Garissa history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the formation of the city of Garissa is inextricably linked to the way of life of the nomadic peoples of East Africa. Before appearing on maps as an official administrative centre, this territory, located in the eastern part of the state of Kenya, served as a key gathering point for herdsmen. An oasis of life amidst arid lands, it attracted people for centuries with the opportunity to water their livestock, which eventually, in the early 20th century, led to the transformation of temporary camps into a permanent trading post and urban settlement.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Garissa into an important regional hub was driven by several strategic reasons:

• The Tana River. The city is situated on the banks of the longest river in the country. In a hot and dry climate, access to a perennial source of fresh water became the foundation for the city's life and the development of irrigated agriculture.
• Geographical Location. Garissa became the natural "gateway" to the North East, connecting remote districts with central regions and the coast.
• Trade Hub. Its convenient location at the intersection of migration and trade routes facilitated rapid economic growth, attracting merchants and artisans.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since its foundation, the city has developed as a capital of livestock farming. The region's economy has historically been based on the rearing of camels, goats, and cattle, which formed the unique cultural code of the area. Garissa became a place where the traditions of nomadic tribes intertwined with city life, creating the colourful atmosphere of an eastern market, where the exchange of goods was always accompanied by active social interaction.

Major Development Milestones

The history of the city represents a journey from a nomad trading post to a modern administrative and educational centre of the region. Below are the key events that shaped the appearance of present-day Garissa.

• Early 20th Century: Traditional campsites of pastoralists by the Tana River begin to transform into a permanent trading settlement.
• 1902: The British colonial administration introduces a special governance regime for the Northern Frontier District.
• 1925: Final approval of the region's administrative borders following territorial demarcation with neighbouring possessions.
• 1963: The country of Kenya gains independence, and the city of Garissa becomes the official administrative centre of the North Eastern Province.
• 1980: Completion of a permanent bridge across the Tana River, ensuring reliable transport connections with the rest of the country.
• 1996: Opening of a library at the local teachers' college, marking an important step in the development of educational infrastructure.
• 2010: Adoption of the country's new Constitution, cementing the city's status as the capital of the eponymous county.
• 2011: Official establishment of Garissa University College, the first higher education institution of this level in the region.
• 2013: Formation and commencement of the first local county government within the framework of the national devolution programme.
• 2017: Garissa University receives an official charter and the status of a fully-fledged public university.
• 2018: Ceremonial presentation of the municipal charter, legally formalising the city status and governance structure.
• 2019: Commissioning of a large-scale solar power plant connected to the national grid.
• 2024: Start of a project to construct a new, wider bridge across the Tana River to replace the old structure.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of the city of Garissa followed a path of integrating the traditional way of life into the modern economy of Kenya. From a small trading post, the city has grown into a strategically important hub in East Africa. Here are the main milestones that defined its current appearance:

• Becoming an Administrative Capital. After the country gained independence, the city received the status of the centre of the North Eastern Province (now County).
  Significance: This decision attracted government investment and facilitated the opening of government offices, hospitals, and schools, turning Garissa into the main centre of civilisation and administration in the region.
• Construction of the Tana River Bridge (1980s). Erection of a permanent crossing to replace unreliable ferries.
  Significance: The bridge became a "road of life", connecting the arid north with Nairobi and the port of Mombasa. This gave a powerful impulse to trade, allowing for the uninterrupted transport of livestock for sale and the import of necessary goods.
• Establishment of Garissa University. Transformation of the local college into a fully-fledged public university, receiving its charter in 2017.
  Significance: The emergence of the university made the city an educational hub, halted the brain drain of youth, and improved the qualifications of local personnel, which is critical for business development and governance.
• Launch of the Solar Power Plant (2019). Commissioning of the largest solar farm in East and Central Africa with a capacity of over 50 MW.
  Significance: The project provided the city with stable and affordable energy, reducing reliance on diesel generators, and attracted investor attention to the region's industrial potential.
• Receiving the Municipal Charter (2018). Official legal formalisation of municipality status.
  Significance: The new status expanded the powers of local authorities in urban planning matters, allowing for the launch of projects to improve sanitation, the road network, and street lighting.
• Modernisation of the Livestock Market. Development of the main city market's infrastructure.
  Significance: The market in Garissa cemented its title as one of the largest in East Africa. Its development supports the economic backbone of the region, linking local herdsmen with national and international buyers.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Garissa is a reflection of its climate and cultural heritage. The urban development was formed not around palaces or monuments, but based on the practical needs of an important trading hub in the arid savannah. Low-rise buildings predominate here, designed to protect residents from the scorching sun, while the street layout tends towards a linear structure along the main transport arteries and the Tana River.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

