Isiolo is a land of hot, semi-arid plains crossed by the Ewaso Nyiro River and the gateway to northern Kenya. Its main communities are the Borana, Somali and Sakuye, alongside Turkana, Samburu and Meru.
Why it matters
Isiolo is the northern gateway for Kenya's Vision 2030 plans and protects rare species such as Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe.
The economy
Herding of cattle, camels, sheep and goats dominates, and the camel-milk trade supplies Nairobi.




