What we do to protect environment

Tucked at Kenya’s furthest corner of North Eastern, lies Mandera County. At the demarcation of the country, the first beacon was planted there to mark Kenya’s boundary with Ethiopia and Somalia. Travelling from Nairobi by road, you will need about 18hrs 17mins if you prefer to cover the 1,071kms by road via Isiolo. Alternatively, a 1hr40 minutes flight time is all you will need if going by air.

Mandera county was established in March 2013 as part of the 47 counties in Kenya following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The county covers about 25,991 square kilometres. According to the 2009 population census, the county had an estimated population of 1,025,756 persons with 125,497 households and a density of 39 persons per km2.

The population was projected to be 1,399,503 and 1,699,437 in 2017 and 2022 respectively, with a corresponding density of 50 and 64 persons per km2.

Mandera County consists of 30 wards and six constituencies namely Mandera East, Mandera North, Lafey, Mandera South, Mandera West and Banisa. The main urban centres are Mandera, Lafey, Elwak, Takaba, Banisa.

Mandera’s County economy is largely driven by a mix of traditional and emerging activities. Pastoralism forms the main driver, contributing approximately 72 per cent of the total household income. This is supplemented by cross border trade with Ethiopia and Somalia, artisans, beekeeping and irrigation-aided agriculture along River Daua.

Located within Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), Mandera County has not been spared the severe climatic and environmental challenges. The county has had to grapple with frequent and severe droughts due to reduced rainfall. This has impacted livestock rearing and crop farming due to water scarcity which has affected both humans and animals.

In addressing these challenges which have been exacerbated by climatic changes and led to unpredictable weather patterns besides creating conflict over resources, the County Government of Mandera has been on a drive towards an afforestation project, dubbed, the Greening Program.

With the Greening Program transforming Mandera County, you just have to visit and see for yourself the remarkable changes that are taking place. You will be wowed by the rich cultural heritage of the county coupled with the scenic landscapes and warm hospitality of the local community.

If Mandera isn’t on your bucket list, it needs to be. Plan your visit and get to experience a unique place where pastoralism adorns the county, cross-border trade sustains livelihoods and the natural beauty adorns the landscapes giving you unforgettable memories.

As Hon. Mohamed Adan Khalif, Mandera County Governor, puts it; “Mandera is not like what people perceive it to be. It is a green and transformative county with many unique things. Come and experience this beautiful county.”