•Governor Guyo Champions Isiolo’s Transformation Through Energy, Infrastructure, and Equity
Governor Abdi Guyo emerges as a key driver of Isiolo’s development as KSh 1.1 billion electrification projects, compensation for human-wildlife conflict victims, and rural infrastructure initiatives take root under close collaboration with the national government.
Isiolo County is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a strong partnership between the national government and county leadership, with Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo emerging at the forefront of this progress.
This week, Governor Guyo hosted Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki in a high-profile visit to Merti and Rapsu, highlighting a series of milestone developments aimed at accelerating rural electrification, compensating victims of human-wildlife conflict, and uplifting local livelihoods.
The centerpiece of this agenda is the nearly completed KSh 335 million Merti Solar–Diesel Hybridisation Mini Grid, a game-changing energy infrastructure project that is set to power Merti town and surrounding regions with stable, clean electricity.
At 95% completion, the hybrid power plant—expected to be commissioned within the next month—marks a major leap forward in Governor Guyo’s promise to deliver reliable and eco-friendly energy to marginalized areas.
“This transformative project marks a major milestone in our journey toward delivering clean, reliable, and sustainable energy to our communities,” said Governor Guyo, underscoring the plant’s strategic importance.
The Governor’s vision aligns seamlessly with the national government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes the electrification of frontier counties to unlock their developmental potential.
Deputy President Kindiki affirmed this commitment: “Electrification is one of the surest drivers of rural development and economic transformation from the bottom upwards.”
Powering Progress Across Isiolo
The Merti mini-grid is part of a broader energy rollout valued at KSh 1.1 billion across Isiolo County. This includes KSh 711 million in last-mile connectivity projects and an additional KSh 122 million under the Kenya Off-grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP).
The projects will light up previously underserved settlements including Kipsing, Bassa, Kinna, Gafarsa, Yamicha, Malkadaka, and Iresaboru, bringing new hope to thousands of residents.
In Rapsu, the leaders officially commissioned the KSh 27 million Rapsu–Kinna Last Mile Connectivity Project, which has connected 108 households, schools, and health facilities to the national grid.
Governor Guyo praised the initiative as a catalyst for agricultural productivity, education, and healthcare improvements.
“This is not just about electricity — it’s about empowering communities,” the Governor emphasized. “Access to power boosts agricultural output, enhances healthcare delivery, and enables youth and women-led businesses to thrive.”
Compensation and Justice for Human-Wildlife Conflict Victims
In a significant gesture of restorative justice, the Deputy President and Governor Guyo also presided over the presentation of a KSh 56 million cheque to compensate families affected by human-wildlife conflict in Isiolo.
The compensation will go toward covering losses related to life, property, and health, particularly in regions bordering protected wildlife zones.
“The government is committed to resolving these longstanding issues,” said DP Kindiki. “This payment is part of a broader effort to deliver justice while fostering peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife.”
Governor Guyo echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of recognizing the pain of affected families while working toward long-term solutions.
Rebalancing Politics with Development
In a candid appeal to his constituents, Governor Guyo urged Isiolo residents to de-emphasize constant politicking in favor of development-focused engagement.
“It’s quite unfortunate that many of our people engage in politics every day, leaving little time for meaningful work and progress,” he said. “We must change this mindset if we are to realize the full potential of our communities.”
To further reinforce development, the Governor announced an imminent land survey exercise in Rapsu, to be conducted by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning within three weeks.
The initiative aims to help residents secure title deeds—critical instruments for land tenure security, investment, and planning.
Complementary Investments: Markets, Police Posts, and Hostels
Beyond energy and compensation efforts, the visit also unveiled a string of upcoming infrastructure projects:
- A modern market will be constructed in Rapsu to bolster local trade.
- A police post is set to be established in the bandit-prone Lakole area to enhance security.
- Hostels will be built for students at Merti Technical Training Institute, easing the burden of long daily commutes.
Woman Representative Hon. Mumina Bonaya lauded the multi-sectoral approach, noting that electricity and infrastructure investments will particularly uplift women and youth entrepreneurs.
She further announced commitments from the Deputy President to support the Rapsu Irrigation Scheme and cooperative societies, which are central to the region’s agribusiness potential.
A Unified Front for Isiolo’s Future
The high-level delegation accompanying the Deputy President reflected a robust collaboration across tiers of government.
Present were Energy PS Alex Wachira, Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban, Wildlife PS Sylvia Museiya, County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba, County Secretary Dado Boru, and several MCAs including Halima Gole (Cherab Ward), Abdinoor Jillo (Kinna Ward), Mejja Golicha (Chari Ward), and nominated members.
Speaker Roba reaffirmed the County Assembly’s commitment to exercising robust oversight and aligning with the Governor’s development agenda.
“We are fully behind these transformative projects and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure their successful implementation.”
Looking Forward: Guyo’s Transformational Governance
Governor Abdi Guyo’s strategic leadership is turning Isiolo into a model for frontier county development.
Through strategic alliances, pragmatic governance, and grassroots engagement, he is catalyzing a future where energy, security, and opportunity are no longer distant promises, but everyday realities.
His administration’s focus on clean energy, rural infrastructure, and equitable compensation reflects a comprehensive vision for inclusive progress—one that is quickly reshaping the narrative of Isiolo County.
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