WHY ISIOLO COUNTY NEEDS TO IMPROVE TOURISM SECTOR

Tourism is an endowment that is a serious natural gift; an ornament that can raise our county’s profile and make it worthy player in the tourism industry if efficiently and successfully managed. However, it is paramount that we first realize ourselves before we start talking of making any stride and possibly awaken our sleeping gold mine.

The talk of what we can do with the kind of potential we have would be the beginning of our road to becoming a huge player in the industry. Tourism can form a strong pillar for the attainment of vision 2030 and raise our bar higher as we seek to stamp our authority in the region. The potential is there but we need to invest more if we are to reap from the sector.

Our lodges, the wildlife, the rich and diverse culture of our NFD people have by far amazed the tourists that have visited the region. The many other products yet to be developed makes us the envied destination in the world but lack of either understanding or goodwill is denying us the privilege to make something out of nature’s gift.

It’s incumbent on us to develop ways of tapping these monumental resources to benefit our economy. There are brilliant minds out there who can be brought on the table and asked to give suggestions and ideas and the Tourism sector can be able to pick up and make a huge impact to the lives of many. We can create both direct and indirect jobs and improve the economy in ways unimaginable. What do we need to get Right???

Marketing/Research
Outreach is essence because on our own we can realize so little, we first need to get the inventory of our capacity and understand the policy framework on which we can operate to interrogate its level of success and determine how it can be enhanced and enriched with new thinking, approach and model.

Partnership
Kenya Tourism Board is the country’s premier statutory institution mandated to show case Kenya’s tourism resources and seek market for it, it’s imperative we lobby KTB to feature Isiolo in it’s marketing campaign so as to raise awareness about its existence and it’s product line on offer. We could support such initiatives by providing them with videos and documentaries that highlight Isiolo’s area of historical significance which will be the campaign’s strongest show and emphasis, the same could be posted on KTB website so that any visitor could benefit Isiolo as well.

Kenya association of tour operators
Kenya association of tour operators is a significant player in the tourism industry and its importance cannot be overemphasised, Isiolo County needs to engage this outfit so as to benefit from it given million memberships base, KATO is the umbrella body that brings together all tour companies in Kenya and partnering with them will be critical, it serves as a bridge between tourist and the market and since KATO members are responsible for managing their client itinerary it will be prudent if they have all the information about isiolo county’s tourism products so as to correctly advise their client and convince them why this destination is superb in terms of offering.

The county authority should also make every effort to package Isiolo as a tourism destination differently as an alternative to the often overstretched and monopolized Maasai Mara while at the same time highlighting the great developmental stride in logistics that could very easily help in connecting Isiolo to the world and facilitate the travelers to Isiolo take advantage of the recently opened Isiolo international airport.

Building of an Interactive Website
In the technology era Isiolo has no excuse not to market its tourism potential using the internet because information empowers and absence from the cyber sphere is not only undoing but embarrassing as it depicts us as inherently analogue.

We can easily let the world know about us and all that we offer, the rates and every other related information from comfort of their home just by visiting the web portal.

Product diversification
Other than only offering a single line of service this lodges and game reserves could think outside the box by enriching its menu by bringing on board cultural tourism where locals could be allowed to organize cultural activities around the camps so that the travelers could share in the experience, this way a client feels he has been accorded value for their money.

Creation of a flagship project
Isiolo county can think of creating a flagship project like the Maralal camel Derby or even Cultural festivals, this project could be done annually with possibly a week long activities that culminate in a major cultural show case involving all communities in Isiolo. We could of course think of a great trek along Ewaso Nyiro river course to explain our people’s migratory lifestyle informed by their nomadic way of life. This would allow the travelers a peep into this unique cultural phenomena, a trek that would culminate in a well organized cultural festival showcasing every aspects of our life.

ONE BILLION PER KM IS THE NEW STANDARD COST FOR HIGHWAYS IN KENYA

Kenyans are complaining that the proposed Mombasa-Nairobi expressway will cost KShs 1 billion per km. We have very short memory.

The 16.5 Kilometer Western bypass in Nairobi connecting Kikuyu and Ruaka is being constructed at a cost of KShs 17.3 Billion. We complained about this and nothing happened. The contractor is on the ground mobilising. The bypass is just four lanes with a design speed of 100km/hr.

A Chinese firm has also won tender for the dualling of the 31km Ruaka-Ruiru northern bypass at a cost estimated at between KShs 30 - 40 Billion as per Infrastructure CS James Macharia.

Interestingly the 70km Eastern and Northern Bypasses had a budget of KShs 8.5 Billion when they were first constructed less than ten years ago. Is the proposed dualling equal to construction of a new road or additional lanes?

The recently constructed first phase of the 11km Dongo Kundu Bypass in Mombasa cost KShs 11 Billion. Nobody even knows what the 13km Outering Road in Nairobi cost.

For those who talk about land compensation contributing to high costs, that is a separate cost since contractors do not compensate land owners.

If the six lane Mombasa-Nairobi Expressway is costing KShs 380 Billion for 466km then it might even be cheaper at KShs 815 million per km. Its design speed is 120 km/hr.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF OPERATING A BUSINESS

1.Loneliness
It’s a rarely mentioned problem of entrepreneurship, and many new business owners aren’t prepared for it until it happens. Being an entrepreneur is lonely . It’s a singular position, so you won’t have teammates to rely on (completely). You’ll be working lots of hours, so you won’t see your family as often. And your employees will be forced to remain at a bit of a distance.

2.Decision-making
Believe it or not, this is probably the most stressful challenge on this list. New entrepreneurs are forced to make hundreds of decisions a day, from big, company-impacting decisions, to tiny, hour-affecting ones. Decision fatigue is a real phenomenon , and most new entrepreneurs will experience it if they aren’t prepared for the new level of stress.

