Isiolo

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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 (1999 census) ^[1]. Isiolo is 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].

[edit] 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, that has outgrown its outpost days, with a scenic beauty including the mix of race and cultures. Isiolo is home to the Ameru,Samburu, Rendille, Boran and Turkana people. The large population of Somali people is mainly due to ex-Somali soldiers settling in Isiolo after World War I. The Ameru and Somali make up the majority of the town's population.