Historic Sites in Wajir County
Fort Wajir: A Theatre of WWII Battles
Memories of Wajir’s turbulent past are still vivid at Fort Wajir, parts of which are currently made use of as the main prison – at which it is said no prisoner has ever escaped – and at Old Wajir Mosque. There are outlying groups of disused ruins but owing to their isolation and new developments, some are difficult to locate. Although the exact dimensions of Fort Wajir are scarce, it was certainly a large holding. The entire complex was surrounded by two sets of defensive perimeters – the outside one around the entire town, and the inner one surrounding the fort.
Post World War I, following the 1915 Treaty of London, Britain had advanced some of her territories in Africa to Italy in recognition of her collaborative efforts. Italy, while neutral at the onset of the war, had joined the Central Powers as the only way to make the British relax her naval blockade. With the passage of time the relations in Africa, and the respective territories, deteriorated. And both sides would be on opposing ends in the next war. Britain then reclaimed the Northern Frontier District, that expansive Somali country formerly awarded to the Italians.
Now, the British were unequivocal in consolidating power in northeastern Kenya, essentially by keeping a permanent garrison to ensure continued control of their territory. In addition to building the fortified Fort Wajir, with elaborate outworks and moats to counter the aggression of the Italians, the British also maintained a garrison at Fort Elwak, originally built by the Italians. Both these forts, situated near the border with Somalia, were the first line of defense for the British.
Ground incursion into Northern Frontier District were unavoidable. A significant test came from Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, through neighbouring Moyale and on to Kismayu, Somalia. Italy’s attempts to establish an empire in East Africa brought it into conflict with Ethiopia, one of few states to successfully resist colonization. The First Italo-Ethiopian War (1895-1896) had ended in defeat for Italy at the Battle of Adwa. The Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1936) resulted in Italy’s occupation of Ethiopia. The Italians now set their sights for British East Africa.
During World War II Fort Wajir, garrisoned by the 3rd and 5th Battalions of Kings African Rifles, became an arena for many small wars with the Italians, who often tested the grit of the Brits. In 1940, Fort Wajir was bombed repeatedly, but held its walls on all the strikes issued. Apparently resembling crouching soldiers when viewed from above, Fort Wajir kept the enemies out and the British officer safe.
Kenya is home to numerous historic sites that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, ancient civilizations, colonial history, and struggle for independence. These historic sites offer valuable insights into Kenya’s past and its diverse cultural heritage, making them essential destinations for visitors interested in her history.
Index of Historic Sites Around Kenya
Baringo County - Timboroa Railway Station, Bungoma County - Chetambe Fort, Kilifi County - Prince Henry the Navigator Monument, Vasco da Gama Pillar, Malindi Pillar Tomb, Portuguese Chapel, Malindi Butwani Pier, Kwale County - Shimoni Ruins, Lamu County - Shela Mosque, Lamu Fort, German Post Office, Siyu Fort, Machakos County - Macmillan Castle Sabuk, Fort Machakos, Makueni County - Gurdwara Makindu Sahib, Patterson Ruins Tsavo, Meru County - Kaaga War Memorial, Twin Baobab Trees, Giant Meru Oak, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus, Old Port, Sanaa Gallery, Leven House, Old Law Courts, Kengeleni Bell, Old Railway Station, Mbaraki Pillar, Fort St. Joseph, Kraph Monument, Fort Makupa, Arab Rifle's Monument, Mombasa's Tusks, Ras Serani Light, Mandera County - Fort El Wak, Nandi County - Kaptumo I Kipture Forts, Samiitui Aldai Historic Stone, Nyeri County - Old Ruling Court, Taita Taveta County - Kitchwa Tembo Hill, Salaita Hill, The Sniper Tree, Maktau Railway Station, Mwashoti Hill, Mwakitau Hill, Tana River County - Tana Delta Old Fort, Tharaka Nithi County - The Mutunguruni Tree, Wajir County - Wajir Fort, Ancient Orahey Wells, Orahey Bunkers, The Old Town Wajir
Historic Ruins along the Coast of Kenya - Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River & Lamu
outlook
Wajir County offers a unique opportunity to explore a region known for its rich cultural heritage and unique landscapes. Its arid and semi-arid landscapes, including vast plains, rocky outcrops, and seasonal rivers, harbours plenty of wildlife adapted to arid conditions. Wajir County is a region shaped by its cultural heritage, resilience in harsh environments, and the traditions of its pastoralists.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Fort Wajir
A Guide to Wajir County
A Summa Digest of Wajir
About Wajir Way Back When
20 Destinations in Wajir County, arranged as one would visit these - north, west then south - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Wajir Oasis Hotel, Lake Yahud, Wagalla Monument, Old Wajir Town, Orahey Wells, Orahey Bunkers, Fort Wajir, Wajir Museum, Wajir War Cemetery, Esspresso Royale, Wajir Livestock Market, Wajir Giraffe Sanctuary, Shaletey Caves, Grosso Griftu, Malabar Hill, Mansa Guda Formation, Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy, Sabena Desert, Lorian Swamp, Habaswein
Know More About Wajir County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Wajir County is a featureless plain which lies between 150 ms and 460 ms above sea level. The plain rises gently from the south and east towards the north rising from 150 ms at Buna to 460 ms around Bute.
Average mean temperature within Wajir County is 29oC, with average monthly temperatures rarely going beyond 35oC. The warmest months are February and March. Rainfall is rare and minimal.
