Isiolo is a town in the Eastern Province, Kenya, lying 45 kilometres north of Meru. It grew around the local military camps, much of the population being descended from former Somali soldiers who had fought in World War I. Isiolo is capital of the Isiolo District. The town has an urban population of 12,000 inhabitants (1999 census).[1] Isiolo lies along the long A2 Road, leading towards Marsabit and Moyale much farther north. The town is served by Isiolo Airport, which is set to be upgraded to serve tourism and local exports.[2]
Overview
Isiolo is set to become a major part of Kenya's economic development plan Vision 2030.[3] The plan calls for Isiolo to become a tourist center that will include include casinos, hotels, upscale retail outlets, a modern airport and transport facilities.
The town was once a part of the Nyambene county council in what is now Meru north district and was transferred by the British colonial government in the 1950's to act as an administration centre for the vast and remote Isiolo district which had no administration centre. Isiolo is also known for its large market, while jewellry making is a local industry. The Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves lie north of the town, while Lewa Downs reserve is located south of Isiolo. The Meru National Park lies in the North East of the town.
Since 1995, the town has been the seat of the Vicariate Apostolic of Isiolo. On July 14, 2005, Bishop Luigi Locati, who represented the Roman-catholic church in Isiolo, was murdered.
The town of Isiolo is small but cosmopolitan. With a scenic beauty including an eclectic mix of peoples and cultures, Isiolo is home to the Niger-Congo and Nilo-Saharan-speaking Ameru, Samburu and Turkana, as well as the Cushitic-speaking Rendille and Boran. The large Somali population is mainly the result of retired Somali soldiers who settled in the area after World War I.
References
- ^ International Livestock Research Institute: Urban Poverty Estimates For Kenya's Provinces, Districts, Divisions and Locations
- ^ The Standard, November 7, 2006: Isiolo to get international airport
- ^ Mburu, Solomon (June 10, 2008). "Isiolo on way to becoming leading tourist resort". Business Daily Africa. http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8113&Itemid=5809. Retrieved 2008-06-23.
External links
Coordinates: 0°21′N 37°35′E / 0.35°N 37.583°E
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