Happy TravellerWelcome to Garissa, the capital of Garissa County in Kenya. This vibrant city is situated in the former North Eastern Province and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, a bustling market center, and a thriving university. Join us as we explore the geography, demographics, economy, and governance of Garissa, and discover why this city is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Garissa is situated along the Tana River, which rises in Mount Kenya east of Nyeri. The Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary, located just 5 km south of Garissa, is home to endangered wildlife including the Rothschild giraffe, gerenuk, and other herbivores such as Kirks dik-dik, lesser kudu, warthog, and waterbuck. The sanctuary is a must-visit for any nature lover.
The town recorded a population of 319,696 in the 2009 census, which rose to 663,399 in 2019. Most of Garissa’s inhabitants are ethnic Somali, making it a unique cultural destination. Garissa is a market center and the commercial hub of Garissa County. The town has a university, Garissa University College, and a number of colleges including Medical College. The Garissa Solar Power Station was inaugurated in December 2019, providing grid power to Garissa town. Banks with a presence in Garissa include the Gulf African Bank, Postbank, First Community Bank, Absa Bank, Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, National Bank of Kenya, Chase Bank, and Cooperative Bank of Kenya. Livestock production is a significant part of the town’s economy, with Garissa cattle producers earning over 1.8 billion shillings in sales between 2005 and 2007 in domestic and overseas markets. Construction on a new abattoir also began in October 2007.
Garissa is the seat of the County Government of Garissa as well as the County Assembly. The Governor of the county is Nathif Jama, and the city is represented by Aden Bare Duale, a Somali Member of Parliament for the Garissa Township Constituency in the National Assembly of Kenya. He currently serves as the Majority Leader in the Parliament. During the colonial era, Garissa, as well as other parts of NFD, were collectively conferred to as the British East Africa province of Trans-juba, and would subsequently be referred to as Jubaland, which split into two in the mid 1920s.
Garissa has a hot arid climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), despite receiving around 375 millimeters or 15 inches of rainfall per year, due to the extremely high potential evapotranspiration. Garissa’s landscape is mostly arid, desert terrain. The city lies along the Tana River and has a hot climate due to the low elevation and distance from cooler coastal areas. The daytime temperature typically rises above 33 °C or 91.4 °F every day but cools down every night.
In 2015, Garissa was the site of a terrorist attack when gunmen stormed the Garissa University College, killing 147 people and injuring at least 79. The militant group and Al-Qaeda offshoot, Al-Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack. The siege ended the same day when all four of the attackers were killed. Five men were later arrested in connection with the attack, and a bounty was placed for the arrest of a suspected organizer, Mohamed Mahmoud, also known as Dulyadeyn. Dulyadeyn was later killed by U.S.-trained Somali commandos from the Somali National Army on the night of May 31, 2016, in Bulo Gadud, a town loyal to Al-Shabaab, about 30 kilometers north of the port of Kismayo in Somalia. Despite this tragic event, Garissa remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.
In conclusion, Garissa is a city full of surprises and hidden gems. From its diverse wildlife to its bustling market center and thriving university, Garissa has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Garissa is a must-visit destination. Come and discover the magic of Garissa for yourself!
