Written by Lisa Murimi
Isiolo County faces mounting challenges from land grabbing and stalled infrastructure projects, sparking widespread frustration among residents.
Illegal land seizures, often orchestrated by powerful private entities, have displaced families and obstructed critical development efforts.
Senator Fatuma Dullo has urged the Senate Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources to investigate the unlawful transfer of community lands without consent.
She called for an audit of all transfers since 2016, including the status of mineral-rich parcels, and demanded action to reclaim seized lands.
Additionally, the Horn of Africa Project, launched in 2017 to enhance regional roads and transport, remains unfinished.
Delays have hampered progress, prompting Senator Dullo to seek answers from the Senate Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing.
She requested updates on compensation for land acquired for the project, funds allocated for roadworks, and the status of other stalled initiatives.
These unresolved issues extend to key county projects such as a modern market, an abattoir, and the expansion of Isiolo International Airport.
Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo had pledged during his 2022 campaign to complete these projects, yet progress has been minimal.
As land disputes and poor infrastructure persist, Isiolo residents continue to grapple with challenges that threaten their livelihoods and economic opportunities.