3.Being the Visionary
As the founder of your startup, you’ll be expected to come up with the ideas. When a competitor emerges, it will be your responsibility to come up with a response plan. When your team hits an impenetrable obstacle, your job will be to come up with an alternative plan to move forward. This demands on-the-spot creative thinking -- which should be an oxymoron, but entrepreneurs rarely have the luxury of time. The less experience you have, the more pressure you’ll feel from this, and the harder time you’ll have coming up with acceptable plans.

4.Rule-making
It’s fun to be the boss until you have to enforce something. Sooner or later, you’ll have to come up with the rules your business follows, from how many vacation days your workers get to what the proper protocol is when filing a complaint about a coworker. These details aren’t fun to create, and they aren’t fun to think about, but they are necessary for every business

5.Abandoning Another Career
If you’re going to dedicate yourself to starting and nurturing a business to success, it’s going to be nearly impossible to simultaneously manage another career. Walking away from a promising, steady long-term opportunity for something unpredictable is scary -- especially if you’ve never run a business before. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to address this. Just think through your decision logically, and don’t ignore your instincts.

6.Team Building
This is especially hard if you’ve never run or managed a team before, but even if you have management experience, picking the right team for a startup is stressful and difficult. It’s not enough to find candidates who fill certain roles -- you also need to consider their cost to the business, their culture fit and how they’ll work as part of your overall team. Such considerations are exceptionally hard when you’re under the pressure of filling those positions as soon as possible.

7.Financing
Experienced entrepreneurs don’t have it easy when it comes to funding a new business, but they do have a few advantages over newcomers. They might have a pool of capital from a business they previously sold or a steady stream of revenue they can use to fund a new business’s cash flow. Even if their first business went under, they’ve likely made investment contacts and client connections necessary to give them a leg up in a new enterprise.
As a new entrepreneur, you’ll be starting from scratch, which means you’ll need to start networking like crazy and thinking through all your possible funding options before landing on one.

WHY MANY SMALL BUSINESS ARE CURRENTLY EMBRACING OUTSOURCING

The business ecosystem is quickly changing. The need for a competitive edge, creativity and innovation and also highly talented and qualified personnel is an unavoidable part of business growth strategy. The SMEs are also feeling the need to keep up with the dynamics of their survival. SMEs owners need to understand better why they must move away from the traditional way of running a business to professional way of doing things. We are past the time when the sole owner of the company would single-handedly undertake business duties regardless of his/her expertise. Currently, productivity must be a top priority of any business regardless of size, age or nature. Small business must be handled as a serious investment with the expectation of better returns based on the strategies put in place.

Sustaining workforce that is required to deliver on business ever-changing environment and capacity is a challenge for many SMEs. Most of the business are forced to force the few existing staffs to overstretch to other duties they are disabled. Business owners find themselves strained that they can’t channel enough efforts towards business growth. It’s true that most small businesses remain stagnant over time due to many manageable factors. It’s upon a small business to examine itself based on strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities to maximise to its advantage. From this position, the firm can face competition, creativity/innovation, technological advancements, and market dynamics among other business elements in a better way. All this brings about the concept of outsourcing for small business. It hasn’t been fully considered by lots of small companies, but it’s a better option to go considering the current technological age and challenging operating environment. For the chunk of SMEs that haven’t thought outsourcing, this is what you need to know:

A chance to access the experts; it’s a dream for every business to incorporate highly qualified and talented personnel to drive business activities and agendas. Looking outside far away from geographical limitations, an SME owner has the chance to contract the best expert from multiple talents at disposal to fit in the specific business niche, i.e. digital marketing.

Reduced cost of business operation; One of the surest means to maximise profitability is to slice down costs. Through outsourcing, SMEs can curb down expenditures on rent, office space, equipment, employee benefits, and transport costs etc. which are necessary for physical employees. The savings from these costs can be easily be channelled towards the revenue-generating capital.

More time for focus; delegating some business duties to experts saves SME owner from multitasking which in most cases has been draining business productivity. Outsourcing will give the owner perfect time work on business growth strategies for the benefits business long-term survival. The move goes well in establishing business priorities that is customer-centred.

Reduced risks; Business risks are inevitable in any business environment which is always changing, from competition, technological advancement, market to government regulations. Through outsourcing, SMEs tends to avoid any of such associated risks as the contracted service providers manage the risks on your behalf and are better placed to prevent risks in their niche of expertise.

Accelerated efficiency; As a small business, being exempted from doing costly business mandates such as market research, marketing burden of which trickles down to customers is a reprieve for your business. From the economies of scale point of view, this gives a firm that little competitive advantage.

Increasing demand for remote working; the current entrepreneurial space is giving attention to the remote operation. Most experts and businesses are going the same direction. Many employees are also more comfortable with jobs that are flexible enough to allow remote working. It’s also upon the SMEs to embrace these changes get in touch with freelancers who are affordable, experienced and readily available to perform business duties without extra business burden on training as well as other overheads.

Having gotten some insights on why SMEs should consider outsourcing, some essential business functions that may feel easier to be handled by experts regardless of the stage of your business. It’s proving to be cost-effective and productive in the long run for startups or existing SMEs.

Bookkeeping; Multitasking hurts business productivity. Many SMEs struggle with this vital business element and end up with non updated financial records, no clear financial instruments making it even difficult to evaluate, analyse and control business performance. You can’t allow your business to continue committing such financial mistakes. It’s best to contract experienced team with the right technology to professionally handle your business financials at an affordable cost.

Payroll; Any mistake from bringing about tax audits which may be at the end costly to SME. The numerous regulations and tax laws for salaries require merely an expert with in-depth experience to curb the risks of making the costly mistakes, omissions and improper filing that may occur when the owner single-handedly run the show.

Virtual assistant; SME owner running the business solo may find him/herself strained by series of many smaller tasks that keep accumulating a lot of time. As the CEO of your business, the focus should be towards strategising for venture growth. It’s timely to higher an expert to help in administrative tasks to save time. The advantage here is that it’s less costly as the business have to pay only for hours duties were handled rather than spending more on full-time assistant which must be paid regardless of the job performed.

