Garissa County is located in the Eastern part of Kenya, bordering Somalia to the East, Tana River to the West, Wajir and Isiolo to the North, and Lamu to the South.
The county has a total area of 44,175.8 square kilometers and a population of over 841,353 people as per the 2019 census.
The county is divided into 7 constituencies, namely Balambala, Dadaab, Fafi, Garissa Township, Lagdera, Hulugho, and Ijara, each represented by a Member of Parliament.
These constituencies are further divided into 30 electoral wards, which are the smallest administrative units in the county.
The county’s administrative headquarters are located in Garissa town, which is also the largest town in the county. The town is strategically located along the Nairobi-Mandera highway, making it a hub for transportation and trade.
List of Wards in Garissa County
Garissa County is divided into six constituencies which are further divided into 30 electoral wards.
Each ward is represented by an elected Member of County Assembly (MCA) who is responsible for representing the interests of the ward in the County Assembly.
Here are the wards in Garissa County
Dadaab Sub-County
Dadaab Constituency has six electoral wards which are as follows:
- Dertu
- Labasigale
- Damajale
- Daadab
- Liboi
- Abakaile
Fafi Sub-County
Fafi Constituency has four electoral wards which are as follows:
- Bura
- Fafi
- Dekaharia
- Nanighi
- Jarajila
Lagdera Sub-County
Lagdera Constituency has six electoral wards which are as follows:
- Bename
- Mogodashe
- Goreale
- Maalamin
- Baraki
- Sabena
Balambala Sub-County
Balambala Constituency has five electoral wards which are as follows:
- Balambala
- Danyere
- Sankuri
- Jarajara
- Saka
Garissa Township Sub-County
Garissa Township Constituency has five electoral wards which are as follows:
- Galbet
- Waberi
- Iftin
- Township
Ijara Sub-County
Ijara Constituency has four electoral wards which are as follows:
- Ijara
- Masalani
- Sangailu
- Hulugho
Historical Background of Wards in Garissa County
Garissa County is located in Eastern Kenya and is one of the 47 counties in the country. The county has a total of 6 constituencies which are further divided into 30 electoral wards.
The wards were established to help in the distribution of resources and representation of the people at the grassroots level.
The establishment of the wards in Garissa County was as a result of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya which introduced the devolved system of governance.
The constitution aimed to bring government closer to the people and enhance public participation in decision-making processes.
Each ward in Garissa County is represented by an elected member of the County Assembly (MCA). The MCAs are responsible for representing the interests of the people in the ward and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources.
The wards in Garissa County have played a crucial role in promoting democracy and good governance at the grassroots level. They have enabled the people to participate in the decision-making processes and have brought government services closer to the people.
Administrative Structure of Garissa County
County Government
Garissa County is headed by a Governor who is elected by the people for a term of five years. The Governor is the chief executive officer of the county and is responsible for the overall management of the county.
The Governor is assisted by a Deputy Governor, who is also elected by the people for a term of five years.
The County Assembly is the legislative arm of the county government. It is composed of 30 elected members, each representing a ward in the county.
The members of the County Assembly (MCAs) are responsible for making laws and policies that govern the county. The County Assembly also has the power to approve or reject the county budget.
Sub-County Administration
Garissa County is divided into six sub-counties, which are further divided into 30 wards. Each sub-county is headed by a County Commissioner who is appointed by the National Government.
The County Commissioner is responsible for the overall administration of the sub-county and is the link between the National Government and the County Government.
Each ward is headed by a Ward Administrator who is appointed by the County Government. The Ward Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the ward and is the link between the County Government and the people at the ward level.
Demographics of Garissa County Wards
Garissa County has a total population of 841,353 persons, with 458,975 males, 382,344 females, and 34 intersex persons, according to Wikipedia. The county has a population density of 19 persons per square kilometer.
There are a total of 141,394 households in Garissa County, with an average size of 5.9 persons per household. The county has a rural-urban population split of 25.1% and 74.9%, respectively.
The majority of the population in Garissa County is Muslim, with Islam being the predominant religion. 97.7% of the population in the county is Muslim, while the remaining 2.3% is composed of Christians and other religious groups.
Education and Social Services in Garissa County Wards
Garissa County has made significant strides in improving education and social services in its wards. The county government has invested heavily in improving education and social services infrastructure, including building new schools and health facilities.
