecological shocks.

​"We welcome the implementation of this project in Isiolo. We anticipate that it will play a vital role in alleviating the suffering caused by climate change—adverse effects that have disproportionately impacted women," Sarite observed.
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The core engine of the WEE RESP project lies in strengthening women's participation and leadership within the goat milk value chain. To ensure sustainable local ownership and seamless market integration, the project will be executed in two distinct phases:

Phase One: Focuses on participatory rural appraisals, comprehensive market assessments, and stakeholder mapping. The emphasis is on dismantling local barriers and tailoring solutions directly to the lived experiences of women in these communities.
Phase Two: Focuses on establishing women’s cooperatives, upgrading goat milk processing facilities, developing reliable cold chains, expanding veterinary services, and securing robust links to commercial markets.

By blending immediate technical training with long-term interventions in nutrition, land rights, and financial access, this partnership delivers a holistic, scalable framework for lasting economic independence and community resilience.

18/05/2026

Isiolo County Government Partners with Catholic Relief Services to Deploy Motorcycles for Grassroots Service Delivery
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The County Government of Isiolo, in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), has distributed 19 new motorcycles across all ten wards of the county to bolster grassroots service delivery and enhance administrative efficiency.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Rashid Iribo, the Chief Officer for Public Service Management and Administration, emphasized that the new fleet will significantly alleviate the logistical challenges faced by local officers.

​"We are grateful to CRS for working with us in meeting the logistical needs of officers at our grassroots levels. These motorcycles will be useful in meeting extensions services and security needs of our people," Iribo noted.

As part of the county government’s strategic agenda to bring services closer to the residents, each ward manager was allocated a dedicated motorcycle.

​The fleet will be divided among key sectors to maximize impact. A portion of the motorcycles will be deployed to the Department of Agriculture to enable officers to monitor agricultural projects effectively. The remaining units will be utilized by local administrators to streamline community-level governance and address day-to-day administrative issues.

15/05/2026

Isiolo County Embarks on 10-Year Spatial and Land Use Plan to Enhance Sustainable Development

The County Government of Isiolo has intensified efforts to finalize its 2026–2036 County Spatial and Land Use Plan aimed at promoting proper land utilization, sustainable development, and improved service delivery across the county. The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan through the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for land use, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and urban planning. The plan is expected to guide future investments and address long-standing land challenges that have affected development and security in the region.

To conclude the preparation process before submission to the County Assembly for approval, the Department of Lands, together with consultants and officials from the national government, conducted a three-day sensitization and review forum involving County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and other stakeholders.

The forums focused on validating the draft spatial plan, identifying policy gaps, and creating awareness on the importance of spatial and physical land use planning. The county leadership emphasized that the process had already undergone extensive public participation across all wards before reaching the validation stage.

Speaking while officially opening the three-day forum, Isiolo Deputy Governor James Lowasa noted that proper land planning is critical in promoting security, orderly development, and equitable allocation of resources. “Land issues have remained sensitive in many parts of the county, and proper planning will help reduce conflicts while ensuring organized development,” he said.

County Secretary Dade Boru reaffirmed the county executive’s commitment to supporting the legal approval process once the draft plan is tabled before the executive. Boru added, “Our population continues to grow while land remains limited. Proper spatial planning will help reserve land for residential areas, schools, stadiums, playgrounds, cemeteries, and other public amenities necessary for future generations.”

County Executive Committee Member for Lands and Physical Planning Hussein Jirmo, accompanied by Chief Officer Francis Lekalisimi, called for stronger collaboration between the Executive and the Assembly to ensure the successful implementation of the plan and the development of urban planning frameworks for Isiolo.

Lekalisimi explained that the department had conducted public participation exercises in all wards and urged the MCAs attending the forum to continue supporting the department and ensure that all wards benefit from Local Physical and Land Use Development Plans similar to the Oldonyiro Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan (2024–2034).

National Director of Physical Planning Sarah Masaki highlighted the broader economic and social benefits of the initiative, noting that the spatial plan would serve as a foundation for development across sectors, including agriculture, livestock, infrastructure, housing, and investment. “Planning will promote secure land tenure, improve livability, attract more government projects and investors, and significantly contribute to the county’s economic growth,” she said.

