From
Isiolo with love
What is a resort city? This is a big
question among many Kenyans. Deriving a simple definition from
Wikipedia.com, it is a town where tourism is the basic component of
the local culture and economy. Read more...Resort town
Another subsequent question would be
where is Isiolo? Isiolo is a town in the Eastern part of Kenya. For a
more comprehensive description I will refer you to …Wikipedia
To visualize a resort city, think about
Sun City in South Africa. The town is a ninety minute drive from
Johannesburg, the capital. Sun City has acquired its international
recognition from its entertainment spots, opulent palace, world-class
Golf courses, walking trails, tropical gardens, and game viewing.
These and more can be evident in Isiolo. However, the catalysts will
be the will and touch of its people, the government, and the
potential investors.
In the vision 2030 blueprint some areas
have been proposed to be transformed into cities such include Konza
city, a proposed Technology City in Machakos. Isiolo is one of the
three proposed resort cities, the other two are Diani in Kwale and
Kilifi. The government has also notably proposed an additional two
cities, one at Kalokol in Turkana and Lamu. The area that has been
set up to accommodate the resort city in Isiolo is more than six
thousand acres and the entire project is expected to cost
approximately 19 billion shillings.
The talk on Isiolo’s potential new
look was everywhere compelling me to finally visit the Resort
destination. Isiolo was never shy of offering its promising future
and made my work easier in obtaining the information. The warm
environment of Isiolo makes you remember Mombasa without any
nostalgia. The proposed city is surrounded by astounding sceneries,
to the north there is Buffalo Springs, Shaba National Park to the
east and Samburu Game park and Ewaso Ngiro river to the west.
Crowning it all, the southern part is marked with the world acclaimed
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Isiolo is a cosmopolitan town inhabited
by many communities which distinctly include the Boran, Somali,
Turkana, Samburu, Meru and Rendille. This composition validates its
rapid growth and development. The facilities expected from the city
are three to six star hotels, international standard conference
centers, theaters, golf courses, and museums. Some of the resident
expressed their anticipations for the changeover, but others claimed
it is a theorist idea. This is a view confirmed when we engaged with
some of the locals. Most believed that the frenzy around the area was
due to speculators trying to cash in.
The ethnic conflict in the area has
become a big challenge and in the recent past and has led to
displacement of hundreds of people and violent clashes. These
conflicts are variant some are politically instigated while others
are water and pastoral land related. However, the people of Isiolo
are hospitable offering a great getaway for tourist. The other
inevitable challenge has been the scramble for land in the area by
investors, most of who have duped the locals to sell their land.
As I was strolling in the town I came
across some middle-aged men seated under an acacia tree chewing khat,
popularly known as Miraa (Miraa trade is a big business in the area
due to its high demand and availability from the neighboring Meru
County). The men had crowded in a group talking in turns of how the
area had changed in the recent past. But it was one of the men’s
sentiments that caught my attention, he bitterly lamented of the
perceived invasion by outsiders and how he had lost his three acre
piece of land.
After going round the town we relaxed
at the Bomen Hotel located down town for a cold drink and I had to
take time to digest the spectacular scenes of the area. They serve
nice tea! (I would be guilty of credit due). I regret of having not
captured the wonderful scenes in my camera. Visiting the proposed
Resort city was a great honour. I will be back soon.
I didn't found the hotel at www.six-star-hotels.com .
ReplyDeleteAny reason?