Here is a breakdown of education and social services in Garissa County wards:
Education
Garissa County has a total of 391 primary schools and 62 secondary schools. The county government has been working to increase access to education by building new schools and improving existing ones.
Some of the initiatives that the county government has undertaken to improve education include:
- Building new classrooms and dormitories
- Providing free textbooks and learning materials to students
- Building new libraries and computer labs
- Providing bursaries and scholarships to needy students
Social Services
Garissa County has made significant progress in improving social services in its wards. The county government has invested in building new health facilities and improving existing ones.
The county has a total of 14 public health facilities, including hospitals and health centers. Some of the initiatives that the county government has undertaken to improve social services include:
- Building new health facilities
- Providing free healthcare services to vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women
- Providing clean water and sanitation facilities in schools and health facilities
- Providing emergency response services through the county ambulance service
Challenges and Opportunities in Garissa County Wards
Garissa County has numerous challenges and opportunities that affect its wards.
Here are some of the challenges and opportunities that you may encounter in Garissa County’s wards:
Challenges
Poor Infrastructure
One of the major challenges in Garissa County is poor infrastructure. Most of the roads are in poor condition, and some areas are not accessible by road. This makes it difficult for people to access basic services such as healthcare, education, and markets.
Political Interference
Political interference is another challenge that affects Garissa County’s wards. This interference hinders the implementation of development projects and programs, and it can also lead to the misappropriation of funds.
Unfriendly Climate
Garissa County is located in a semi-arid region, and the climate is generally unfriendly. This makes it difficult for people to engage in agriculture, which is the main economic activity in the county.
Opportunities
Devolution
Devolution has brought about numerous opportunities in Garissa County’s wards. It has enabled the county government to focus on local priorities and address the unique needs of each ward. Devolution has also given people a greater say in the decision-making process, which has led to greater accountability and transparency.
Natural Resources
Garissa County is endowed with numerous natural resources, including wildlife, minerals, and oil. These resources present opportunities for investment and economic growth.
Strategic Location
Garissa County is strategically located, with access to major transport routes. This makes it an ideal location for businesses that want to access markets in Kenya and beyond.
Future Prospects for Garissa County Wards
Garissa County has made significant strides in developing its wards, and the future looks bright. Here are some of the future prospects for Garissa County wards:
Improved Service Delivery
Garissa County is committed to improving service delivery to its residents. To achieve this goal, the county government is partnering with development partners to create ward-planning committees.
These committees will enhance devolution and service delivery to the residents by making recommendations to the county planning committee, which will help in shaping decision-making and mitigating against a waste of resources and impromptu projects.
This move will ensure that the residents of Garissa County receive quality services that meet their needs.
Enhanced Economic Growth
Garissa County has enormous potential for economic growth. The county government is working to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive by investing in infrastructure, such as roads and water supply systems.
Additionally, the county government is partnering with development partners to create employment opportunities for the residents. This move will help to reduce poverty levels and enhance economic growth in the county.
Improved Healthcare
Garissa County is committed to improving healthcare services to its residents. The county government is investing in the construction of new health facilities and upgrading existing ones.
Additionally, the county government is partnering with development partners to provide medical supplies and equipment to health facilities.
This move will ensure that the residents of Garissa County have access to quality healthcare services.
Enhanced Education
Garissa County is committed to providing quality education to its residents. The county government is investing in the construction of new schools and upgrading existing ones.
Additionally, the county government is partnering with development partners to provide learning materials and equipment to schools. This move will ensure that the residents of Garissa County have access to quality education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of wards in Garissa County?
Garissa County has a total of 30 wards. These wards are further divided among the six constituencies in the county.
What are the names of the constituencies in Garissa County?
The six constituencies in Garissa County are Fafi, Ijara, Balambala, Lagdera, Dadaab, and Garissa Township.
Who is the current governor of Garissa County?
As of September 2023, the current governor of Garissa County is Ali Korane. He was elected in the 2017 general elections.
How many members are in the Garissa County Assembly?
The Garissa County Assembly consists of 30 members, each representing a ward in the county.
What are the neighboring counties of Garissa County?
Garissa County is bordered by four counties: Tana River to the south, Isiolo to the west, Wajir to the north, and Somalia to the east.
What is the current population of Garissa County?
According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Garissa County had a population of 841,353 people.
