The government has intensified security operations in Isiolo County as part of broader efforts to create a stable environment for development, with authorities reporting significant progress in curbing cattle rustling, recovering stolen livestock, and removing illegal firearms from circulation.
Isiolo County Commissioner Mr David Kiprop said sustained multi-agency security operations have restored calm in previously volatile areas, particularly those affected by livestock theft and armed banditry.
He made the remarks on Friday during a meeting of the National Government Development County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-CICMC) held in Isiolo town.
Mr. Kiprop emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring lasting peace, noting that security is a critical foundation for socio-economic transformation.
He said ongoing operations targeting illegal arms possession and cattle rustling networks have yielded measurable results, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity.
According to the County Commissioner, security agencies have so far recovered 40 illegal firearms through a combination of voluntary surrender initiatives and forceful disarmament operations conducted across affected areas.
Authorities have also seized 263 rounds of ammunition during the crackdown, which forms part of a wider effort to curb the proliferation of small arms in the region.
In addition to weapons recovery, Mr. Kiprop reported substantial gains in livestock recovery efforts. He disclosed that 1,486 goats and sheep stolen during past cattle raids have been successfully traced and returned to their rightful owners.
Security personnel also recovered two camels and two donkeys, underscoring the scale of livestock theft that has historically affected pastoral communities in the county.
He noted that the improved security environment has created a more favourable climate for government institutions and development partners to implement projects aimed at improving service delivery and living standards.
He added that stability in the region is essential for infrastructure development, investment, and efficient public service delivery.
During the meeting, Mr. Kiprop urged members of the coordination committee to take their roles seriously and ensure active participation in all official engagements.
He cautioned against delegating junior officers to attend critical meetings, stressing that decision-making forums require senior officials with the authority to address policy and implementation challenges effectively.
“Effective coordination requires accountability and presence of decision-makers who can resolve issues in real time and ensure projects are implemented without unnecessary delays,” he said.
He further reiterated that peace and security remain central to the government’s development agenda, pledging continued support for security agencies to sustain stability in Isiolo and surrounding regions.
Also addressing the meeting, Isiolo and Marsabit Government Delivery Unit (GDU) Director Mr. Cyrus Maina highlighted the role of the committee in monitoring and fast-tracking national government projects.
He said the coordination framework has improved efficiency in programme implementation and ensured that infrastructure and development initiatives are completed within stipulated timelines.
The meeting also deliberated on land management challenges affecting public institutions in Isiolo County. Members expressed concern over the lack of formal ownership documents for public land, noting that the situation had exposed government property to encroachment and illegal acquisition.
The committee resolved that the National Land Commission (NLC) should work closely with relevant agencies to facilitate the issuance of title deeds for public and institutional land.
Participants further called for the development of a clear policy framework to guide the protection, registration, and management of government land and public assets in the region.
In addition, several inspection tours of ongoing government projects have been scheduled across Isiolo County to assess progress, identify implementation challenges, and ensure adherence to set timelines.
Leaders at the meeting expressed optimism that continued security improvements, strengthened coordination among government agencies, and better land governance would collectively enhance development outcomes.
They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that residents benefit from sustained peace, improved infrastructure, and expanded economic opportunities.
By David Nduro
