Isiolo inks partnership deal in fresh bid to unlock economic potential

Isiolo County has taken a significant step towards unlocking its vast economic potential through a new partnership seeking to transform the county’s resource-rich landscape into sustainable development opportunities.

Governor Abdi Guyo’s administration on Friday hosted a high-level public-private partnership forum that brought together KNCCI, led by CEO KK Mutai and the Frontier Counties Development Council to explore investment prospects across the county.

The forum convened business leaders, government officials, investors, development partners and community organisations committed to shaping Isiolo’s next phase of economic transformation.

Investors were given a curated tour of key investment zones—from the Isiolo modern abattoir to high-potential sites earmarked for agro-processing, logistics, tourism and livestock value chain development.

The message from county leadership was clear: Isiolo is open, ready and ripe for investment.

Deputy Governor James Lowasa saidGuyo is spearheading a deliberate push to create a competitive, predictable and business-friendly environment.

“The county’s economic foundation is being reshaped with precision, foresight and unwavering political goodwill,” he said.

Trade executive Lawrence Mwongela announced progress towards implementing the Trade and Markets Bill 2025 and the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill 2025, recently passed by the County Assembly.

He said these legal frameworks demonstrate a government committed to order, structured trade and improved investor facilitation.

KNCCI CEO Mutai praised the county’s strategic investments, especially the Isiolo Modern Abattoir.

He described it as a transformative project capable of positioning Isiolo as a premier economic hub in Kenya and a major player in East Africa’s growing meat market.

From the development sector, Resilience and Grazing Management (Range) programme manager Saiyana Lembara said national blueprints such as Vision 2030 and ongoing medium-term plans will help unlock untapped economic opportunities in northern Kenya.

“We praise the leadership of Guyo, Lowasa and Mutai for fostering an investor-friendly environment and championing sustainable, inclusive growth for Isiolo and the wider region,” Lembara said.

He said the programme will continue empowering local communities to benefit from emerging opportunities tied to incoming mega projects.

The event was supported by the KNCCI Isiolo Chapter in partnership with the FCDC Range programme, funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Kenya—an indication of Isiolo’s rising profile in development and investment circles.

Discussions at the forum focused on identifying concrete investment opportunities that align public goals with private capital, showcasing adaptable PPP models and strengthening networks among investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions and case studies aimed at turning concepts into actionable partnerships.

Mwongela urged partners to offer insights, ask questions, and explore ways to support Isiolo’s next wave of transformative growth.

The forum reaffirmed a central message: when public purpose aligns with private innovation, communities move forward.

Through collaboration, shared commitment, and sustained support from partners, Isiolo is positioning itself as a frontier of opportunity for investors and residents alike.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The engagement brought together investors, private sector leaders, and development partners committed to shaping Isiolo’s next chapter of growth. From touring strategic sites such as the Isiolo Modern Abattoir to exploring opportunities in agro-processing, logistics, tourism, and the livestock value chain, the momentum for investment in the region is clearer than ever.