Isiolo courts investors as county pushes public–private partnerships in economic transformation drive
KNCCI CEO K.K. Mutai praised Isiolo for its bold investments, saying the modern abattoir alone could reposition the county as a regional trade hub.
Isiolo County has stepped up its bid to become a regional economic powerhouse after hosting a two-day high-level Public–Private Partnership (PPP) engagement bringing together government leaders, private sector players, investors, and development partners.
The forum, convened in collaboration with the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) and supported by the Netherlands-funded FCDC, RANGE Program, sought to strengthen cooperation between the public sector, private sector, and the community while positioning Isiolo as an investment-ready and business-friendly county.
More To Read
- Senate summons Isiolo, Kericho governors for skipping audit hearings
- Court nullifies Isiolo County’s Sh7.3 billion budget over illegal process, lack of public participation
- Isiolo County unveils 10-year land use plan to curb insecurity and human–wildlife conflict
- Nurses, Isiolo County ink deal, end two-month-long strike
- Isiolo Stadium works resume after six-year delay
- Isiolo leaders call for unity as Governor Guyo extends olive branch
Speaking during the PPP Forum on Day One, CECM for Tourism, Trade and Cooperative Development Lawrence Mwongela underscored the urgency of embracing PPPs as the county grapples with infrastructure gaps and the impacts of climate change.
"We must anchor our development on real community needs," Mwongela said. "Public–private partnerships allow us to share risks, scale innovation, and spur economic growth through job creation, value addition, and improved services."
The discussions—which brought together investors, hoteliers, business associations, community leaders, and county officials—highlighted the central role of citizen involvement in shaping Isiolo's economic trajectory. Stakeholders emphasised that meaningful development must reflect the priorities and aspirations of Isiolo residents.
A standout moment was the recognition of the completed Isiolo International Abattoir, hailed as a transformative flagship project poised to boost the livestock value chain, open up export markets, and uplift thousands of pastoralist households.
Program Manager for the FCDC RANGE Program, Saiyana Lembara, said the private sector remained essential for catalysing economic transformation.
"The private sector brings innovation, networks, and the influence needed to accelerate change. Together, we can turn Isiolo's potential into real opportunities," she noted.
On the second day, the County Government, in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Isiolo Chapter, convened a high-level roundtable and stakeholder engagement themed " Unlocking Isiolo Economic Potential: Partnership and Sustainable Growth."
Investors were taken on a guided tour of strategic investment sites, including the Isiolo Modern Abattoir, agro-processing zones, tourism hotspots, and areas earmarked for logistics and livestock value chain expansion.
During an evening dinner, Deputy Governor Dr James Lowasa reaffirmed the administration's commitment to ensuring a stable and predictable climate for business.
"Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan has made it a priority to create an enabling environment where businesses can grow confidently," he said.
CECM Mwongela announced that the county is rolling out the newly passed Trade and Market Bill 2025 and Alcohol Drinks Control Bill 2025, both aimed at formalising and streamlining trade across Isiolo.
KNCCI CEO K.K. Mutai praised Isiolo for its bold investments, saying the modern abattoir alone could reposition the county as a regional trade hub.
"This facility has the potential to make Isiolo a leading economic centre not just in Kenya, but across East Africa. The meat market remains largely untapped," Mutai said.
RANGE Programme Manager Saiyana Lembara added that Kenya's Vision 2030 and the government's medium-term plans will catalyse immense economic prospects for northern Kenya.
"Our goal is to empower communities to seize the opportunities emerging from mega projects," she emphasised.
The two-day engagement concluded with renewed commitments from investors, government, and development partners to deepen collaboration and accelerate Isiolo's journey toward sustainable and inclusive growth.
The event was supported by the KNCCI Isiolo Chapter in partnership with the FCDC RANGE Program, funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya.
Top Stories Today
