The National Government, together with the Isiolo County Government and the office of the Women Representative, has been actively working to improve public service delivery in Isiolo County, with a focus on the operationalization of new administrative units, particularly Oldonyiro and Sericho sub-counties.
These units, gazetted in March 2022, remain inactive due to financial constraints and limited infrastructure. Both the Women Rep office and the county government have been advocating for the activation of these units to enhance governance and improve service delivery for local residents.
On April 2, 2025, Hon. Mumina Bonaya, the Isiolo County Woman Representative, raised an important question in Parliament. She asked Kipchumba Murkomen, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, about the operationalization of Oldonyiro and Sericho sub-counties. She emphasized the need for these units to improve governance and public service access in Isiolo.
In his response, Murkomen acknowledged the challenges the government faces in activating these units. However, he assured the House that the government plans to operationalize 24 sub-counties, including Oldonyiro and Sericho, by mid-2025. He explained that the government would prioritize areas based on security concerns, population needs, and geographic challenges.
A significant milestone occurred in Isiolo on September 1, 2023, with the operationalization of Cherab sub-county. This unit, carved out of Merti sub-county, became the fourth administrative unit in Isiolo. Andrew Omollo was named Cherab’s first Deputy County Commissioner by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who was the Interior Cabinet Secretary at the time.
The County leaders, led by Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo and Hon. Mumina, praised the operationalization of Cherab. They recognized it as a step toward improving service delivery and security, especially along Isiolo’s border with Wajir County.
Furthermore, this achievement sparked increased calls for the operationalization of additional sub-counties, particularly Oldonyiro and Sericho, to extend the benefits of enhanced public services and improved security to other parts of Isiolo.
Deputy President Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving security in Isiolo. He announced plans to deploy 290 additional National Police Reservists and establish specialized units in areas like Yamicha and Mlango, where banditry and cattle rustling are common. Kindiki also noted that budget constraints had delayed the activation of Sericho and Oldonyiro sub-counties. Despite this, he expressed optimism that these units would become fully operational soon.
Governor Guyo welcomed the operationalization of Cherab and highlighted its potential to improve local governance. He stated that the new sub-county would bring government services closer to residents, particularly by improving access to national government services. Guyo expressed confidence that the new unit would help address security issues more effectively.
Hon. Mumina continued her advocacy and urged, the then CS Kindiki to expedite the operationalization of Sericho and Oldonyiro sub-counties. She argued that these units are essential for improving service delivery and addressing the needs of residents in these areas.
The operationalization of Cherab, Sericho, and Oldonyiro sub-counties is expected to enhance public services in Isiolo. These units will improve access to healthcare, education, and security for residents. By decentralizing administrative functions, the government aims to boost local development, create employment opportunities, and improve governance in the region.
