Isiolo is a town in Isiolo County, of which it is the capital. It is located in the upper eastern region of Kenya and is geographically considered the center of the country Kenya. It lies 285 kilometers north of the capital Nairobi. The town grew around the local military camps, much of the population being descendants of former Somali soldiers who had fought in World War I as well as other Cushitic-speaking pastoral communities and the Ameru community.
The name Isiolo originates from the Somali word ‘ Is ilow’ which translates to forget yourself. It was a term that the local Somalis would tell newcomers who had the intention of moving back to Somalia when Kenya gained independence. The town has an estimated population of 78,250, most of them living around the outskirts of the town. Like most African cities, there has been a steady increase in the urban population in recent years, especially moving from as far as Moyale, Marsabit and Mandera.
Isiolo town is also becoming a centre of interest because of its newly acquired status as a resort city cashing in on the popular Samburu and Shaba Game reserves, which have become preferred destinations after the famed Maasai Mara. Isiolo lies along the long A2 Road, leading towards Marsabit and Moyale much further north.
Tourism Attractions
a) Shaba National Reserve
Shaba is home to the endangered Grevy’s zebra and the rare Williams’s lark. Shaba was the setting for the book and film Born Free, for the film Out of Africa and for the reality show Survivor: Africa. . Shaba is well known for the large lion prides, which rest under thickets of toothbrush trees during the day. At night, predators include the black-backed jackal, striped hyena and spotted hyena. The reserve is home to rare species that include the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and the endangered Grevy’s zebra. Other fauna include African leopards and elephants.
Things to do
- Hangout
- Sightseeing
b) Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Wildlife include Grant’s zebra and the endangered Grevy’s Zebra. Other species of mammal include reticulated giraffe, the African bush elephant, oryx, gerenuk, African buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. Over 365 species of bird have been recorded in the reserve. The river is home to hippopotamuses and crocodiles. Somali ostriches are widespread within the national reserve. It is larger than the Masai ostrich’s and is distinctive for their indigo legs and neck.
Things to do
- Sightseeing
- Hiking
- Hangout
Farming Activities
Pastoralists from Isiolo have started changing lifestyles from herding to modern farming to reduce illiteracy and improve food security in homesteads, many residences have embraced horticultural farming
