Historic Sites in Wajir County
Orahey Wells: Possibly Over 1,000 Years Old
There are two or three fascinating interpretations and insights offered regarding the origin and operation of the ancient Orahey wells in the centre old town Wajir. And by the same token, this complex of about ten wells, covering an area of 11.6 hectares on an elevation of 261 metres, and varying in diameter from 6 metres to 2 metres, was gazetted under the National Museums and Heritage Act as a National Monument on August 3, 2018. The Orahey wells stand in vast clearing infamously known as Orahey, and often as Korahey, meaning the sunny place.
Locals proclaim that the original Orahey wells date back over 1,000 years when the Queen of Sheba, that monarch mentioned in the Bible and then in later works, who, travelling to Jerusalem to experience the wisdom of King Solomon, watered her herds of camels here. One of the earliest written accounts of the Orahey Wells was by Lieutenant L. Aylmer, in 1911. In his chronicles of the country between the Juba River and Lake Rudolf, he described Wajir as having numerous wells cut straight down in solid rock and deduced, presumably, that a more industrious tribe than the present inhabitants was responsible for the digging of the wells.
A year later, in 1912, C.W. Haywood [Captain Haywood, Cecil Walter Wightwick] on his voyage from Kismayu to Meru, in an effort to discover whether the Ewaso Nyiro River flowed out of the Lorian Swamp, passed through Wajir. He described Orahey wells as being only about 6 feet deep and dug in a kind of grey sandstone.
Some of the latter-day Orahey wells were sunk in the early 1940s by the Italians Prisoners of War, and these helped develop Wajir town. It thrived as a place for watering of livestock, especially camels. Unlike in the past where camels watered here on transit along the trade route, it now became a watering point for camels from the hinterland bringing in supplies. It was the only guaranteed waterhole.
Then and now, the Orahey wells have been strategically important along the migration routes of the semi-nomadic residents of Wajir. In this place with a lot sun, the wells are a vital lifeline. As you might expect, in this water scarce region, the Orahey wells are a potential source of conflict. To keep peace and for good living, a casing of cement is build around each well, with markings signifying the different clans laying claim to it. Next to each well is a cement trough where water is endlessly poured by young and old herders. At most times of the day you’ll find large herd of camel and other livestock having a drink. It is a sight to behold!
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 Orahey Wells
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.
