Isiolo County, located in northern Kenya and led by Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo, has appointed seven County Executive Committee (CEC) members to oversee various key ministries. These officials are responsible for implementing policies that drive the county’s development agenda, with a focus on water management, urban development, agriculture, and healthcare. Below is a detailed overview of the Isiolo County leadership and insights into their roles and compensation.
List of Isiolo County Government Ministers (CECs)
| Ministry | Minister (CEC) |
|---|---|
| Finance and Economic Planning | Abdullahi Banticha |
| Land, Physical Planning, Roads, Transport, Urban Development, and Peace and Conflict Resolution | Yussuf Dahir |
| Water, Sanitation, Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources | Alio Wario Sarite |
| Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries | Yussuf Mohamed Galgalo |
| Tourism, Trade, Cooperatives, and Enterprise Development | Dr. Lawrence Mwongela |
| Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services | Aileen Kajuju |
| Health Services | James Lowasa |
Roles and Responsibilities of Isiolo County Ministers (CECs)
Isiolo County faces unique challenges, including resource scarcity, drought, and limited access to essential services, making the role of these ministers critical in ensuring sustainable development and efficient service delivery.
- Finance and Economic Planning: Abdullahi Banticha oversees budgeting, financial management, and economic planning for the county. This ministry plays a crucial role in ensuring that public funds are efficiently allocated to priority areas.
- Water, Sanitation, and Environment: Alio Wario Sarite leads efforts to improve water access and promote environmental conservation. Given Isiolo’s arid climate, water management is a top priority.
- Health Services: Under James Lowasa, the health ministry focuses on expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving access to health services in remote areas.
- Tourism and Trade: Dr. Lawrence Mwongela promotes tourism and enterprise development, leveraging Isiolo’s proximity to national parks and strategic location as a gateway to northern Kenya.
- Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries: Yussuf Mohamed Galgalo oversees agricultural initiatives to enhance food security and support pastoralists who form a large part of the local economy.
- Education, Youth, and Social Services: Aileen Kajuju manages programs aimed at improving education access and empowering youth through sports and social initiatives.
County Ministers (CECs) Salaries in Kenya
As outlined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), CEC members across counties earn a competitive salary of Ksh 404,250 per month, which includes the following components:
| Salary Component | Amount (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | 242,550 |
| House Allowance | 45,000 |
| Market Adjustment | 81,700 |
| Total Per Month | 404,250 |
This remuneration ensures the ministers are adequately compensated, promoting accountability and efficient public service delivery.
Key Development Priorities for Isiolo County
Isiolo County, which serves as a gateway to northern Kenya, is focused on infrastructure development, water management, and tourism promotion. Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo’s administration has outlined several priorities to drive the county’s development:
- Water and Environmental Conservation: Expanding water infrastructure to tackle water scarcity and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
- Healthcare Expansion: Strengthening healthcare services and ensuring maternal and child health are prioritized, especially in rural areas.
- Tourism Growth: Leveraging tourism opportunities by marketing Isiolo’s proximity to attractions like Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves to attract domestic and international tourists.
- Trade and Enterprise Development: Supporting small businesses and encouraging investment to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
- Agricultural Development: Enhancing agricultural productivity to promote food security and improve the livelihoods of pastoralist communities.
- Education and Youth Empowerment: Expanding access to education and offering youth programs focused on skills development, sports, and cultural activities.
Challenges and Opportunities for Isiolo County
Isiolo County faces several challenges, including water scarcity, healthcare access, and infrastructure deficits. However, the county’s geographical location offers immense potential for economic growth through tourism and trade. Additionally, with the planned Isiolo International Airport and the LAPSSET Corridor project passing through the region, Isiolo is poised to become a critical economic hub in northern Kenya.
The CEC for Land and Urban Development, Yussuf Dahir, will oversee urban planning initiatives to manage population growth and ensure sustainable development in the county. The development of roads and transport infrastructure will also improve connectivity within the county and facilitate trade with neighboring counties and countries.
The executive team appointed by Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo is expected to tackle the unique challenges facing Isiolo County while unlocking its potential as an economic and tourism hub in northern Kenya. With clear roles and a focus on sustainable development, the CECs will be critical in delivering services and implementing policies that improve the livelihoods of residents.
As the county focuses on infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and healthcare, residents and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the new executive team. Regular engagement between the county government and citizens will be essential in achieving these goals and fostering accountability.