Digital marketing; Digital marketing is unavoidable for any business. Small business should seek the assistance of the experts on how better to go about this whole concept to achieve business productivity. Hiring digital marketing professional helps leverage digital medium that best fits the business needs within the budget standards. Some of the critical areas to check includes; social media management, content marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Email marketing and web analytics. Each of these areas has a unique contribution towards business growth when timely and adequately used.

Areas of business to outsource isn’t restricted to the few highlighted in this article. It’s upon every single company to outsource based on its weakness and goals. Comparing the cost of hiring full-time employee and outsourcing should as well be used as a guiding element towards any decision making.

KENYAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET UP A SOVEREIGN FUND FOR FUTURE GENERATION

The rate at which the government has been borrowing amounts to defrauding future generations. The government should set up a sovereign wealth fund to protect future generations. The initial fund target amount should be KShs 500 billion. This can be raised as follows;

1. Setting aside 5% of government revenues for the next five years would yield at least KShs 350 Billion
2. Selling 20% of government's shareholding in Safaricom would yield KShs 230 Billion at the current share price.

The above would amount to KShs 580 Billion shillings.

Other ways of funding the kitty would include the following
1. Income from revenue on Unclaimed Financial Assets
2. Dividends from government investment in private firms
3. Privatization of entities such as Kenya Pipeline, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, National Oil Corporation etc
4. Royalties from petroleum and minerals
5. Revenue from special purpose funds such as Railway Development Levy etc

The Sovereign fund should then be invested in government securities such as T-Bills and bonds. This would ensure that part of interest paid on debts is earned by current and future generations.
It would also reduce the government's borrowing from commercial banks hence paving way for lower interest rates. Besides it would help stem the tide of predatory lending by foreign financiers.

WHY YOUTHS NEED SURETY OF SUCCESSFUL FUTURE IN AGRIBUSINESS

Youths have been targeted and identified as a critical player towards agricultural transformation. Significant efforts are bending towards attracting this section of the population due to their potentials and abilities. In many regions, the campaign has been dubbed Agribusiness, making agriculture `cool` among many other lucrative languages to change the general attitude of the youths towards agripreneurship. In developing economies, the population is rapidly growing translating to the need to live up to the demands of the many mouths to feed. Food security, proper nutrition, economic empowerment, job creation are some of the top agendas that are driven by various governments to be spearheaded by the youths.

From various research, the average age of farmers is dominated mainly by aging population who are becoming unproductive every day and lack the necessary skills and abilities to cope with the agricultural advancements. The youths, therefore, have been under significant pressure from all quarters to replace the aging generation and feed the nation and having a better way of dealing with the massive unemployment rate. Many will agree that it is a noble course but the young generation aren’t going to blindly replace their aging parents without surety of prosperous future and proper structures or policies that to empower them with knowledge or tools in agribusiness to realize their dreams. From this angle, it is becoming more evident on the direction to take to drive more youths to farm and need to address the very many bottlenecks that have continuously frustrated and thrown out many young people from farming.

In many cases, efforts are shifting towards challenging the youths to embrace agriculture, but little concern has been deployed to listen to the frustrations many young farmers have encountered in their agribusiness careers plus the challenges that keep scaring away many young and hopeful farmers from embracing agribusiness.

THE UNIQUE WILDLIFE SPECIES

Isiolo County, Frontier Counties best tourists destination, is home to several unique species not found elsewhere in the World. This county is only 3 hours by road from Nairobi but a regular flight from Wilson airport can make the journey shorter.
The international airport at Isiolo has made traveling much easier in addition to the Isiolo-Moyale superhighway that made the visit to Shaba and buffalo springs game reserves much accessible.

There are Several unique wildlife species are found in Isiolo. The reticulated giraffe is one of the nine giraffe subspecies. It has a distinctive coat with polygonal spots that may be deep red or brown in colour. The polygonal spots are separated by clear white lines. This giraffe is also known as the Somali giraffe. This species found in Isiolo is amazing and stands graciously tall.

The Somali Ostrich is another beautiful animal. This bird was previously grouped as a subspecies until 2014 when it was identified as a unique species. It is ecologically and behaviorally different from the Masai ostrich. The Somali ostrich prefers browsing in thick vegetation unlike other ostriches that are grazers in the savannah. There are some similarities with other ostriches, but the Somali ostrich has distinct grey-blue neck and thighs. During the mating season, the males have a bright blue colour around the neck and thighs. The neck of Somali ostriches does not have a white ring. Additionally, these ostriches have white tail feathers, and the female is bulkier than the male.

The wonder of the world is this long-necked antelope is also called the giraffe gazelle. A gerenuk’s back has a reddish brown coat while the sides are lighter. White fur surrounds the eyes and the mouth. Gerenuks live in thickets, and they avoid open plains and dense woodland vegetation. Only males have horns, which curve backward then protrude forward. Of course the Beisa Oryx and the Gravy Zebra add to the flavour.

Your stay shall be comfortable at some of our finest lodges overseeing the river waso nyiro to view the crocodiles, turtles and variety of fish. Oh yes be prepared for the naughty little monkeys that decide to hope into your shoulders. Elephants and lions. Cheetahs and other carnivores roam around chasing the herbivorous to keep the ecosystem in place. This April holidays it is all green and beautiful. Start planning on your journey today.

RESIDENTS COMPLAIN ABOUT THE MAIZE DISTRIBUTED IN MARSABIT

The cereals board has denied ownership of 2,856 bags of contaminated maize found in its depot in Marsabit county. National Cereals and Produce Board spokesperson Titus Maiyo said the 90kg bags of maize, which had high levels of aflatoxin, belonged to the county government. He said the NCPB only leased out storage space to the county government. Residents had complained about the quality of maize distributed.

On Saturday, the Public Health department took samples of the maize and found the level of aflatoxin was eight times higher than the recommended limit and it also had weevils. The maize had aflatoxin levels of 83.1ppb (parts per billion) in com- parison to the recommended 10ppb.

