By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
June 02, 2026 - During the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir highlighted little-known facts about Wajir County’s historical and strategic significance, recalling its unique colonial past and its long-standing role as a trade corridor in Northern Kenya and the Greater Horn of Africa.
In his speech, the county chief said that the county, which is located between Garissa and Mandera, has for centuries served as a vital trade artery in the North Eastern region and connecting Kenya to Somalia and Ethiopia, thus shaping commerce and movement across the Horn of Africa.
Wajir, which is often referred to as the 'camel capital,' derives its name from the word ‘coming together,’ reflecting its vital historical role as a meeting point for communities, traders, and culture in the region.
A lesser-known aspect of its colonial history, according to the governor, is that before the modern borders were erected, Wajir was briefly under Italian rule for two years, due to its healthy strategic importance during the colonial era, when the British and Italians contested for influence in the area.
"Your Excellency, it is a great privilege to welcome you to Wajir County, the Camel Capital of Kenya, for the 63rd national Madaraka Day celebrations. On this day, as we reflect on our historic journey towards self-governance, I wish to recognise the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of our forefathers and freedom fighters at both national and regional levels,” Abdullahi said.
“ It is important to note that this is the only place in Kenya that came under Italian Rule for two years. This county is filled with sacred historic sites for everyone to see. We also stand proud as the home of some of the country’s pioneer educational institutions, which were established in the 1940s and 60s," the Governor said.
The governor maintained that the county’s rich historical and strategic significance should be leveraged by the government and other stakeholders to fast-track economic metamorphosis in the region.
The governor particularly noted that the construction of the Wajir State lodge will cement the national government’s presence in the Northern Kenya Region and will address decades of historical marginalisation of the region.
Abdullahi said that the lodge will also serve as a tribute to prominent leaders such as the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had tremendous respect for the North Eastern Region and its leaders.
During his tour in the county this week, President William Ruto unveiled multi-billion shilling projects for North Eastern Kenya, including expanding Wajir Airport, building the stadium, and supporting livestock, in a bid to position Wajir and Northern Kenya as an economic powerhouse in the country.
Other notable projects launched in the Northeastern region included the establishment of teacher training colleges in Wajir, Kotulo, and Mandera, a Ksh 84 billion electrification programme that is set to benefit 53,000 households in Northern Kenya, and a Ksh 5 billion investment plan to boost the pastoral economy in the region.
“On behalf of the Government and the Republic of Kenya, I extend my sincere apology to the people of Northern Kenya for the hardships and exclusion you have endured over the years,” Ruto said.
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