In the city's appearance, one can trace the transition from a traditional way of life to modern urbanisation. The main architectural layers include:

• Traditional Architecture (Pre-urban period and outskirts). Historically, the region was characterised by the temporary dwellings of nomadic peoples — Somali "aqal" huts. Although permanent structures have replaced them in the city centre, elements of this style (use of mats, weaving, rounded forms) are still found in decor and on the outskirts, serving as a reminder of the local population's roots.
• Colonial and Administrative Functionalism (Mid-20th Century). With the development of the administrative centre, simple, robust single-storey buildings made of stone and concrete appeared. This period is characterised by wide verandas, high ceilings, and louvred windows, ensuring natural ventilation in the hot climate.
• Modern Commercial Style (From the 1990s to present). The period of active growth was marked by the construction of multi-storey concrete buildings with flat roofs. These are banks, hotels, and shopping centres, the facades of which are often painted in light colours to reflect sunlight.
• Islamic Architecture. Since the majority of the population professes Islam, the city's architectural skyline is shaped by numerous mosques. They bring elements of Eastern aesthetics to the city's strict utilitarian look: elegant minarets, arched vaults, and geometric ornaments.

Iconic Structures Shaping the City

Several key objects define the visual and structural appearance of Garissa:

• The Tana River Bridge. The main urban planning dominant. This engineering structure not only connects the banks but also serves as the gateway to the city, around which trading activity is concentrated.
• Jamia Mosque. A striking example of religious architecture, standing out for its size and finish against the backdrop of residential buildings. It serves as an important landmark and spiritual centre.
• Garissa University Complex. An example of modern institutional development, occupying a vast territory and including academic buildings, dormitories, and libraries, executed in a strict functional style.
• Almond Resort Hotel. One of the most recognisable modern buildings, demonstrating the development of the hospitality industry in the region, with well-kept grounds that contrast with the semi-desert landscape around it.

Iconic Figures of the Region

The history of the city of Garissa and the entire region is inextricably intertwined with the activities of a number of outstanding individuals who have had a significant influence on the political and public life of Kenya. These people contributed to the integration of the north-eastern territories into the national space and the development of local infrastructure.

• Yusuf Mohamed Haji — Statesman, Senator, Minister of Defence.
  A veteran of Kenyan politics and one of the most respected administrators in the country's history. He worked for a long time in the provincial administration system and later held high posts in the government. He played a key role in peace-building processes and stabilising the situation in the region, and also headed the constitutional reform committee (BBI).
• Aden Bare Duale — Politician, Parliamentarian.
  A long-serving representative of the Garissa Township constituency. He held the post of Leader of the Majority Party in the National Assembly, becoming one of the most influential political voices in the country. Known for active legislative work and lobbying for development projects for his home city.
• Farah Maalim — Politician, Former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
  A prominent public figure who represented the interests of the Lagdera region. He earned a reputation as a principled defender of human rights and a supporter of democratic reforms. His activities largely contributed to drawing the attention of the central authorities to the problems of arid regions.
• Noordin Haji — Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Lawyer.
  Son of Yusuf Haji, who built a successful career in security structures. He gained wide fame and public recognition as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where he initiated a large-scale campaign to strengthen the rule of law and fight corruption in the highest echelons of power.
• Nathif Jama Adam — First Governor of Garissa County, Financier.
  He stood at the origins of the new system of decentralised governance following the adoption of the 2010 Constitution. With experience in international Islamic banking, he laid the foundations for the modern administrative and economic structure of the county, focusing on the development of water resources and trade.