The department condemned the maize and seized the 2,856 bags. Maiyo said the county govern- ment delivered 3,888, 90kg bags of maize to theNCPB Marsabit depot for storage and paid for it. “They man- age their consignment. They have already collected 1,032 bags from the stores, which they distributed to residents,” he said. Maiyo said public health officers also seized 254, 90kg bags of maize belonging to the county commis- sioner, which are part of the National Government Relief Food Stocks.

The Kenya Agricultural and Live- stock Research Organisation defines aflatoxin as a carcinogenic fungal toxin that has serious negative con- sequences on health, trade and food security. Over the years, the country has experienced multiple aflatoxi- cosis outbreaks, which often result in fatalities.

Kenya was mapped as an aflatoxin hotspot. Aflatoxin is a leading cause of liver cancer. Findings of a study released last month by ILRI showed a large amount of milk and grains consumed has aflatoxin levels exceeding internationally accepted limits.

OVERVIEW OF ISIOLO COUNTY

Isiolo County is located in the northern part of the former Eastern Province, 285 kilometers north of Nairobi.
Covering an area of 25, 336.1 square kilometers, it is expansive when compared to other counties.
The county borders seven other counties: Samburu to the east, Garissa to the east, Tana River to the south east, Kitui and Meru to the south west, Marsabit to the North West and Wajir to the north east.
Isiolo town came about after the First World War.
The Somali ex- army officers who participated in the war settled in Isiolo, intermarrying with the local Samburu and Cushitic pastoralists.

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF ISIOLO
Isiolo County constitutes two constituencies; Isiolo North and Isiolo South.
The county's top leaders are Dr. Kuti Muhamed Abdi (Governor), Rehema Dida (Women Representative), Fatuma Dhulo(Senator), Hassan Odha (MP-Isiolo North) and Abdi Koropu (MP-Isiolo South).

THE PEOPLE OF ISIOLO COUNTY
The population tally in the county according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics report of 2009 is 143,294. 51% of the population is male while 49% is female. Isiolo County is inhabited by the Turkana, Borana, Somali and Meru communities, with the Boranas forming the largest portion of the population.

RELIGION AND TRADITIONAL CULTURE
Isiolo residents are either Muslims or Christians, with the highest percentage of the population being of the Muslim faith, something that is evident from the many mosques seen as one traverses the county. Most if not all the Somalis and a sizeable number of Boranas are Muslims while the Ameru practice Christianity.
Scarcity of arable land and pasture is a daily challenge for the people of Isiolo, a phenomena that is witnessed from the constant community conflicts that plague the county. The Borana are nomadic pastoralists, moving from one area to another - within the county and in neighboring counties in search of pasture and water for their goats, camels and cows.
Traditionally, men are entrusted with livestock rearing and securing against cattle rustlers, while the women stay home and perform all domestic duties including constructing the houses; mostly out of mud and taking care of the children. Among the Borana, Turkana, and Ameru, the younger boys normally take care of the goats while young men take care of the cows. As cattle raids are expected at any time, the young strong men go around armed, in search of pasture and water for livestock.
Cattle rustling is almost an acceptable tradition of the Turkanas, but one that consequently affects other tribes like the Borana and the Maasai who are then forced to protect their livestock from the cattle raiders.

MAJOR TOWNS
ISIOLO:
Isiolo town serves as the county headquarters. The town is cosmopolitan with the Somalis, Boranas, and the Merus forming the largest chunk of the residents. Although the town is comparatively small in size, it is significant for hosting travellers as they commute between the towns of Marsabit and Moyale.
Isiolo airport, the only airport is currently under construction to expand and upgrade it to international standards, thereby enhancing trade with neighboring countries like Somalia and facilitating transport of goods, visitors and tourists who frequent the county. Isiolo town provides easy access to tourists visiting the Meru national park, Shaba, Samburu game reserves as well as Maasai Mara game reserve - all located in neighboring counties.

CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
Most parts of Isiolo County are arid and receives less than 150 mm annually. Areas like Garbatulla are totally dry and no agricultural activity takes place.
Kinna region represents the semi-arid area that support pastoralism, but the residents are forced to move to neighboring counties often in search of water and pasture for their livestock especially during the dry season.
Generally, the county receives low rainfall of between 300-500 mm per year, and experiences temperatures ranging from 12°C to 28°C. The common vegetation is shrubs and acacia trees which thrive well in arid areas.
The county’s average altitude is 200-300 meters above the sea level although other areas of the county go up to 1000 meters above sea level. Lorian swamp forms the lowest point of the county. The soil is mostly sandy and saline and has a low water holding capacity, making it difficult to engage in agricultural activities.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
The Ameru community in the area practice agriculture and livestock keeping in small scale and this makes their lifestyle different from the other communities. They mainly grow vegetables like cabbages, tomatoes and carrots that they sell in Isiolo and Nanyuki town. Livestock keeping is practiced widely especially in Kinna and around Lorian Swamp where pasture and water is more available.
The livestock products are consumed within Isiolo town and the rest supplied to major towns like Nairobi. The Kenya Meat Commission is a major buyer of livestock from the farmers. Borana and Turkana women participate in jewelry making, crafting jewelry that they inturn sell to tourists who visit the town.
Past historical injustices and poor infrastructure that have hindered growth and development in this county will soon be a thing of the past as the current goverment works hard to elevate the county by improving education, infrastructure and general standards of living for the people of Isiolo County who live in abject poverty.

HEALTH FACILITIES
Isiolo District hospital is the only district hospital in this county, with 24 small health centers found in different wards of the county. Al Falah medical Centre, a private hospital located in Isiolo town is another that caters for the health needs of the people of Isiolo.

EDUCATION
Although the pastoral communities have been slow in adapting modern lifestyle and embracing education, the county has over 90 primary schools, 11 secondary schools and 1 tertiary institution. Isiolo Boys High school, Isiolo Girls High School and Garbatula are among the top schools.
St. Mary’s Secretarial College is the only tertiary institution. The government, with the assistance of local NGOs have been persistently working over the years to increase enrollment in learning institutions and ensure that children in Isiolo get quality education, are shielded from early marriages and retrogressive cultural practices that have in the past prevented them from pursuing formal education.

