Towns in Wajir County
Habaswein: The Place of ‘Big Dust’
Even considered as a destination rather the transitory role it plays, Habaswein is still far-flung, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It is 574 km from Nairobi to Habaswein via A3 Thika-Garissa-Liboi Road or 518 km via A2 Nairobi-Moyale Road onto B9 Isiolo-Habaswein-Wajir-Mandera Road. Beyond Isiolo or Garissa, it is a monotonously flat country, thinly populated, and devoid of developments apace with much of Kenya, extending throughout the greater part of the region.
And in this part of Kenya towns, villages and people dwindle fast, the further you go. All the same, Habaswein is a welcome relief for any motorist in this desolate part of untravelled Kenya. Of course the epithet of a town seems very arbitrary and whimsical but, after mile upon upon without evidence of civilization, it duly deserves the title. The town itself is no more that a row of dukas on either side of the roadway, serving mainly the purpose of refuelling and getting basic supplies.
The town’s economy is primarily driven by trade in livestock, small businesses, and its transitory role outwith to Dadaab, Wajir and Mandera. The majority of the population in Habaswein and the surrounding areas are pastoralists, relying on livestock farming for their livelihoods. Livestock such as camels, goats, and sheep are well adapted to the semi-arid conditions and are crucial for sustenance and economic stability in this region. Like much of northeastern Kenya, Habaswein faces challenges related to water scarcity, limited infrastructure, and droughts.
The water scarcity is compounded by the fact the Ewaso Nyiro becomes the ephemeral Lagh Dera between Merti and Habaswein. From Habaswein in the west it flows in this dwindled way for 200 km to Lorian Swamp. Despite its arid environment, Habaswein is home to resilient communities that have developed strategies to cope with the challenges posed by their harsh surroundings. Efforts are also ongoing to improve infrastructure, access to water, and opportunities.
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 Habaswein
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.