The consultants further outlined that the spatial plan would help improve transport and communication networks, identify industrial, commercial, residential, and social development zones, strengthen national security, and guide infrastructure expansion

15/05/2026

https://youtu.be/Nh_VJD-ToYY?si=NHfNs1flUMTJpOfX

New board expected to strengthen water and sewerage services across the county.

15/05/2026

New IWASCO Board Members Sworn In to Revitalize Isiolo’s Water Sector

The Isiolo Water and Sewerage Company (IWASCO) entered a new chapter today as nine newly appointed board members were officially sworn into office.

During the ceremony, the appointees took a solemn oath of service, pledging to address the water needs of Isiolo County residents with integrity and dedication.

Presiding over the event, Isiolo County Secretary Mr. Dade Boru emphasized the weight of the task ahead. He challenged the board to uphold the highest standards of public office and ensure that their individual roles translate into tangible improvements for the community.

"We are here to serve. Our focus remains solely on the people of Isiolo. To the new board: hold your positions with honor. The public expects nothing less than the diligent performance of your duties to transform this sector," Dade stated.

Echoing this sentiment, the Chief Officer for Water, Abdullahi Mohamed Bonaya, expressed confidence that the department is now positioned for a significant turnaround.

"Under the leadership of Governor Abdi Guyo, we are entering a phase of strengthened service. This board is the engine that will drive our water department to new heights," Bonaya noted..

Under the broader vision of Governor Abdi Guyo, the leadership aims to strengthen infrastructure and streamline service delivery to ensure every household has access to clean and reliable water.

The newly constituted board features a diverse group of professionals led by Chairman Guyo Tuke Dabelo. The other eight members include:Rashid Guyo Jaldesa, Florence Kainda Nthinga,Ismail Hassan, Mohamud Haro, Chala Ali Huka, Josiah Willie Mulwa, Habiba Galgalo Jirma and Abdullahi Mohamed Bonaya.

14/05/2026

Isiolo County Validates Strategic Policies to Bolster Governance and Revenue Growth

The County Government of Isiolo, under the leadership of Governor Abdi Ibrahim, has successfully concluded a 3 day joint County Executive and Assembly validation workshop for three transformative policy documents: Public Administration, Pricing and Tariffs, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

The workshop marks a significant milestone in establishing a robust regulatory framework designed to streamline service delivery and catalyze economic development within the county.

Speaking during the commencement of the workshop, Isiolo Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa emphasized that these policies provide the essential guidelines required to elevate the living standards of county residents.

"The three policies will offer crucial directions on which we can improve the livelihoods of our people. I extend our sincere gratitude to the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) for their invaluable partnership and support throughout the formulation of these key documents," Lowasa observed.

Dr. Lowasa further noted that Governor Ibrahim’s administration is prioritizing the automation of revenue collection as a strategic intervention to increase Own Source Revenue (OSR) and reduce leakages.

The County Assembly of Isiolo, represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. David Lemantile, affirmed the legislature's commitment to enacting laws that prioritize the needs of the citizenry.

"We as the legislative arm of government at the county level are more than ready to work on laws that make the lives of our people better. As such, we ask the executive to make sure they work with us to realize the aspirations of our people through people-focused legislation," Lemantile asserted.

Hon. Lemantile echoed the Deputy Governor’s sentiments on fiscal independence, stating that Isiolo possesses the untapped capacity to significantly grow its internal revenue to fund socio-economic projects.

Participants and speakers lauded the timeliness of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy. Experts noted that a clear legal framework for PPPs is vital for attracting investment into large-scale projects across key sectors, including: Renewable Energy, Livestock & Agriculture, Trade & Industry, and Water & Infrastructure.

The workshop saw active participation from several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), including Hon. David Waithaka (Bulapesa), Hon. Nicholas Lorot (Burat), Hon. Peter Losu (Ngaremara),, Hon. Salesio Kiambi (Wabera) Hon. Letimalo Haji Francisco and Hon. Rahma Abdikadir (Special Elect).

The Executive was represented by CEC Members Lucy Kaburu (Finance), Lawrence Mwongela (Tourism and Trade), and Kikuyu Sarite (Water and Climate Change), alongside Deputy County Secretary for NGOs Coordination and Partnerships, Mohamed Boru. Also in attendance were Chief Officers Rashid Iribo (PSM and Devolution), Gabriel Lekankuli (Economic Planning and Budgeting) Nura Diba (Trade and Investment), and Judy Karendi (Public Participation),
and the County Solicitor General, Mr. Linus Gichunge.

