Isiolo County is on the cusp of a major sporting renaissance, thanks largely to the sustained and strategic lobbying by Senator Fatuma Dullo, whose efforts have finally paid off with the national government committing Sh800 million to revive and complete the long-stalled Isiolo Stadium project.
For nearly six years, the Isiolo Town Stadium remained an idle shell—an emblem of stalled development and growing frustration among the region’s youth.
Now, that narrative is changing. Following Senator Dullo’s direct engagements with President William Ruto—including sharing videos of protests by young people demanding action—the Head of State has formally sanctioned a complete overhaul of the facility.
The decision was confirmed during a high-level site inspection led by Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Youth, and Creative Economy Salim Mvurya.
He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Sports Kenya CEO Gabriel Komora, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, SASDF CEO Nuh Hajji, and notably, Senator Dullo herself.
The delegation underscored the government’s renewed commitment to turning Isiolo into a sports powerhouse.
Dullo’s Decisive Role
While several technical and administrative players have supported the process, it is Senator Dullo who has emerged as the clear driving force behind the stadium’s revival.
For years, she has pushed for the completion of the project, consistently raising the issue at national forums and directly lobbying the presidency.
Her latest efforts culminated in President Ruto’s nod not only for the stadium’s completion but also for the broader transformation of sports infrastructure in Isiolo.
“This has been a long battle,” Senator Dullo said during the inspection tour. “For far too long, our youth have lacked the facilities they need to nurture their talents. I thank the President for listening to our plea and committing to a transformative sports agenda for Isiolo.”
The senator also announced that President Ruto, again responding to her request, has pledged to provide a new bus for Isiolo-based sports teams.
This is expected to ease transportation challenges, especially for clubs traveling for competitions.
Project Details and Future Outlook
According to CS Mvurya, the revamped Isiolo Stadium will include seating capacity for 10,000 spectators, a VIP pavilion, modern changing rooms, and protective roofing to enhance comfort for players and fans alike.
The project will be executed to international standards, with new architectural designs to be finalized within weeks.
The Sports Fund—under the technical guidance of its CEO, Nuh Mohamed Ibrahim—is facilitating the implementation phase.
While his role in coordinating funds and operational processes is key, it is the political will marshaled by Senator Dullo that brought the project back to the national spotlight.
Further expanding Isiolo’s sporting footprint, the government will also construct a Ksh 40 million Talent Development Academy in Garbatula Ward.
The academy is aimed at grooming young athletes in various disciplines and is expected to work in synergy with the stadium to create a holistic sports ecosystem in the region.
Accountability and Local Politics
Senator Dullo did not shy away from addressing the missteps that led to the project’s dormancy.
She criticized the Isiolo County Government, under Governor Abdi Guyo, for failing to complete the stadium despite previous budget allocations.
The Senator questioned why the county leadership had frozen further development citing an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigation, even though the commission had not issued any formal restrictions.
“There is no justification for the county government’s inaction,” Dullo remarked. “The youth should not suffer because of bureaucratic lethargy or mismanagement. Development must proceed, and accountability must follow due process.”
A New Chapter for Isiolo Sports
The revival of Isiolo Stadium is more than a construction project—it is a symbol of renewed hope, youth empowerment, and the power of persistent advocacy.
Senator Dullo’s determination has not only reignited the dreams of local athletes but also repositioned Isiolo as a rising hub for sports excellence in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.
With Sh800 million already allocated, designs in progress, and national agencies mobilized, the stadium’s completion is no longer a distant promise—it is an unfolding reality. The grassroots now have a stage, the athletes a home, and Isiolo a future written in bold.
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