Isiolo County increases water budget by 24%, targets sustainable solutions
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The county has already drilled and equipped 36 boreholes in various locations, including Dadachabasa and Merti-Lakole.
To enhance water security, Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo has announced a 24 per cent increase in the county's water sector budget, raising the allocation from Sh143.8 million in the Financial Year 2023-2024 to Sh178.3 million for FY 2024-2025.
Speaking during the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations at Isiolo Police Mess Grounds, Governor Guyo on Thursday outlined plans to acquire a drilling rig to expand access to groundwater resources and reduce costs.
Keep reading
- Garissa launches positive parenting programme to tackle teen violence
- I welcome criticism, but let it be based on facts not fake news, Ruto tells off critics
- “Nothing to celebrate”: Discontent grows over high cost of living on Jamhuri Day
- President Ruto urges parents to register children under Taifa Care in January
"This investment will ensure more households and farms have access to clean, safe, and sustainable water," Guyo said.
The county has already drilled and equipped 36 boreholes in various locations, including Dadachabasa and Merti-Lakole.
To further improve water supply, Isiolo County will partner with USAID-STAWI to extend a 7-kilometer pipeline in Bula Pesa and Wabera wards and enhance the management of the Mwangaza Water Treatment Plant.
The celebrations were held at Isiolo police mess grounds in Isiolo town and attended by Deputy James Lowasa, County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding, and County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Qoto among other leaders.
On economic development, the governor announced plans to partner with a private investor to operate the Isiolo Export Abattoir and construct a Class C slaughterhouse in Ngaremara.
These initiatives aim to improve the livestock value chain and support herders during droughts.
"My administration is committed to revitalizing economic activities in the local livestock market and boosting incomes for our people," Guyo said, adding that 1,000 goats had recently been distributed to vulnerable herders in Ol Donyiro Sub County.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo, Deputy Governor James Lowasa and County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Qoto among other leaders during the 61st Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Isiolo police mess grounds in Isiolo town on December 12, 2024. (Photo: Isiolo County Government)
At the same time, the governor waived park fees for persons with disabilities and women's self-help groups this festive season.
He said the move is in a bid to promote inclusivity and boost local tourism.
"To ensure inclusivity, I have directed the CEC for Tourism and Wildlife Management to waive park fees for our disabled brothers and sisters, as well as ten self-help women's groups," Guyo ordered.
The governor also encouraged residents to support Isiolo's local economy by visiting our game reserves.
Going further, he also outlined progress in healthcare, including operationalising dispensaries, recruiting healthcare professionals, and constructing an accident and emergency centre at Isiolo Teaching and Referral Hospital.
For years, Isiolo Teaching and Referral Hospital, the county's primary healthcare facility, struggled with overcrowding and limited resources.
To better services and with support from the World Bank, the Abdi Hassan Guyo-led county government, the hospital is on the cusp of opening a new state-of-the-art accident and emergency department.
This expansion is set to alleviate pressure on the hospital, which serves not just Isiolo County, but also neighbouring counties like Samburu, Marsabit, and Meru.
Land disputes are being addressed through the issuance of title deeds, allotment letters, and the digitization of land records.
Additionally, the county is fostering youth talent through sports programmes, including the Annual Governor's Football Tournament and the rehabilitation of playfields.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