TOURISM AND PLACES OF INTEREST
The county has five conservation areas with many animal species, which attract both local and international tourists. Tourist attraction sites include: Lewa Downs, Buffalo Springs, Shaba, and Bisanadi game reserves.
Isiolo is best known for its abundant wildlife and spectacular landscapes. From the big five to the Maasai Ostriches, Isiolo has it all. The best places to see these animals is Buffalo Springs and the famous Shaba national reserve. These places are teaming with wildlife and offer visitors opportunity to see nature at its best as all animals struggle to survive in their natural habitat.

TRAVELING TO ISIOLO COUNTY
The county is accessible both by road and air, with the Isiolo airport taking care of most if not all air transport requirements. There are scheduled flights to different game reserves like the Lewa and Buffalo Springs. Isiolo Town is close to 300 kms from Nairobi and is accessible by road using the A2 road from Nairobi through Nanyuki to Isiolo. The road is in good condition and the journey from Nairobi to Isiolo takes roughly 3.5hrs to 4hrs.

ACCOMMODATION
The county has several good hotels and lodges which offer affordable accommodation. Some of the hotels are Hills restaurant and Shaba Game Lodge. Other low budget hotels located in the heart of Isiolo town include Bomen Hotel, Moti Pearl Hotel and Mocharo lodge. These hotels are relatively cheap and the daily rates are inclusive of breakfast.

BANKS:
Isiolo town is a business town with several commercial banks and one micro-finance institution that serve its people. These include Barclays Bank, Consolidated Bank Kenya, Kenya Commercial Bank, Post Bank, K-rep Bank and Equity Bank.

SHOPPING:
There are many small shops found within Isiolo town and its environs. The Maendeleo shopping mall located in Isiolo town has many shops selling different items, from laptops to clothes at competitive prices. There is also a miraa market next to BP petrol station Isiolo. Small roadside shops selling carvings and jewelry are found along the Nanyuki Isiolo road and towards the game parks.

BEST DESTINATIONS TO VISIT

Samburu County is located in the former Rift Valley Province of Kenya, about 300km north of Nairobi.The county covers an area of 21,022.27 sq km with a population of about 224,000 people.
Samburu is one of the driest counties in Kenya with temperatures ranging between 25°C during the coldest months (June and July) and 35°C during the hottest months (January to March). The county receives between 200mm and 250mm of rainfall annually. The rainfall pattern is unpredictable and at times the county receives no rain in a whole year.

TRAVELLING TO SAMBURU
Samburu is accessible from Nairobi by road through Isiolo via Archers Post, along the Isiolo-Marsabit road. The 350 km road journey usually takes about five hours. The route is serviced by one bus daily in either direction between Maralal and Isiolo.
The county is also accessible from Nyahururu via the 150km Nyahururu-Rumuruti-Maralal road. The route is serviced by one bus daily in either direction between Maralal and Nyahururu. However, this road has not been repaired for many years and may be impassable during the rains.
You can also access Samburu by air from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Air Kenya operates daily scheduled flights to Samburu and Buffalo Spring airstrips.

ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES OF INTEREST
Tourist attractions in Samburu County include; Samburu National Reserve,Shaba National Park, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Maralal National Reserve.
Samburu National Reserve is situated along the Ewaso Ngiro River about 350km from Nairobi. The 165 sq km reserve is home to a thriving population of wildlife including elephants, cheetah, leopard, gerenuk, wild dogs and many other species. A variety of over 450 bird species are also found in this park.
To the south of Samburu National Park is the 131sq.KM Buffalo Springs National Reserve , an animal sanctuary that supports many rare species of wildlife including the endangered Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx and the reticulated giraffe.
Shaba National Reserve , also located to the south of Samburu National Park, supports a huge population of wildlife as well as over 350 bird species. The little known Maralal National Reserve situated in the heart of Samburu County is an ideal destination for wildlife viewing safari. Some of the animals that can be spotted here include zebra, hyena, buffalo, leopard and eland.

ACCOMMODATION IN SAMBURU
Samburu County offers a wide choice of places to stay during your visit. Popular ones include Samburu Desert Rose Lodge, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Saasab Camp, Samburu Intrepids Camp, Samburu Saruni Lodge and Samburu Serena Lodge.
The leading facilities include Samburu Elephant Watch Camp, Samburu Bedouin Camp, Samburu Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu Larsens Tented Camp and Samburu Kitich Camp. Quality budget lodgings can be found in Maralal town.

ISIOLO
Isiolo County is located in the northern part of the former Eastern Province, 285 kilometers north of Nairobi.Covering an area of 25, 336.1 square kilometers, it is expansive when compared to other counties.

TOURISM AND PLACES OF INTEREST
The county has five conservation areas with many animal species, which attract both local and international tourists. Tourist attraction sites include: Lewa Downs , Buffalo Springs , Shaba , and
Bisanadi game reserves.
Isiolo is best known for its abundant wildlife and spectacular landscapes. From the big five to the Maasai Ostriches, Isiolo has it all. The best places to see these animals is Buffalo Springs and the famous Shaba national reserve. These places are teaming with wildlife and offer visitors opportunity to see nature at its best as all animals struggle to survive in their natural habitat.

ACCOMMODATION
The county has several good hotels and lodges which offer affordable accommodation. Some of the hotels are Hills restaurant and Shaba Game Lodge. Other low budget hotels located in the heart of Isiolo town include Bomen Hotel, Moti Pearl Hotel and Mocharo lodge. These hotels are relatively cheap and the daily rates are inclusive of breakfast.

WANT TO SEE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?

In this day and age, a large part of the world is struggling through great turbulences both politically and socially. But despite all these turbulences and the negativity, there are people in many places of the world who would like to see the world a better place. These people are looking for solutions to the problems with all their might. They consider the problems of different people in different countries and continents as their own, and want to atleast solve their problems. These people are sincerely prepared to make sacrifices to find solutions to hunger in Africa, to civil wars, poverty, income inequality, and armament.

