Isiolo leaders push for fast-tracking of development projects

Isiolo County leaders have called on the national government to prioritise the completion of key stalled development projects in the region, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure and economic development to address the county's challenges.

The leaders, led by Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo, met with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Karen in Nairobi for a consultative meeting, where they discussed various initiatives that have yet to take off despite previous commitments.

Call for completion of the Crocodile Jaw Dam

Top of the agenda during the meeting was the completion of the Sh30.9 billion Crocodile Jaw Dam, a project considered critical to transforming the region's agricultural landscape.

Governor Guyo explained that the dam, which has faced numerous delays over the years, would significantly enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of thousands of Isiolo residents.

"The Crocodile Jaw Dam is a game-changer in supporting food security with continuous cropping and livestock value chains in the wake of climate change," he said.

"This project will also improve climate resilience and improve the livelihoods of the people of Isiolo County," Guyo added.

The dam, which will supply 10 million cubic meters of fresh water annually for drinking and agriculture, has the potential to irrigate over 5,000 hectares of land and provide renewable hydroelectric power.

However, concerns about transparency, inclusion, and delays have hindered its progress.

The Governor urged the national government to expedite the approval process to ensure the project begins as soon as possible.

Infrastructure projects: roads and airport extension

Apart from the dam, leaders from Isiolo are also calling for the extension of Isiolo International Airport to support the county's thriving livestock sector.

Governor Guyo explained that the construction of an export abattoir, funded by a partnership with the World Bank, could only reach its full potential if the airport's extension was completed.

"Isiolo County has partnered with the World Bank and we have completed constructing an export abattoir. For that abattoir to work at its optimum, the extension of Isiolo International Airport must be done. Without that, the export abattoir will be just another white elephant project," he said.

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The Sh850 million Isiolo Export Abattoir is among the projects the administration intends to commission this year.

The facility, whose construction commenced 18 years ago, is currently in its final stages of completion with 90 percent of the internal construction finished.

The state-of-the-art export abattoir is on the verge of being handed over to an international investor for operation.

The abattoir's completion will bring not only economic benefits to the pastoralist communities but also create jobs and open new markets for livestock.

The facility is expected to employ over 300 people, providing jobs in the processing, management, and maintenance of the abattoir.

The Sh2.7 billion airport was commissioned by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 and was part of the government's Sh2.5 billion LAPPSET project.

The airport, which straddles Meru and Isiolo counties, occupies 800 acres and consists of a modern passenger terminal that can handle more than 100,000 passengers annually, including parking facilities that accommodate as many as 200 vehicles.

In 2023, the Trade Ministry said it received Sh14 billion from Afriexim Bank and the African Finance Cooperation to expand the Isiolo International Airport.

However, the extension of the facility is yet to happen

Governor Guyo said the airport will be expanded to accommodate freighters that will be landing at the facility.

Additionally, Governor Guyo addressed the need for improved roads, particularly the Isiolo to Merti road, which he emphasized should be tarmacked in phases.

"We had agreed with the President that there is a need to have the road from Isiolo to Merti tarmacked. Once the road is fully tarmacked, it will significantly improve access to markets and boost local businesses," he noted.

A 10-member committee has been set up by the national government to track the progress of ongoing and planned development projects in Isiolo.

Deputy President Kindiki assured the leaders that the committee, which includes Governor Guyo and various community representatives, will monitor the implementation of these projects.

"We will have an annual meeting with the committee to evaluate the progress achieved and existing challenges," he said.

At the meeting, Governor Guyo also spoke candidly about the importance of unity among Isiolo's political leaders.

He pointed out that political rivalry should not hinder development efforts, stressing the need for cooperation to achieve lasting change for the county.

"Politics is like a game 'karata'. There is no reason for leaders to brew enmity amongst themselves after competing. Leaders should work together to bring development and not fight against one another," Guyo said, reflecting on his efforts to reach out to his former opponent, Godana Doyo, after the 2022 elections.