Isiolo’s Development Leap: Governor Guyo Champions Kshs 770M Community Projects Under World Bank’s Horn of Africa Road Initiative
Isiolo, Kenya| Isiolo County is set to witness a significant socio-economic transformation as 21 community-based development projects worth Kshs 770 million are launched under the World Bank-financed Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
The initiative, a cornerstone of infrastructure and social progress in Northern Kenya, is being rolled out through a partnership between the World Bank and the Government of Kenya, with Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo at the helm of local implementation.
The projects are strategically aligned with the ongoing construction of the Isiolo–Kulamawe–Modogashe–Mandera road, a key transport corridor aimed at improving connectivity between Isiolo and the rest of the North Eastern region.
During a high-level meeting at the Isiolo Governor’s Office, Governor Guyo hosted representatives from the World Bank, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI) to assess progress and refine strategies for the successful rollout of the initiative.
Governor Guyo’s Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Addressing the delegation, Governor Guyo reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the project not only enhances regional infrastructure but also delivers tangible benefits to the local population, particularly those affected by the road construction.
“This investment marks a turning point for Isiolo’s development trajectory,” Governor Guyo stated. “It will strengthen healthcare, education, and access to essential services—especially in our most marginalized areas.”
He emphasized that timely compensation for displaced families remains a top priority and vowed to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that all affected persons are treated with dignity and fairness.
Comprehensive Project Portfolio
The Kshs 770 million worth of community social responsibility (CSR) projects were identified through an extensive public participation process and are now entering the implementation phase.
These projects span health, education, water access, infrastructure, and cultural heritage, promising broad-based development across the county.
Key projects include:
- Healthcare Advancements:
- Construction and equipping of an oncology and rehabilitation wing at Isiolo Referral Hospital.
- Upgrade of Garbatula Hospital, including the establishment of a new maternity wing.
- Establishment of a new dispensary in Gambella.
- Education and Youth Empowerment:
- Upgrading the Isiolo School for the Deaf into a fully-fledged special needs institution.
- Installation of computer laboratories at Waso, Bula Mpya, and Mwangaza secondary schools.
- Water and Sanitation Infrastructure:
- The Modogashe mega water project, which will serve both Isiolo and Garissa counties.
- Drilling of 15 new boreholes across rural villages including Kambi Samaki and Yaqbarsadi.
- Development of a stormwater drainage system to mitigate flooding in Isiolo town.
- Community and Cultural Projects:
- Construction of a multi-purpose cultural and community center.
- Establishment of a para-gymnasium at Wabera Primary School.
- Installation of a borehole at Chechelesi village to improve water access.
Strategic Road Corridor with Broader Implications
With 40% of the work under Lots 1 and 2 already completed, the Isiolo–Modogashe corridor is increasingly being seen as a catalyst for unlocking the region’s economic potential.
The road not only enhances mobility and trade but also supports long-term peace and security in a region historically underserved in national development efforts.
Governor Guyo described the road as “a vital artery in regional integration and growth,” and applauded the World Bank and KeNHA teams for their proactive engagement and responsiveness to community concerns.
Stakeholder Collaboration for Lasting Impact
The recent meeting in Isiolo, described as a technical support mission, brought together a diverse range of development actors including World Bank project coordinators, engineers from KeNHA, and regional development experts from NEDI.
Discussions focused on expediting project timelines, refining social infrastructure plans, and addressing emerging security concerns along the road corridor.
Simba Guleid, representing the World Bank, highlighted that the community projects were not an afterthought but an integral part of the development vision for the HoAGDP.
“We are committed to ensuring that this road brings lasting benefits—not just in transport, but in how people live, work, and thrive,” he said.
A New Era for Isiolo
The convergence of infrastructure and social development marks a new chapter in Isiolo’s history—one that Governor Guyo is determined to shape through effective leadership, transparent governance, and community-driven planning.
With groundbreaking initiatives across multiple sectors now underway, and strong partnerships in place, Isiolo is on track to become a model for inclusive and sustainable development in Northern Kenya.
Share This Post