The goal of those people who want to change the world is to live in a fairer world. Certainly the efforts of these people ignite a spark of excitement in other people but they can’t instill this passion sufficiently to the masses. Thus they remain as movements which flare-up and die; sometimes, they are marginalized and pushed into the underground. But the problem is that many of them are unable to find the right methods. For instance, although some movements fighting against racism emerge with the right intentions, they sometimes deviate to the path of violence due to their frustration caused by their inability to find a solution. Violence, on the other hand, is a wrong path to take when trying to correct something; one that renders you wrong even if you were initially right. Teaching people justice and love is never possible through violence.

Those who have set their sights on changing the world, have to find new and correct ways to instill their passion into others. They have to make an effort for works that would achieve success and eventually make people happy instead of transient protests that people are accustomed to see on the streets. To do this, they have to set out with the right ideology.

Religion is a very good unifying factor; it teaches justice and love. In its foundation lies respect for all people, all beliefs and all ideas. Therefore, an atmosphere of love based on religion is an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable and where justice is upheld for everyone. This atmosphere ensured by religion is a source of motivation that all people, religious or not, can ally in.

Since religious people are wholeheartedly devoted to God, they experience self-sacrifice, sincerity, honesty, patience, and most importantly, goodness that people yearn for, perfectly. Sincerely religious people show every effort to erase evil from the face of this world. They do their very best for those who are in difficulty. For the good pleasure of God, they use all their time, material means and physical strength for this goal. That is why “the alliance of the good” is important for religious people. Faithful Christians, Jews and Muslims acting together form the greatest alliance that can achieve the greatest of dreams.

The ones we really mean here are the true religious people. We do not address these remarks to those who adhere to superstitions, to radicals and extremists who want hatred instead of love. Interpreting the religion differently by adhering to superstitions is a slander against religion to begin with. Therefore, the alliance that we mean must be made with the true religious people who know that the essence of the religion is love.

In fact, there are also people who have these qualities among the non-religious. For this reason, an alliance between the religious people and people from non-religious circles who strive for beautiful goals is also important. People with common-sense who want to change the world will be able to make great breakthroughs by taking the religious people, who are ready to make all kinds of sacrifices for love and peace, with them and making the mosques, churches and synagogues their area of activity.

Do not forget that evil has not developed on its own in this world, nor does it remain standing unregulated. Behind it are people whose interests lie in this environment.  If we are talking about hunger in Africa today, poverty in the Philippines, drugs and violence widespread in Latin America, everyone knows that at one point in history, these regions were oppressed in the name of colonialism and deliberately left poor. As the nations of Africa became poor, a privileged group got rich. The real killers of those who’ve died in cartel wars in Mexico are the people who manage the drug trafficking and increase their ill-gotten gains from it with every passing minute. In the Philippines, if there are people living in squalor, next to them are the people who live in extravagance beyond the dreams of avarice.

Evil is an organized movement. It is an organism that operates worldwide and that immediately grows a new arm when it loses another one. Those who seek evil strive to drive a wedge between the good poles of the world, and target religious people as their first move. That is because they know very well that they cannot survive an alliance of the good ones. It is not possible for people, countries or even small alliances to survive alone against it. Therefore, the alliance of the good must be big and organized. That is the only way that will prevent the insidious traps of the evil ones and make the world a better place in the near future.

FACTS ABOUT ISIOLO COUNTY

Isiolo County has a population of just over 143,000 people. Almost about half of the population is aged below 15, 16% are aged under 5 and 24% are aged 10-19. Isiolo County’s total fertility rate (4.9) is higher than the national rate of 3.9 and also means that Isiolo County has a high birth rate.

The adolescent birth rate is also high – more than 1 in every 10 girls aged 15-19 gives birth every year. Isiolo County is one of 15 Counties that account for over 60% of maternal deaths in Kenya. The latest estimate of the County’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is 790 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Child mortality rates in Isiolo County mirror the national trend although the neonatal death rate is slightly higher and infant and under five death rates are slightly lower. High maternal and child death rates are linked to high birth rates and limited access to life saving maternal and child health interventions.

This fact sheet highlights the status of key reproductive, maternal and child health interventions in Isiolo County, in relation to the national status. The data are drawn from the 2009 and 2018 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS, 2018), the UN and other national and global studies.

WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN ISIOLO TOWN

Isiolo is gradually climbing to the top position among the top 10 best towns for small businesses in Kenya.
The town has experienced some growth in the last few years with the most significant one being the Isiolo Airport which was build. This has seen the town being touted as the future Capital city. Future resort city, a railway center, an oil depot and the center point of the LAPPSET project are also among other big transformation the city is expected to witness.

The area has faced inter community war brought about by the planned projects due to interest in the surrounding land. Isiolo and Meru County have been involved in a row over the boundary with Isiolo residents claiming that the 1963 map of the 47 Kenyan districts upon which the current Counties are based was altered and parts of Isiolo town hived off to Meru County.

With all the rows going on the government needs to invest more in security to ensure investors who are trickling in the area at their security is of great importance to the county

Ewaso Nyiro River is also among what the county boasts for having, This River is to Isiolo County just like Lake Victoria is to Kisumu. A bit of irrigation is going on along the edges but more opportunity is yet to be tapped. The land areas of dry land can be put to use in large scale irrigation.

The town has also witnessed the growth of commercial banks .the growth of the banks is aimed at tapping the economic growth potential based on the Lamu port South Sudan Ethiopia transport (Lapsset) corridor. This is an opportunity for the real estate company to invest in the area. Storage facilities, residential homes and offices will be needed in the area because of the upcoming Airport and the growing number of business people who are migrating to the area.

WHY YOU SHOULD TOUR ISIOLO COUNTY

Isiolo County covers an area of 25,336.7 square kilometres, on the upper Eastern region of
Kenya. Isiolo Town is the capital town of the county. The county is mainly semi arid. Due to its size; Isiolo County borders seven other counties. The counties include Marsabit County to the north and north-west, Wajir County to the east and north-east, Garissa County to the south-east, Tana River County to the south, Meru County to the south-west, Laikipia to the west and Samburu County to the north-west. Isiolo Town lies at the middle of the Lamu Port, Southern Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSET) corridor project which will see the town develop into a resort city by the year 2030.

