Lack of critical basic services a battle for marginalized areas in Isiolo County
By Samson Mutua
Communities in Isiolo County continue to battle with access to basic services. Water scarcity, inadequate healthcare facilities, limited primary and secondary schools, impassable roads and a lack of electricity require immediate attention.
In June 2023, the Commission visited three marginalized sublocations – Buraat, West (Areremet), and Duse in the county to assess their challenges in accessing water, roads, health facilities, electricity and basic education. Sixty (60) marginalised sublocations have been listed as dire in CRA Third Policy and Criteria Identifying Marginalised Areas in Kenya, in their state of access to water, roads, health facilities, electricity and basic education. These are set to benefit from the Equalisation Fund – a national government fund that seeks to bring marginalised areas to the level of services generally enjoyed by the rest of the nation.
Resources are needed to construct additional boreholes, improve healthcare facilities, provide boarding facilities in schools, construct bridges and expand rural electrification in the marginalised sublocations.
Water and healthcare are scarce in Buraat Sublocation
Although a 50-year-old borehole exists in the area, it serves only a portion of the population, and residents have to travel 4-5 kms to find water. During a focus group discussion, residents said that Isiolo river provides water for domestic and livestock use, but is seasonal. Furthermore, although residents can get water from a shallow well, the water is not safe and its consumption causes water borne diseases.
Healthcare facilities are also limited, with only two dispensaries catering to the population. However, the second facility, constructed under the Equalization Fund, remains unfinished, forcing residents to travel long distances for medical assistance. Improving access to healthcare and addressing water scarcity should be prioritized in Buraat.
West (Areremet) Sublocation gets cut off during rainy seasons
Water scarcity and inadequate infrastructure were also prevalent in West Sublocation. While two water boreholes exist, one is non-functional, leaving the community dependent on seasonal rivers for their water needs. The lack of access roads compounds the challenges faced by the residents, particularly during the rainy season when they become completely cut off from essential services. The community needs a bridge to ensure year-round connectivity.
In terms of education, low enrollment, especially among girls, is a consequence of insecurity and long distances to schools. Providing boarding facilities could help mitigate this issue and boost enrollment rates.
Long queues and irregular water supply at Duse Sublocation
In Duse Sublocation, the residents explained that water accessibility is a concern, with residents traveling long distances to access piped water. Water kiosks are used, but long queues and irregular supply prevent residents from accessing water continuously.
Additionally, the health facilities are insufficient, and maternity services require referral to other locations. Upgrading the existing dispensary into a health center with improved amenities would greatly benefit the community. Like the other sublocations, inadequate infrastructure and impassable roads during the rainy season also hinder access to essential services. Electricity is present, but further connections are needed for households. Education is hindered by a lack of secondary schools with boarding facilities.
