Part (ii)
Governor Guyo’s Dream Team: A Beacon of Inclusive Devolution
Isiolo County, a shining jewel of the North, is emerging as a model of transformative governance under the stewardship of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Guyo.
Elected in 2022, Governor Guyo has galvanized a dynamic leadership team, including Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa and County Secretary Dade Boru, to drive a bold agenda of progress, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Their collective efforts are redefining Isiolo’s trajectory, positioning it as a beacon of devolution that balances ethnic diversity, social inclusion, and robust service delivery.
This in-depth exploration delves into how Governor Guyo’s administration, with the pivotal contributions of Lowasa and Boru, is reshaping Isiolo’s future while overcoming the unique challenges of an ASAL region.
A Visionary Leader at the Helm
Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo, the former Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader, made history as the first Member of County Assembly (MCA) to ascend to the governorship in Kenya.
His journey from Matopeni Ward to the helm of Isiolo’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to public service and a vision to unite the county’s diverse communities.
Elected on the Jubilee Party ticket with 28,926 votes, Guyo’s campaign was anchored on peace, inclusivity, and transformative development—a promise he has tirelessly pursued since taking office on August 25, 2022.
Guyo’s leadership is characterized by a hands-on approach, evident in his impromptu visits to facilities like the Isiolo County Referral Hospital, where he identified critical gaps in healthcare delivery and issued directives to ensure accountability.
His administration’s focus spans critical sectors: healthcare, water, infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment.
By fostering collaboration with national and county agencies, as well as development partners like Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and UNICEF, Guyo is laying a foundation for sustainable progress.
Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa: Visionary Oversight for Long-Term Impact
At the heart of Governor Guyo’s transformative agenda is Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa, a medical doctor and strategic management scholar whose expertise bridges healthcare and governance.
Born in 1972 in Isiolo, Lowasa’s credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s in Strategic Management, and ongoing Ph.D. studies at Kabarak University.
His background in Clinical Medicine and Paediatric Medicine from the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has uniquely positioned him to champion healthcare reforms.
Initially overseeing the health docket, Lowasa spearheaded significant advancements, including the rehabilitation of a modern mortuary and the construction of a 60-bed ward at Bisan Biliqo.
His efforts also led to the establishment of eight new dispensaries, enhancing access to healthcare in remote areas.
In a 2024 reshuffle, Governor Guyo reassigned Lowasa to the Education, Youth, and Sports docket, a strategic move to leverage his visionary oversight in empowering Isiolo’s youth through education and skill-building initiatives.
Lowasa’s commitment extends beyond infrastructure. He has been a vocal advocate for child welfare, highlighting the adverse effects of prolonged screen time and harmful cultural practices like early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Under his influence, Isiolo became a pioneer in enacting the County Child Protection Policy, a landmark framework supported by UNICEF and the National Council for Children Services.
This policy underscores the administration’s dedication to safeguarding vulnerable populations and fostering a conducive environment for future generations.
Lowasa’s call for collective commitment resonates as a rallying cry for Isiolo’s residents. “We owe it to our children to create a conducive growing environment,” he asserted, emphasizing the allocation of resources to address social challenges.
His work in water supply and infrastructure—such as street lighting in Oldonyiro and Bulapesa—further demonstrates a holistic approach to development, ensuring that Isiolo’s progress is both inclusive and sustainable.
County Secretary Dade Boru: The Architect of Operational Excellence
Complementing Lowasa’s visionary oversight is County Secretary Dade Boru, the administrative backbone of Isiolo’s government.
As head of the county’s public service, Boru has been instrumental in operationalizing Governor Guyo’s development agenda.
His leadership has earned Isiolo recognition from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) as one of Kenya’s top counties for ethnic diversity and social inclusion, a testament to the administration’s commitment to unity in a region home to the Sakuye, Somali, Borana, Turkana, Samburu, Gabra, and Garre communities.
Boru’s strategic recruitment of medical officers, nurses, clinical officers, nutritionists, and public health professionals has significantly bolstered Isiolo’s healthcare system.
These human capital investments address the skilled labor shortages that plague ASAL regions, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services.
Boru’s emphasis on promotions and capacity-building programs has also fostered a motivated workforce, aligning with the county’s priorities in healthcare, education, water, infrastructure, and food security.
In addressing operational challenges, Boru has navigated budget constraints with pragmatism, advocating for sustainable resource allocation.
His dismissal of a leaked payroll document as politically motivated, coupled with his commitment to investigating data breaches, reflects a dedication to transparency and accountability.
Boru’s efforts have positioned Isiolo as a model for inclusive devolution, with the potential to attract further investments by leveraging its diverse human capital.
Overcoming ASAL Challenges: A Structured Approach
Isiolo’s arid landscape and historical underdevelopment present unique challenges, including water scarcity, insecurity, and limited access to services.
Governor Guyo’s administration has tackled these head-on. In 2023, the county unveiled a 15-year strategy to address perennial water shortages, a plan developed in collaboration with CRS.
Deputy Governor Lowasa emphasized the importance of local water sources, noting, “With climate change and our growing population, we cannot continue to depend on water from neighboring regions.”
The proposed Isiolo Dam (Crocodile Jaw), championed by Guyo and approved by President William Ruto, promises to recharge groundwater and ensure sustainable water access for people, livestock, and wildlife.
Security, a longstanding issue in Isiolo, is another priority. Guyo’s pledge to transform the county into a safe haven free from clashes has seen collaboration with national and county security agencies to enhance physical presence in hotspots.
Infrastructure projects, such as the rehabilitation of the Isiolo-Merti road, are also underway, promising to boost connectivity and economic activity.
Despite these strides, challenges persist. Budget constraints limit the scale of interventions, while sustaining workforce motivation requires ongoing investment.
Allegations of misconduct and corruption, including a 2025 impeachment motion by a section of the MCAs, have tested Guyo’s leadership. However, supporters argue that these claims are politically motivated, and the administration’s focus on service delivery remains unwavering.
A Model for Inclusive Devolution
Isiolo’s progress under Governor Guyo reflects a structured approach to governance: visionary leadership, operational excellence, and community engagement.
The county’s recognition by the NCIC for ethnic diversity underscores its potential as a model for inclusive devolution. By prioritizing human capital, infrastructure, and social inclusion, Guyo’s administration is laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity.
Looking ahead, enhanced cohesion and strategic investments could position Isiolo as a hub for development in Northern Kenya.
The administration’s partnerships with national agencies, development partners, and local stakeholders signal a commitment to sustainable growth.
As Deputy Governor Lowasa aptly stated, “Our diversity shall serve as our strength.” With Governor Guyo at the helm, Isiolo is poised to become a shining example of what devolution can achieve when vision, collaboration, and resilience converge.
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