The Samburu National Park is located on the beautiful Ewaso Ng’iro River, known for its large elephant populations, numerous hippos and crocodiles and birds that flit about the riverine forest.
Away from the river, the plains are home to Kenya’s rare northern species including the gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra as well as big game including buffalo, lion, leopard and more.

The Shaba National Reserve lies to the east of Samburu and remains a relatively wild and unexplored area. It is easily accessible on a fly-in safari. Shaba is smaller than Samburu Reserve and has more riverine forests, which contain acacia elatior and doum palms, Away from the river the habitats include umbrella thorn acacia woodland, bush land dominated by commiphora, alkaline grasslands and open areas of lava rock that contain scattered patches of grass and shrubs.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve Kenya was named after an oasis of clear water at its western end. It is the natural home to five rare species known as the five northern species which are endemic to this area: Grevys Zebra, Somali ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa oryx .

Bisanandi National Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary also called Kinna national reserve with an area of 606sq km. It is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Bisanandi National Reserve is next to the Meru National Park and the border between the two parks is the traditional boundary between the Meru and the Borana people of eastern province, the reserve was opened in September 1979.

WHY DIFFERENT FINANCIAL INDUSTRIES HAVE THEIR BRANCHES IN ISIOLO

The players in the financial indusry are apprised that Isiolo County is going to become a major part of the Kenyan economic development plan in future. The plan calls for Isiolo to become a mojor tourist centre that is going to include likes of casinos, hotels, modern international airport and a major transport hub which includes the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPPSET) project, Future resort city, a railway center, an oil depot and these different financial institutions would like to tap into Isiolo county's economic growth

The banks include KCB, Equity Bank, Barclays Bank, Consolidated Bank, Sydian Bank, will be offering their services to customers in Isiolo region which is widely known for various activities like pastoralism, farming based on irrigation tourism en route to Samburu, Marsabit and Wajir Counties. This move to open banks in Isiolo is strategic and is aimed at tapping into the county economic potentials.

Isiolo town also enjoys the commercial services of likes of the Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT) and other co-operative societies. The opening of the National Banks branch seeks to increase its customers within the county of Isiolo while also tapping into Isiolo County's economic growth potentially based on the lappset corridor.

This is an opportunity for the real estate company to invest in the area. Storage facilities, residential homes and offices will be needed in the area because of the upcoming Airport and the growing number of business people who are migrating to the area. The desert town saw the entry of its eight commercial bank as financial institutions rush to book a space in the city of the future. As a businessman, it’s not hard to see how bright the future of Isiolo is. The World Bank once ranked Isiolo as the second easiest place to start a business after Thika town.

THE ULTIMATE SIMPLE BUSINESS PLAN

Research and analyze your product, your market and your objective expertise,” writes Bill Pirraglia, a former senior financial and management executive. Consider spending twice as much time researching, evaluating and thinking as you spend actually writing the business plan. To write the perfect plan, you must know your company, product you'll offer, your competition and the market intimately.
A business plan, as defined by Entrepreneur, is a “written document describing the nature of the business, the sales and marketing strategy, and the financial background, and containing a projected profit and loss statement.” However, your business plan can serve several different purposes. But, if you want to attract more investors, then your plan will have a different purpose and you’ll have to write your plan that targets them so it will have to be as clear and concise as possible. When you define your plan, make sure you have defined the goals personally as well.
Every successful business must have a business plan. This plan spells out among others the ways the company intends to rationalize its resources, engage in production and even handle its clients. Most importantly, a sound business plan must also include a strategic marketing plan. Strategic marketing planning is considered as a creative process in its own right. Here, the management and operations teams strive to come up with and implement practical marketing strategies that can guarantee a stable flow of business for your company.
Your company profile includes the history of your organization, what products and services you are planning to  offer, your target market and audience, your resources, how you’re going to solve a problem, and what makes your business most unique. Company profiles are often found on the company’s official website and are used to attract possible customers and talent. However, your profile can be used to describe your company in your business plan. It’s not only an essential component of your business plan, it’s also one of the first written parts of the plan.
Investors want to make sure that your unique business is going to make them money. Because of this expectation, investors want to know everything about your business. To help with this process, document everything from your expenses, cash flow, and industry projections. Also don’t forget seemingly minor details like your location strategy and licensing agreements.
If you know these interests up front, you can be sure to take them into account when preparing a plan for that particular audience. For example, bankers will be more interested in balance sheets and cash-flow statements, while venture capitalists are looking at the basic business concept and your management team.
Because of this, make sure that your plan can be modified depending on the audience reading your plan. However, keep these alterations limited from one plan to another. This means when sharing financial projections, keep that data the same across the board.

