Mandera County

The brief

About Mandera County

Mandera County occupies Kenya's northeastern corner, sharing borders with Ethiopia and Somalia while neighbouring Wajir County. Mandera Town serves as the county headquarters. The county consists mainly of arid plains with seasonal rivers and a hot climate. The population is predominantly Somali, preserving a strong pastoral culture centred on livestock and Islamic traditions. Camels, cattle, goats and sheep dominate the economy alongside cross-border trade with neighbouring countries. Small-scale farming is practiced along river valleys. Mandera has historically been an important meeting point for trade and migration within the Horn of Africa. Recent investments in roads, education, healthcare and water infrastructure continue to strengthen development and regional integration. Mandera Sub-Counties are:

Banisa Kotulo Lafey Mandera Central Mandera East Mandera North Mandera West

Population

867,457

Male (63%)

547,075

Female (62%)

536,365

Area

25,942 km²

Sub-counties

7

Capital

Mandera