By Issa Hussein - Reporter
May 15 ,2026 - Isiolo County has stepped up efforts to finalise a 10-year spatial and land use plan aimed at streamlining development, addressing perennial land disputes and improving service delivery across the region.
The County Government said the proposed 2026–2036 County Spatial and Land Use Plan will provide a framework for land use, infrastructure development, environmental conservation and urban planning as the county positions itself for future growth and investment.
According to the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, the plan is expected to address long-standing land challenges that have slowed development and fuelled insecurity in parts of the county.
To complete the process ahead of submission to the County Assembly, the department, together with consultants and officials from the national government, held a three-day sensitisation and review forum bringing together County Executive Committee Members, Members of the County Assembly and other stakeholders.
The forum focused on validating the draft spatial plan, identifying policy gaps and creating awareness on the importance of proper land use planning.
Isiolo Deputy Governor James Lowasa said effective land planning was key to promoting security, orderly growth and equitable allocation of resources.
“Land issues have remained sensitive in many parts of the county, and proper planning will help reduce conflicts while ensuring organised development,” said Mr Lowasa.
County Secretary Dade Boru said the county executive was committed to supporting the approval process once the draft plan is tabled.
“Our population continues to grow while land remains limited. Proper spatial planning will help reserve land for residential areas, schools, stadiums, playgrounds, cemeteries and other public amenities necessary for future generations,” he said.
County Executive Committee Member for Lands and Physical Planning Hussein Jirmo called for closer collaboration between the executive and the assembly to ensure successful implementation of the plan.
Chief Officer Francis Lekalisimi said the department had already conducted public participation forums in all wards and urged MCAs to support development of local land use plans across the county.
National Director of Physical Planning Sarah Masaki said the spatial plan would unlock economic opportunities by improving land tenure security and attracting investors.
“Planning will promote secure land ownership, improve livability, attract more government projects and investors, and significantly contribute to the county’s economic growth,” she said.
Consultants involved in the exercise said the plan would also guide expansion of infrastructure, improve transport and communication networks and identify zones for industrial, commercial and residential development.
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