Garissa leaders warn poaching, foreign travel advisories threaten tourism
Garissa is ranked fourth nationally in terms of wildlife populations, including the endangered Hirola gazelle and the Somali reticulated giraffe. Yet, the governor noted that national investment in wildlife conservation in the region has been minimal.
Leaders and conservation stakeholders in Garissa have sounded the alarm over escalating poaching cases, foreign travel advisories and a glaring absence of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel, warning that these issues threaten to cripple the region’s budding tourism sector.
Speaking during World Tourism Day celebrations at the Bouralgy Giraffe Centre in Garissa Township Sub-County, Governor Nathif Jama said poaching incidents are on the rise, largely due to a lack of adequate wildlife protection infrastructure.
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“It is shocking that we only have one under-resourced KWS station in Garissa Town. None of our 10 sub-counties has a single KWS officer. Who is protecting our wildlife — some of which are critically endangered?” posed Governor Nathif.
Garissa is ranked fourth nationally in terms of wildlife populations, including the endangered Hirola gazelle and the Somali reticulated giraffe. Yet, the governor noted that national investment in wildlife conservation in the region has been minimal.
“As a county, we are only supporting unarmed community scouts. How do you expect them to confront armed poachers? The national government must act,” he said.
World Tourism Day celebrations at the Bouralgy Giraffe Centre in Garissa Township Sub-County. (Issa Hussein)
Governor Nathif also criticised frequent security advisories issued by foreign governments, which he said paint an unfair picture of the county.
“These travel warnings are based on isolated incidents near border areas, but they are used to scare away tourists and investors. We cannot allow this narrative to continue,” he added.
He called on the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to prioritise North Eastern Kenya by reviving gazetted game reserves such as Rahole, Boni, Arawale and Malka Mari — currently neglected despite their ecological and tourism potential.
During the event, Governor Nathif launched the Lagdera Wildlife Conservancy, donated motorcycles to scouts for improved patrols and issued appreciation certificates to active community conservancies.
He also announced plans to fast-track the Garissa Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Poaching Bill.
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan Mwabudzo warned poachers, particularly those operating from refugee camps, that the government is tightening surveillance.
“Anyone caught poaching will face the full force of the law. We urge community conservancies to work closely with security officers and report any threats promptly,” he said.
Mohamed also called for an end to communal land conflicts, saying insecurity hinders development and tourism growth.
“We must create a safe, stable Garissa County that attracts tourists, investors and preserves our natural heritage,” he urged.
Garissa residents during the World Tourism Day celebrations at the Bouralgy Giraffe Centre in Garissa Township Sub-County. (Issa Hussein)
On the refugee situation, he invited willing residents of the Dadaab camps to voluntarily repatriate, noting that conditions in the camps have worsened due to reduced donor funding.
“It is unusual for someone to remain in refugee status for over 35 years, especially when peace has returned to their home regions,” he noted.
Sharmarke Mohamed, CEO of the North Eastern Conservancies Association (NECA), also warned of growing threats from poachers who sell illegal bushmeat in refugee camps and urban markets.
“The Somali reticulated giraffe population is declining fast. We have seen a spike in poaching cases, especially now as food rations in the camps are reduced,” said Sharmarke.
He also raised concerns over an outbreak of anthrax among wildlife, warning that those consuming game meat risk contracting deadly zoonotic diseases.
“There is a public health threat that cannot be ignored. Poaching is no longer just a conservation issue; it is a community health emergency,” he said.
Garissa’s Senior KWS Warden Jacob Orahle said poachers will face prosecution and called for unity in safeguarding wildlife.
“Wildlife conservation is a collective responsibility. We cannot allow poaching to go unchecked,” Orahle stated.
Other speakers included County Executive for Water, Environment and Climate Change Ahmed Mohamed, Wildlife Chief Officer Rtd Captain Abdirahman Abdullahi, Wildlife Director Hut Rashid and Garissa Eco-Tourism Association Chairman Abdi Ibrahim.
Garissa County is home to several endangered species, including the Hirola gazelle, Tana mangabey, red colobus monkeys and the rare Sokoke pipit bird.
To boost tourism, the county is constructing a multi-million-shilling Giraffe Resort, upgrading its airstrip to an airport and has proposed building a regional museum.
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