​Isiolo, once a dusty frontier outpost, is undergoing a profound transformation, shedding its past to emerge as a strategic economic and geographical heart for Kenya’s future. This remarkable change is a testament to its unique location and the ambitious national projects converging on it.

​Isiolo’s rise is fundamentally tied to its unparalleled geographic position. It’s the only county in Kenya to border seven others—Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Meru, Samburu, and Laikipia—making it the ultimate connective tissue for the nation. This centrality is being amplified by a rapidly expanding network of national roads, many of which terminate in Isiolo, transforming it from a waypoint into a destination where all paths converge. The upcoming Mombasa-Kitui-Meru road will further solidify this role.

​This newfound connectivity is fostering a vibrant cultural and demographic revolution. Isiolo’s population is a true microcosm of Kenya, with a dynamic mix of communities including the Borana, Meru, Turkana, Samburu, and Somali. This fusion of cultures is fueling an unprecedented entrepreneurial spirit. While the economy has long relied on pastoralism, improved infrastructure is enhancing the value of this sector, setting the stage for broader economic diversification.

​Flagship Projects Driving Growth

​Isiolo’s strategic importance is cemented by its central role in two monumental infrastructure projects: the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP) and the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.

​The HoAGDP is a major initiative to improve a 740 km road corridor from Isiolo to Mandera. Its first phase, connecting Isiolo to Modogashe, will enhance trade and connectivity with neighboring Ethiopia and Somalia, and includes a fiber optic cable to improve digital links.

​Isiolo is also a core component of the massive LAPSSET Corridor. This project, which includes a railway, a highway, and an oil pipeline, is designed to create a new transport and trade route connecting Kenya’s coast to landlocked Ethiopia and South Sudan. The LAPSSET highway splits in Isiolo, with one route heading to Moyale for a direct link to Ethiopia and another to Turkana and Nakadok in South Sudan. The operational Isiolo International Airport, a key part of LAPSSET, further reinforces the town’s position as a logistical hub. These projects, along with plans for a special economic zone, a mega-dam, and a modern abattoir, are positioning Isiolo as a blueprint for future growth.

​Recommendations for Isiolo’s Leadership

​To fully capitalize on these opportunities, Isiolo’s leadership must be proactive and strategic, moving beyond planning to robust implementation. This requires a multi-pronged approach focused on infrastructure, economic diversification, social services, and governance.

​1. Accelerate Infrastructure and Urban Planning

While national projects are crucial, the county government must invest in the “last-mile” infrastructure that connects these projects to local communities. This includes creating a strategic urban plan to manage rapid growth and investing in water, sanitation, and ICT infrastructure to support the burgeoning population and economy.

​2. Diversify the Economy and Foster Trade

Over-reliance on pastoralism poses a risk. The county leadership should:

​Promote Value Addition: Attract investments in agro-processing to create higher-value products from livestock, such as meat and leather. A modern abattoir would be a critical first step.

​Leverage Tourism: Develop eco-tourism and cultural tourism by creating circuits and improving facilities near national parks like Samburu and Meru.

​Create a Business-Friendly Environment: Streamline licensing and offer incentives to attract both local and foreign investors, ensuring a transparent and predictable regulatory climate.

3. Enhance Social Services and Human Capital

The well-being of the population is key to sustained growth. Leadership must prioritize:

​Education and Vocational Training: Invest in training centers that offer skills relevant to the new projects, such as logistics and hospitality, to prepare the local workforce.

​Strengthen Healthcare: Upgrade health facilities and ensure a steady supply of medical professionals to meet the needs of the growing population.

​Foster Community Cohesion: Actively promote dialogue and collaboration among Isiolo’s diverse communities to build a unified identity and prevent conflict.

​4. Strategic Management and Sustainability

The county’s vision is large, and its execution requires a sophisticated approach.

​Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The county should actively pursue PPPs to fund major projects, such as the Isiolo Resort City, which would leverage private sector expertise and capital.

​Fiscal Responsibility: The county must improve its own-source revenue collection, which has historically been low, and manage public funds with transparency. A robust County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) is essential for prioritizing projects and ensuring efficient resource use.

​Climate Resilience: As a semi-arid region, Isiolo is vulnerable to climate change. All development plans should integrate strategies for water harvesting, sustainable land management, and solar energy to ensure long-term sustainability.

Col (rtd) Imano K Guleid, MBS – Defence and Security Consultant.