Devolution in Kenya, birthed by the 2010 Constitution and actualized in 2013, was envisioned as a transformative shift in governance — a system that would decentralize power, promote equitable development, and empower communities by placing leadership and resource management into the hands of local populations. It aimed to bring services closer to the people, reduce marginalization, and foster grassroots-driven development. However, the road since then has been both winding and revealing, exposing gaps between ideals and implementation.
The foundational years of devolution, particularly under the first devolved regime, were marred by mismanagement, unaccountability, and a misalignment of priorities.
The vision of community-centered development was overshadowed by personal gains and political patronage. Resources allocated from the National Treasury were often misused, and many development initiatives remained either unstarted or incomplete — lost in bureaucratic inefficiencies or, as critics noted, “shared in the air before touching the ground.”
The second regime attempted to strike a balance between meeting community needs and initiating meaningful development. Some groundwork was laid, creating the framework upon which further progress could be built. Yet, the full potential of devolution remained largely untapped, leaving the hopes of many residents still unmet.
It was not until the third regime, under the leadership of Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Abdi Guyo, that Isiolo County began to witness a clear and focused reawakening of the true spirit of devolution. His administration, within just two years, has made remarkable strides in revitalizing projects, initiating new developments, and prioritizing service delivery with a vision anchored in inclusivity, transparency, and tangible progress.
Governor Guyo’s tenure has been marked by action and results. He took swift measures to complete stalled mega projects while concurrently initiating new ones — a rare dual-track strategy that has paid dividends. Key infrastructure such as the Isiolo Export Abattoir, the state-of-the-art Accident and Emergency Center, State of the Art Wards at Bisan Biliqo and the Isiolo Market have reached completion and are poised for operationalization. These are not just buildings; they are symbols of a county finally realizing the promise of devolution.
Water access, one of the most pressing needs in arid and semi-arid regions like Isiolo, saw a significant improvement with the drilling and operationalization of 36 new boreholes — a 50% increase. Healthcare infrastructure was expanded with the addition of eight new dispensaries, a 15% boost, while the education sector benefited from 24 new ECDE centers. These initiatives reflect a targeted approach to addressing critical needs across health, water, and education.
In terms of urban planning and land ownership, Governor Guyo’s administration achieved a historic milestone by implementing Isiolo’s first ever Ten-Year Spatial Plan. This has already resulted in the issuance of 1,190 allotment letters in Isiolo and 3,000 title deeds in Garbatula as well as the issuance of Registration Certificates for Chari Dheeda and Cherab Dheeda.. Furthermore, community land registration processes are ongoing in areas like Sericho, Oldonyiro, and Ngaremara.
With Cherab Sub-County already operational and others set to follow as Seucho and Oldonyiro sub-Counties are set to be inaugurated in July 2025, hence bringing services closer to the people,. These efforts signify a commitment to legal empowerment and sustainable land use planning — both crucial for long-term development.
Security has improved tenfolds as a number of police Stations have been established thanks to the cordial friendship developed with National Security Authorities. Notably, the Mulango GSU base has tamed the cross-County custom cattle rustling menace that had bedevilled the mainly Pastoralist Communities in the County.
Social welfare and education have also seen transformative interventions. Bursary allocation doubled from Ksh 35 million to Ksh 70 million, reflecting a deepened commitment to educational access and equity. Nutritional support for ECDE learners, especially from nomadic and vulnerable backgrounds, underscores the administration’s holistic view of development — one that recognizes that human capital is as important as infrastructure.
The impact of these efforts is clear: the number of students qualifying for university has increased by over 300% in just two years. This upward trajectory speaks volumes about the power of consistent investment, community engagement, and visionary leadership.
As Isiolo County continues to rise under Governor Abdi Guyo’s stewardship, projects like the Aggregation and Industrial Park, a modern market, and a bus park at the former Prison Farm site are further evidence that the future holds even more promise. The Governor’s proactive and inclusive governance model has redefined the meaning of devolution for Isiolo residents — not as a concept, but as a lived experience.
In conclusion, the story of Isiolo County is a compelling testament to what can be achieved when the spirit of devolution is honored, not exploited. The journey from missed opportunities to real-time development illustrates that with the right leadership, transparent governance, and community-centered priorities, counties can indeed be the engines of national transformation. The stage is set, the momentum is real — for Isiolo, the sky is truly the limit.














