By Our Correspondent | Wajir Today | Thursday, 29 January 2026
The National Government has announced plans to construct a modern livestock market in Garissa, in a move aimed at boosting the region’s livestock sector.
The announcement came after a multi-agency team from the State Departments of Livestock and Housing toured the existing market. The team unveiled plans and discussed the design and construction of a new facility with traders.
The delegation, which included architects and consultants, held interactive sessions with traders who shared their experiences, challenges, and expectations.
The Garissa livestock market, located on the outskirts of the town, is the largest in East and Central Africa. It draws traders from neighbouring Somalia and Kenyan counties including Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, and Tana River.
Stephen Mutuko, a Livestock Production Officer from the State Department of Livestock, said the government is committed to improving the market and rolling out similar facilities nationwide.
“The Principal Secretary sent us to visit this market to understand how it operates, assess the existing structures and explore ways of improving them in order to enhance the livelihoods of livestock keepers and strengthen the entire livestock sector,” Mutuko said.
He explained that Garissa was chosen because of the size and significance of its market.
“This is one of the biggest markets in East and Central Africa. We identified it as a suitable place to begin so that we can learn from it and develop mechanisms for improving this market, with the aim of replicating the same across other counties,” he added.
Triza Okecha, also from the State Department of Livestock, said traders raised concerns over basic amenities.
“They want toilets and water made available at the market. They also spoke about the need for a perimeter wall and new structures where they can rest as they go about their businesses,” she said.
Construction is expected to begin in March and conclude by December, according to KingMwal Mwaluko, an architect and Design Director from the State Department of Housing.
“We are almost concluding the designs for the market. We are working closely with consultants who have analysed the current setup so that we can develop a model livestock yard,” he said.
Mohamed Nunow, chairman of the market, criticised years of neglect.
“This is the biggest market not only in the region but in East and Central Africa. Hundreds of thousands of traders and herders converge here to buy and sell livestock. Millions of shillings are generated in taxes, yet nothing has been done to improve it,” Nunow said.
Livestock traders also called for more government support. Abdikadir Hussein urged the construction of storage facilities and silos and support for fodder farming.
“Drought is here to stay, and livestock production is the main economic activity in this region. The government must support farmers involved in fodder production,” he said.
