Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo pose for a photo with World Bank officials and KENHA after a meeting on May 23, 2025/COURTESYIsiolo County is set to benefit from 21 community development projects worth Sh770 million, under the ongoing Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.
The project, jointly funded by World Bank and the government of Kenya, focuses on upgrading the Isiolo-Mandera road corridor via Modogashe.
The construction work on the first two lots is now 40 percent complete, marking a significant step forward in opening up the northern corridor.
Governor Abdi Guyo hosted a delegation from the World Bank Friday led by Simba Guleid who briefed him on the progress of the road project.
One of the key concerns raised during the meeting was the need for fair compensation for families affected by the road construction.
Officials urged the governor to lend his support to ensure that all affected households are adequately compensated.
Guyo pledged his administration’s full cooperation, emphasising that the project is not only about infrastructure.
"We are are going to fully support the full implementation of this project, we know it will unlock economic opportunities and delivering real benefits to the people of Isiolo," he said.
"These initiatives will not only transform infrastructure but also empower communities, improve public services, and catalyze long-term development across Isiolo County."
The 21 social responsibility projects were selected following an extensive public participation process across the county’s wards.
They span vital sectors such as health, education, water, sanitation, and community development.
Among the flagship initiatives is the construction and equipping of an oncology wing and a rehabilitation center at Isiolo Referral Hospital.
Garbatula hospital will be upgraded with a new maternity wing, and a new dispensary will be built in Gambella.
In Modogashe, the existing dispensary will be elevated to a fully equipped health center so as to improve healthcare access in remote areas.
In education, several schools including Kulamawe Secondary, Garbatula Day, Sericho Day, Boji Primary, and Yaqbarsadi Primary will undergo expansion.
The Isiolo School for the Deaf will be upgraded to a comprehensive special needs institution, while computer laboratories will be constructed in Waso, Bula Mpya, and Mwangaza secondary schools to improve digital access for learners.
Guyo stated that water access and environmental resilience are also a priority with at least 15 boreholes set to be drilled.
This is along the road corridor, including in Chechelesi, Kambi Samaki, and Yaqbarsadi villages.
Isiolo town will benefit from the construction of a modern stormwater drainage and control system, while the Modogashe mega water project, which serves both Isiolo and Garissa counties, is set to significantly boost water availability in the region.
Further enhancing social welfare, the county will see the establishment of a multi-purpose integrated community and cultural center in Isiolo and the construction of a paraplegic-friendly gymnasium at Wabera Primary School.
A consultant responsible for designing the projects is expected to be deployed soon, setting the stage for implementation to begin.
The meeting was also attended by representatives from the World Bank, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI), and officials from the County Government.
