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Wajir Museum

Regional Museums in Wajir

Wajir Museum: A Long Somali Heritage

Housed at one of the oldest buildings in Wajir town, Wajir Museum has exhibits on various aspects of the region, including its traditions, pre-colonial past, colonial era, struggles for independence, and contemporary developments. Wajir museum also caches, in a pictographic gallery, WWII campaigns in this part of Africa – of the dividing purist Italian and progressives British, the former fixated in conquest and the latter on breaking boundaries and exploring modern self-expression. It also feature the life and times of the resident Somali clans as all this eras befell.

Wajir Museum was officially opened on April 19, 2011, with the aim of offering a glimpse of the rich histories, cultures and natural heritage of the obscure northern region of Kenya and its interaction with the outside world, especially of the major milestones. In 1940, during the Italian invasions, Wajir town was momentarily evacuated. Both parties, Italy and Britain, were fervent on having the land rights of Wajir because of its all-important Orahey wells, the only permanent source of water north of River Ewaso Nyiro, 106 km south. Wajir became an arena for war.

The British had officially occupied Wajir in 1912 in part to avert the Boranas and other tribes from being driven away from the Orahey wells. In 1921, the military took over the administration of the district up until September 1925, and then reverted to civil administration in 1928. At Wajir Museum you can learn more about these conflicts, different subjects, themes, or aspects of human history, culture, art, science, and natural heritage of Wajir County. Wajir Museum is easy to reach, and conveniently located in the outskirts of the main business district.


The regional museums in Kenya offer a fascinating journey through the country’s history and heritage. They look back at ancient civilizations, cultures as they were centuries ago, cottage industries, colonial legacies, and archaeological finding – in specialization or as a combination – to give insights on the past and present.


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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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.