The vision to elevate Isiolo town to city status is far from being achieved because of stalled projects, insecurity, lack of political goodwill and hesitancy of residents to cede land for expansion.
This was revealed by Isiolo municipality manager Osman Halake Dadacha.
He said lack of funds, water scarcity and insufficient land for the expansion of amenities and infrastructure are also major hindrances to transforming Isiolo into a city.
Dadacha, however, said the dream of making Isiolo a resource city is still alive and urged development partners, county and national governments and investors to chip in.
He said Isiolo is anticipated to be an economic game changer by connecting Kenya to sub-Saharan Africa and landlocked countries once it is upgraded to a city.
Dadacha said Isiolo is a tourist corridor and if upgraded and expanded, it will contribute immensely to the economy of the country.
“The resource city will enhance and foster linkages between Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia," he said.
Some of the infrastructural projects expected to give the town a facelift include a Sh800 million abattoir, the upgrade of Isiolo Airport, Sh51 billion Isiolo-Mandera road, railway line connectivity to South Sudan, oil refinery and a modern market. But some of them have stalled.
"The city will open up the region to the Middle East as a trade centre for fresh produce, value-added products and livestock, among other entrepreneurship endeavours. It will create jobs, empower people and transform lives in marginalised Northern Kenya counties,” Dadacha said.
He said the municipality, with the help of the British government and the World Bank, has developed a solid waste master plan and stormwater master plan in readiness for the city.
