In a transformative development for Isiolo’s legislative landscape, the Clerk of the Isiolo County Assembly, Salad Boru Guracha, has issued a directive mandating all staff to relocate operations to Oldonyiro, aligning with a recent High Court ruling.
This decision, rooted in a legal battle that has reshaped the county’s administrative framework, marks a historic shift in the seat of Isiolo’s legislative activities from the bustling hub of Isiolo town to the quieter, rural setting of Oldonyiro.
A Court-Driven Mandate
The relocation order stems from the High Court’s ruling in the case HCCHRPET/E009/2025: Hassan Bonaya vs. State Law Office and the Clerk, County Assembly of Isiolo & Another.
The court upheld Gazette Notice No. 11384, published on August 11, 2025, which officially designated Oldonyiro as the new seat of the Isiolo County Assembly.
This legal affirmation has set the stage for a significant administrative transition, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in shaping local governance structures.
In an internal memo circulated to staff, Clerk Guracha outlined the immediate steps to operationalize the court’s decision.
Directors, heads of departments, clerks, research and legal officers, sergeants-at-arms, and members of the Hansard unit have been instructed to report to the Oldonyiro ward office by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The memo emphasized the urgency of compliance, with Guracha explicitly warning that failure to report would be deemed absenteeism from official duty—a serious infraction under the assembly’s operational guidelines.
The Bunge Mashinani Vision
The relocation to Oldonyiro is not merely a logistical shift but a strategic move under the Bunge Mashinani initiative, a framework aimed at decentralizing legislative functions to enhance accessibility and community engagement.
By moving the county assembly’s operations to Oldonyiro, a ward located approximately 70 kilometers from Isiolo town, the initiative seeks to bring governance closer to rural constituents, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that legislative processes reflect the needs of the county’s diverse population.
Oldonyiro, a semi-arid region known for its pastoralist communities, now assumes a pivotal role as the epicenter of Isiolo’s legislative activities.
The move is expected to reshape the county’s political and administrative dynamics, offering a platform for grassroots participation while addressing long-standing concerns about centralized governance in Isiolo town.
Implications for Staff and Operations
The directive has far-reaching implications for the assembly’s workforce, which includes a wide array of professionals critical to the legislative process.
From research and legal officers tasked with drafting bills to sergeants-at-arms responsible for maintaining order during sessions, the entire operational framework of the assembly must now adapt to the new environment in Oldonyiro.
The Hansard unit, responsible for recording and transcribing legislative proceedings, will also need to ensure seamless documentation in the new setting.
The relocation poses logistical challenges, including the need for adequate infrastructure to support the assembly’s functions.
While the Oldonyiro ward office has been designated as the new operational base, questions remain about the availability of facilities such as meeting chambers, offices, and technological resources necessary for efficient legislative work.
County officials have yet to provide detailed plans on how these challenges will be addressed, but the court’s ruling leaves little room for delay.
A New Chapter for Isiolo’s Governance
The shift to Oldonyiro represents a bold step in redefining Isiolo’s governance model.
By decentralizing the county assembly, Isiolo joins a growing number of Kenyan counties embracing the Bunge Mashinani approach, which seeks to bridge the gap between elected officials and their constituents.
The move is likely to spark discussions on the balance between accessibility and operational efficiency, as stakeholders weigh the benefits of a rural-based assembly against the challenges of transitioning from an urban center.
For the residents of Oldonyiro, the relocation brings both opportunities and responsibilities.
The presence of the county assembly is expected to stimulate local economic activity, with increased demand for services such as accommodation, transport, and catering.
However, it also places pressure on the ward to provide the infrastructure and support necessary to sustain a fully functional legislative body.
Looking Ahead
As the Isiolo County Assembly prepares to convene in Oldonyiro, all eyes will be on how effectively the transition is managed.
The court’s ruling and the clerk’s directive underscore the importance of adhering to legal mandates while adapting to new operational realities.
For staff members, the move to Oldonyiro is not just a change of location but a call to embrace a new era of legislative service in a setting that reflects the county’s diverse and dynamic character.
The relocation also raises broader questions about the future of decentralized governance in Kenya.
As more counties explore similar initiatives, Isiolo’s experience could serve as a blueprint—or a cautionary tale—for balancing accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity in local governance.
For now, the immediate task is clear: by 9:00 a.m. on September 10, 2025, the Isiolo County Assembly must be ready to write the next chapter of its legislative journey in Oldonyiro.
Whether this move will strengthen the county’s democratic processes or present unforeseen challenges remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this is a pivotal moment in Isiolo’s history.
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