ABOUT ISIOLO COUNTY

Mention Isiolo and what comes to many people’s minds is a remote, marginalised, arid and banditry-prone town.Isiolo is 273 kilometres north of Nairobi. It came about after the First World War when Somali ex-army officers were settled in the area by the British.
Stereotypes and fears aside, the town is lively, welcoming and safe. It has an estimated population of 80,000, most of them living on its outskirts. The town is a cultural melting pot. Borana, Somali, Meru, Samburu, Turkana and Indians live side by side
You can visit this quiet town by road or by air. It is along the A2 Road that heads to Moyale. The road trip from Nairobi cuts through the lovely green plantations on the slopes of Mount Kenya and into the savannah grasslands off Nanyuki Town. The airport will also get a facelift as part of expansion plans to make this country a great place for tourists. Isiolo Airport is about 200km by air away from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Isiolo is famed for exuberant wildlife and an amazing landscape. From the Big Five, Isiolo has it all. The best places to watch the animals are Buffalo Spring and Shaba National Reserve, made famous by Joy Adamson and the lioness Elsa, subjects of the 1966 film Born Free. Isiolo game reserves that house The Sarova Lodge, Simba Lodge and Bisinadi Lodge are part of tourist circuit that spans Masai Mara, Samburu-Isiolo, Lewa and Mt Kenya.
Economic activities here include making jewellery from brass, copper and aluminium. This town enjoys a beautiful blend of cultures. It is home to cushites such as the rendile, Bantus like the Ameru as well as Nilotes such as the Samburu and Turkana. The population mostly lives out of the town, in a rural setup.
Nomadic pastoralist communities are very dominant in the country and contribute a large portion towards meeting the county’s demand for meat. Traditional jewellery making also contributes to the local tourism market. As the gateway into Northern Kenya, the county has a large market for cereals, fruits and vegetables.
Isiolo International Airport, which is among Kenya’s Vision 2030, is anticipated to help promote the economic growth of the region and would also unlock the economic potential of both regions as well as the neighboring pastoral’s region.
Meru County, Isiolo County, and Marsabit County are among the seven counties that are expected to benefit highly from this facility as they are would be exporting Khat (Miraa) and animal products. Others include the exporters of French beans and flowers from Meru, Timau, Nyeri and neighboring farms. This facility would as well help to improve tourism in these Counties as it would be in a position to handle both international and local flights. Furthermore, the Isiolo Airport will play an important role in linking the region to the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSET) transport corridor.

THE MODERN DAY SOCIETY

I wonder, the more we become reliant on media and technology such as mobiles, the more we develop a need to control. If someone doesn’t answer your text or get back to you within a certain amount of time, is that ok for you? Or do you demand that someone answers within a certain amount of time, or find yourself arguing if your partner or friends don’t return your calls. We can see now when a person has read a text or a message, does this make it more frustrating if they don’t reply? Is this making us more controllers of others? More demanding of others?
People will look at someone with a lavish lifestyle filled with expensive things and think that they are living a much more joyful life than themselves. This is a view that society embeds into our brains to the point that people spend their whole lives striving for money over happiness. And this is a major flaw with our world.
There are people who spend a lifetime spending money they don’t have because of the belief that an object will bring them more gratification. A main problem with this concept is the perception people have. It’s a dangerous cycle of seeing others with something and thinking they need the same thing to be happy or to fit in.
Our society is constantly brainwashing us to buy more of this or that, because we live in a society that works if people are constantly spending. But if every person thinks about what they essentially need in life I think this cycle can stop.
Society wants people to strive to become so wealthy when, in reality, the wealth inequality is much more extreme than people realize. So, people are striving to be in a place that is virtually impossible. Though I’m not saying it’s bad to have nice things, but if these are where your priorities lie, I think it is time to reevaluate. Our society puts value into our money and materials rather than accomplishments or people. Our accomplishments are measured by what we have, but why? If all this energy was put into making the world a better place, I could not imagine what kind of peaceful world we would live in.
Sadly, people will always be chasing money and power, and if they already have it they will do anything to keep it or to gain more. “People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are being used.”

THE SIMPLE STEPS TOWARDS SUCCESS

Take advantage of introductions. When someone introduces you to another person, there tends to be a very good reason for it. You have to take advantage of these introductions because you know that it might lead to a great opportunity. It is easy to blow off an intro or not follow-up. Doing so is a missed chance to create a meaningful relationship with a like-minded person.
Consider the little things in their relationships. The best people are admired by those around them. This could be due to their high-quality work, their personal interactions, or, likely, both. They remember names, they follow-up when they say they are going to, and they take little steps to create stronger relationships with those around them. Something as small as sending a text after a surgery or a congratulations after a new job offer can make a big difference.
Constantly adapt in any circumstances. The most successful self employed people are constantly learning and adapting. They let their barriers down and are always willing to change things about themselves in order to be better, happier and more productive. This can be extremely challenging for many because it means letting your guard down and being vulnerable. We see ourselves in a certain light, and we make our decisions accordingly. Changing means accepting that our past choices might not have been the best. When those past actions are tied up with our ego, it can be especially difficult to move past them. The best people are able to do so in stride.
Successful people surround themselves with other great people. There is a reason that many successful people tend to be friends before rising to fame. They have made an effort, from the onset, to be around others who can motivate them and propel their success.
Pursue your passions. Successful people do not spend their lives living other people's dreams. They pursue their own passions. That gives them the energy to attack each day with all that they have. It also allows them to think more independently. After getting over the fact that you cannot please everyone and that you have to think for yourself, life becomes a lot better. Spend your time doing what you love enables the highest quality of work and it makes staying consistent significantly easier.
Be honest, be humble, be respectful, be confident, be passionate, but be open to criticism and to make adjustments.You will be successful! And when you are successful, move on to your next goal.

THE HISTORY OF ISIOLO TOWN

Isiolo town is the Headquarter of the county and the gateway to the northern half of the country. The town has an estimated population of 80,000 people, most of them living in the rural outbacks of the County. There is an increasing urban population in the recent years, especially from as far as Moyale, Marsabit and mandera. The Isiolo town is also becoming a centre of interst because of the of its newly acquired status as a resort city cashing in popular Samburu and Shaba Game reserves which have become preferred destination after the famed Maasai Mara. 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.
Isiolo hosts a mix of tribes including: Boran, Somali, Turkana, Samburu and Rendille (all traditional pastoralists) and the Meru (agro-business), with a number of other tribes from all over Kenya also being present (due to military bases located in the vicinity). 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.
Isiolo is set to become a major part of Kenya’s economic development plan Vision 2030. 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.
Isiolo town was designated as the Headquarters of the Northern frontier Countys by The British East Africa Protectorate in 1922, until the North Eastern was curved out as a separate province in 1963 following the Lancaster House Constitutional conference. Some parts of the countys were lost to the larger Meru County in 1960s during the Shifta war at the instigation of the then powerful Meru minister of Lands, Jackson Angaine. Some of the famous grazing land such as Bisaan Adi and Bisaan Gurach became part of Meru National Game Reserve and Mulika Lodge. Isiolo is also known for its large market, while jewellery 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.