Isiolo leaders want more sub-counties to boost service delivery

Governor Abdi Guyo (centre) takes the oath of office in August 2022. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Isiolo county leadership wants the national government to create more sub-counties to boost service delivery to the people.

Currently, the county has three sub-counties - Isiolo, Merti and Garbatula while three more sub-counties - Cherab, Sericho and Oldonyori- which were gazetted are yet to be operationalised.

The elected leaders called for additional sub-counties - Kinna, Ngaremara and Isiolo Central.

Governor Abdi Guyo, Senator Fatuma Dhulo, Women Rep Mumina Bonaya, Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal and Isiolo South MP Mohammed Tupi, senior officials from the Interior ministry and County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding said the move will also improve security.

The leaders spoke yesterday during a meeting with the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki where they agreed to cooperate in finding a long lasting solution to insecurity in the region.

The governor regretted that insecurity has for decades disenfranchised residents from accessing development opportunities.

Isiolo Woman Rep Mumina Bonaya. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

"We decided to work closely as elected leaders by engaging the Interior ministry to find lasting solutions to this issue that has for long demoralised our people. Senseless banditry attacks over the years have led to the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and the destruction of property worth millions," Guyo said.

He expressed optimism that the county will attract more investors once insecurity is addressed.

The governor said the investments will help address unemployment and high poverty levels.

Prof Kindiki affirmed his commitment to finalise the recruitment of 350 National Police Reservists, and the operationalisation of three sub-counties Cherab, Sericho, and Oldonyori.

He also asserted his ministry's dedication towards the placement of the soon-to-be-established unit in Yamicha, Biliqo Marara, and Mlango, police stations in Korbesa, Malkagala, Escort, and Eldera.

"Apart from recruiting NPRs, I pledge to involve all government agencies to ensure the three security roads around Kom durte/ Biliko marara are made motorable," he said..

The CS also pledged to prioritize negotiation for the expansion of Isiolo International airport and development of telecommunication masts for Kom, Boji, Daaba, Iresaboru, Rabsu, Yamicha, and Leparwa.