By WMW
Isiolo County residents had a unique opportunity to engage directly with government officials and other partners during the Jamii Imara Mashinani (JIM) forum held over the weekend. The event, led by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, brought together county leadership, religious institutions, parastatals, and organizations such as the Equity Group Foundation to provide updates on ongoing government projects and initiatives while addressing community concerns.
The JIM team began their engagement on Friday with a courtesy call at the Isiolo County Commissioner’s office, where they were briefed on the county’s socio-economic landscape, ongoing government programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and the challenges facing the area.
Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between national and county government structures to ensure efficient service delivery, improve health systems, and enhance grassroots development.
During the briefing, the PS Muthoni acknowledged the work of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) at the grassroots level. These health workers play a critical role in preventive and promotive health interventions, particularly in remote areas where access to formal health facilities is limited.
The use of Barazas was also emphasized as an effective platform to raise awareness on health, security, and civic engagement.
She highlighted the importance of strengthening primary healthcare systems and improving referral linkages to ensure seamless, people-centered service delivery across the county.
The forum also provided a platform for residents to discuss key issues affecting their communities.
On Saturday, over 1,000 residents attended the main public session at St. Eusebius Catholic Church Hall in Isiolo Town.
During the session, citizens raised dozens of questions spanning health, education, water access, roads, unemployment, insecurity, and youth empowerment. Government officials responded to each query, explaining ongoing projects and future plans.
Several completed and ongoing development initiatives were highlighted during the forum.
The Isiolo Township Affordable Housing project in Burat LMD is 80% complete, backed by KSh500 million. In Wabera Ward, the Public Works Affordable Housing project, with a budget of KSh1.4 billion, has commenced construction. The Isiolo Modern Market in Bulapesa Ward, aimed at enhancing local commerce, is 75% complete with KSh585 million invested.
Infrastructure projects such as the Isiolo–Kipsing Highway, implemented by Smartways and Didos contractors, are nearing completion, with 70% and 90% of the works done respectively, supported by a combined KSh230 million investment. These roads will significantly improve connectivity, facilitate movement of goods, and link agricultural zones to markets and essential services.
The Kachuru Junction–Gotu–Merti road murraming and compression project is 78% complete, costing KSh191 million, and aims to improve transport in Merti Sub-County.
Under the NYOTA Program, 282 youth across Burat, Bulapesa, Wabera, and Ngaremara wards have been identified, trained, and facilitated, receiving 50% of the promised support.
Merti and Cherab sub-counties are also implementing similar initiatives, providing training, placement, and funding opportunities for over 140 young people.
These programs aim to equip the youth with skills, financial support, and entrepreneurial opportunities to actively participate in local economic activities.
Energy projects were also showcased during the forum.
The hybrid power generation plant in Merti Sub-County is 97% complete, featuring two 90kVA and two 45kVA gensets, a photovoltaic plant, battery storage, and power conversion systems with a total output of 259 kW.
This project will provide reliable electricity to support local industry, health facilities, and community services.
PS Muthoni noted how citizen engagement has strengthened trust between government and residents.
She emphasized that the Whole-of-Government approach ensures that agencies such as the National Employment Authority and the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) guide youth on employment and skills development opportunities.
The forum which was 10th by the caucus also served as a platform for residents to share feedback, helping the government adjust and improve service delivery. Issues on land, water access, environmental services, and ensuring a steady supply of essential medicines through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) were discussed, with officials providing clarity and solutions.
The engagement also featured media interviews, where topics such as drug abuse, infrastructure, SHA, and government service delivery were discussed through live call-in sessions.
The approach enables wider community participation, ensuring that even residents who could not attend the forum in person were informed of government activities and opportunities.
The JIM forum reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing services closer to citizens, fostering collaboration between national and county structures, and empowering communities through development, skills training, and improved service delivery.
The event highlighted how participatory governance can enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen understanding of government programs, ultimately contributing to Isiolo County’s social and economic transformation.
Bernard Munyao