What is the third-largest county in Kenya?

Wajir County is the third-largest county in Kenya by land area. Kenya’s 47 counties were established under the 2010 Constitution, and when ranked, Wajir is next to Turkana County (the largest) and Marsabit County (the second largest).

1. County Size and National Ranking

Wajir County covers an area of about 55,800 square kilometers, making it the third-largest county in Kenya by land area. It is significantly larger than most counties in central, western, and coastal Kenya. However, the population density in Wajir is relatively low, given that this area of land is huge in comparison to other smaller, more urbanized counties.

2. Geographic Location

Wajir County is located in northeastern Kenya, which borders on Somalia to the east and Ethiopia to the north. It lies within Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) region. The county’s landscape and lifestyle are shaped by flat plains, sparse vegetation, seasonal rivers, and dry bushland.

3. Climate and Natural Environment

The county has a dry climate, with high temperatures throughout most of the year and low, unpredictable rainfall. The temperatures are mostly high, and droughts are prevalent. These climatic conditions have a great impact on the pattern of settlement, economic activities, and food security of the region.

4. Population and Culture

The population of Wajir County is predominantly ethnic Somali, with strong cultural backgrounds that are based on pastoralism and nomadic forms of livelihood. Clan systems, extended families, and traditional leadership structures closely bind the communities together. Livestock—particularly camels, goats, sheep, and cattle—are central to everyday life and culture.

5. Top Things to Do in Wajir County

1. Explore Wajir Town and Local Markets

The county administrative and trading centre is Wajir Town. A trip to the local markets will provide a clue to the local lifestyle, where livestock trading, fresh produce, and household items take center stage. One can also explore Somali culture by eating, dressing, and engaging in social life there.

2. Experience Somali Culture and Traditions

Wajir County is well entrenched in the Somali pastoral culture. Visitors interested in cultural or off-the-beaten-path experiences can learn about nomadic pastoral life, herding the camels, and systems of communities founded on the clan. Cultural exchanges usually involve folk music, narrations, dress, and the local food, including rice dishes and camel milk.

3. Visit seasonal wetlands and water pans

The seasonal wetlands and water pans also fill during and after the rainy seasons, leading to the transformation of parts of Wajir. These areas support livestock and birdlife, making them suitable for nature observation and photography.

4. Wildlife and Birdwatching in Remote Areas

While Wajir County is not a traditional safari destination, it supports hardy wildlife species and migratory birds adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The open plains and wetlands provide an opportunity to observe migratory and desert-adapted birds by the birdwatchers.

5. Scenic Desert Drives and Photography

The open expanses of Wajir County make the county an ideal site to take scenic drives, sunset shooting, and stargazing. The flat plains, expansive skies, and low levels of light pollution generate impressive scenery for people who would like to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations.

5. Economy and Livelihoods

Livestock rearing forms the backbone of Wajir’s economy, since most households depend on it as the principal income. Livestock markets facilitate local and cross-border trade, particularly with Somalia and Ethiopia. Other economic activities include small-scale trade, employment by the government, and humanitarian aid activities that boost the local economy

6. Infrastructure and Development

Due to its vast size, Wajir faces several infrastructure development challenges, as the distance between settlements is long, there are poor road networks, and water availability is limited. Nevertheless, gradual improvements have been made in road networks, health institutions, education, and county-level governance over the last few years.

In conclusion, Wajir County is the third-largest county in Kenya by land area with an area of approximately 55,840 square kilometers. Its vast land area, arid climate, pastoral culture, and strategic location make it one of Kenya’s most significant counties

What is the third-largest county in Kenya?

1. County Size and National Ranking

2. Geographic Location

3. Climate and Natural Environment

4. Population and Culture