•A Proven Leader in Service, Innovation, and Revenue Reform
Ali Wako, affectionately known as Goldie, stands as a distinguished public servant whose journey from humble beginnings in the classroom to the helm of Isiolo County’s revenue administration reflects an inspiring blend of dedication, competence, and transformative leadership.
Currently serving as the Acting Director of Revenue in Isiolo County, Wako is widely recognized as the most fitting candidate to officially take over the vacant post—a role for which he is exceptionally qualified through a career defined by impact, integrity, and innovation.
Early Life and Career in Education
Born and raised in Isiolo, Wako’s professional journey began in the education sector. As a teacher, he served diligently across various parts of the larger Isiolo region prior to the advent of devolution.
His unwavering commitment to education and community development saw him rise steadily through the ranks—from a classroom teacher to Deputy Principal, and eventually, to Principal, leading several schools with distinction.
In 2010, he transitioned to Nairobi, where he joined Pangani Girls’ High School—one of Kenya’s top national schools—as an educator.
His passion for empowering underserved communities caught the attention of then-Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who entrusted him with a noble mission: to help establish and run the Raila Education Centre in Lang’ata.
This initiative focused on providing access to quality education for students from informal settlements, highlighting Wako’s lifelong commitment to equity and social upliftment through learning.
Transition to Public Administration and County Service
With the dawn of Kenya’s devolved governance structure in 2013, Wako returned to his roots in Isiolo County, initially resuming his role as an educator at Isiolo Boys High School.
However, his leadership potential and administrative acumen quickly led to his appointment as Isiolo’s first Town Administrator—a role often likened to that of a “Mayor” by locals at the time. In this capacity, he became synonymous with transformative urban governance.
Wako’s visionary “Clean and Green Isiolo” initiative galvanized stakeholders across the public and private sectors to rejuvenate Isiolo Town’s sanitation and aesthetics.
Through monthly consultative forums, he championed systemic reforms in urban management, positioning Isiolo as a model of cleanliness and civic pride in Northern Kenya.
His stellar performance as Town Administrator paved the way for further advancement.
In 2018, he was promoted to the role of Deputy Director for County Administration, and by 2020, he rose to become the Director of County Administration and Public Service Management.
These appointments were a testament to his effectiveness, consistency, and deep understanding of governance structures.
Stepping into the Revenue Space: A New Era of Transformation
In March 2025, Ali Wako was appointed in an acting capacity as Director of Revenue—an acknowledgment of both his administrative success and his strategic mind.
His task: to revitalize Isiolo’s own-source revenue (OSR) mechanisms, a critical area for sustainable county development.
Since taking on the role, Wako has approached revenue generation with a fresh, data-driven mindset.
Leveraging his vast managerial experience and deep appreciation for modern technology, he has championed the integration of digital systems in revenue collection.
His forward-thinking approach emphasizes the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), mobile payments, and blockchain-inspired transparency solutions to curb leakages, reduce graft, and boost efficiency.
A Visionary, Tech-Savvy, and Ethical Leader
What sets Wako apart is not just his track record, but his approach. He is a pragmatic, hands-on leader who builds systems, inspires teams, and drives measurable change.
His understanding of the intricate relationship between policy, technology, and service delivery makes him uniquely positioned to scale Isiolo’s revenue generation to unprecedented heights.
Moreover, his integrity, collaborative leadership style, and clear commitment to the public good have earned him widespread respect among colleagues, stakeholders, and citizens alike.
The Right Leader for the Right Time
As Isiolo County charts its future amid growing demands for improved services and fiscal independence, the position of Director of Revenue requires more than just administrative experience—it calls for a visionary who understands local realities, national priorities, and global innovations.
Ali Wako is that visionary.
With his impeccable service record, innovative mindset, and proven leadership, Wako represents the best hope for a robust, transparent, and forward-looking revenue management system in Isiolo.
His formal confirmation as Director of Revenue will not only secure the county’s fiscal future but also set a new standard in public sector excellence.
In Ali Wako, Isiolo does not just have an acting director. It has a tested, trusted, and transformative leader ready to turn vision into sustainable prosperity.
Note| The views expressed in this piece are solely those of the author. All Rights Reserved.
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