Frontier Counties Development Council

14/05/2026

Isiolo County Forum Strengthens the Link Between Peace, Security, and Livelihoods

Leaders and stakeholders in Isiolo County have reaffirmed the importance of peace and security as key pillars of development and sustainable livelihoods. For years, the county has experienced recurring insecurity cases that have negatively affected various sectors, including trade, education, livestock production, and community cohesion.

In response to these challenges, the county government, in partnership with development partners, civil society organizations, and the national government, has intensified efforts to address the root causes of insecurity while promoting peaceful coexistence among communities. The initiative seeks to strengthen the connection between peace, security, and livelihoods to create a stable environment for development.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ forum, the Chief Officer for Peace and Cohesion, Barnabas Esunyen, said the county government is working closely with Plan International and World Food Programme to identify and address the factors contributing to insecurity in the region. He noted that land ownership disputes, drug and substance abuse, water scarcity, and teenage pregnancies are among the major issues affecting peace in the county.

“We have been holding a series of meetings with the Isiolo County Steering Committee on Peace, Security, and Livelihoods where we identify the major causes of insecurity in the region. We are now engaging all stakeholders to come up with practical resolutions aimed at addressing these challenges and promoting lasting peace,” said Esunyen.

The forum also emphasized that peace and security are directly linked to the prosperity of local communities in Isiolo County. Stakeholders called for collective responsibility among community members, leaders, and partners in fostering unity, strengthening livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable development across the county.

13/05/2026

Isiolo County Breaks Ground on New Maternity Hospital in Bulapesa

The County Government of Isiolo, under the leadership of Governor Abdi Ibrahim, officially commenced the construction of a new maternity hospital in Bulapesa Ward today.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Luqman Ahmed, the County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Health Services, emphasized that the facility will be instrumental in reducing maternal mortality.

"Our governor is committed to reducing maternal and child mortality occasioned by birth complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, sepsis, and obstructed labor. This is one of the many such facilities that his administration is keen on constructing in all our wards," Luqman stated.

Dr. Mohamud Mero, the Chief Officer for Health Services, added that the Governor remains dedicated to transforming the healthcare landscape of Isiolo and overturning the historical narrative of high mortality rates for expectant mothers.

13/05/2026

KIPSING LIGHTS UP AS ISIOLO EMBRACES THE KENYA OFF-GRID SOLAR ACCESS PROJECT (KOSAP)

Residents of Kipsing in Isiolo County are among thousands of Kenyans set to benefit from the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP), a major renewable energy initiative aimed at expanding electricity access in underserved areas across the country. The World Bank-funded project, which is scheduled for launch tomorrow in Kipsing town, seeks to provide affordable, clean, and reliable electricity through solar-powered mini-grids and other off-grid solutions targeting remote communities.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the County Department of Water, Energy, Environment, and Climate Change offices in Isiolo, National Off-Grid Solar Project Coordinator Rebecca Muniu said the project would play a key role in transforming livelihoods in marginalised areas.
“Kipsing is among the 114 mini-grids being rolled out countrywide under KOSAP, and this project will greatly improve access to electricity and open up economic opportunities for local communities,” she said.
Muniu, who was accompanied by Senior Deputy Secretary in the State Department of Energy Dennis Mutiso, noted that the initiative would enhance service delivery and support socio-economic growth in Northern Kenya. She added that access to reliable electricity would help improve learning in schools, strengthen healthcare services, and support water supply systems through solar-powered infrastructure.
Isiolo County Secretary Dade Boru, who was accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for Water and Energy Kikuyu Sarite and other county officials, welcomed the initiative and termed it a major milestone for the county. “The KOSAP programme will improve lighting, security, and economic activities at the grassroots level while enhancing access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and digital connectivity,” said Boru.
The KOSAP initiative is expected to benefit thousands of households across Isiolo County through solar-powered mini-grids, electrification of schools and health centres, solar-powered boreholes, and promotion of clean cooking technologies. Leaders noted that the project would also stimulate local businesses, create employment opportunities for youth, and improve living standards in marginalized communities. As Isiolo positions itself to harness its vast solar energy potential, the launch of the Kipsing mini-grid is being viewed as a significant step toward inclusive development and economic transformation in Northern Kenya.

13/05/2026