GARISSA COUNTY NEWS ROUNDUP – MAY 10, 2025:

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1. Police Officers Survive IED Attack in Daadab: Security Heightened


Security tensions in Garissa County escalated this week after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated under a police vehicle in Daadab, narrowly missing three officers who were on routine patrol. The explosion caused significant damage to the vehicle and left two nearby civilians injured by flying debris. The incident, suspected to be the work of terror operatives who have infiltrated the region through the porous Kenya-Somalia border, prompted immediate deployment of specialized anti-terror units.


County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo reassured the public that the government is in control and is working round the clock to secure the area. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration in providing intelligence to security agencies. The incident has sparked fear among residents, particularly in Ifo and Hagadera areas, where previous attacks have occurred. Local leaders have appealed to the national government to enhance border patrols and increase investment in intelligence gathering and surveillance technologies.


2. Governor Nathif Jama Raises Alarm Over Rising Tana River Waters


Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has issued a stern warning about the potential threat of flooding due to the swelling of the Tana River. The governor highlighted that although Garissa itself has not experienced significant rainfall, heavy rains in the upstream regions and discharge from hydroelectric dams have significantly raised the river’s water levels. The situation is particularly critical in Balambala, Madogo, and Mororo, where farmland and homes are dangerously close to being submerged.


Governor Jama has urged national emergency response agencies to act swiftly to prevent disaster. He is calling for the provision of food, non-food items, and temporary shelter for at-risk communities. The County Disaster Management Unit is on high alert and has already identified evacuation centers. Residents in flood-prone zones have been advised to move to higher ground as a precaution. The governor also emphasized the need for long-term flood mitigation projects, including dykes and early warning systems.


3. Environmental Campaign Intensifies: Crackdown on Charcoal Burning and Logging


The Garissa County government has intensified efforts to combat environmental degradation caused by illegal charcoal burning and deforestation. During this year’s International Day of Forests celebrations, County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo condemned individuals and cartels involved in the destruction of forests for commercial purposes. He stated that these practices have led to severe environmental impacts, including desertification, loss of biodiversity, and extreme weather events.


The celebrations included the planting of over 2,000 tree seedlings across public institutions, including schools, police stations, and mosques. Community elders, youth groups, and women’s associations actively participated in the event. The county’s Department of Environment has also launched a public education campaign to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation and climate change adaptation.


Furthermore, surveillance has been tightened in areas known for illegal logging, especially in Balambala and Fafi sub-counties. The government is working closely with the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kenya Forest Service to enforce strict penalties on offenders and promote sustainable energy alternatives such as biogas and solar cookers.


4. Livestock Vaccination Drive Launched to Protect Over 600,000 Animals


The Garissa County Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has kicked off a ten-day mass vaccination campaign aimed at protecting over 600,000 livestock in Dadaab and Fafi sub-counties. This initiative is intended to safeguard the region's economic backbone — pastoralism — by immunizing animals against deadly diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and peste des petits ruminants (PPR).


Veterinary teams have been deployed across rural villages with mobile units and cold-chain equipment to ensure vaccines reach even the most remote areas. The initiative is being supported by development partners, including international NGOs and donor agencies focused on food security and resilience in arid and semi-arid lands.


Local pastoralists have expressed their gratitude, noting that healthy animals are critical for their livelihoods, especially in a region frequently affected by drought and conflict. The county government has pledged to sustain the program by training community-based animal health workers and increasing funding for livestock health services.


5. Labour Court Issues Verdict in Garissa Public Service Case


In a significant ruling that has implications for county-level governance, the Employment and Labour Relations Court has delivered its verdict in a case involving the Garissa County Public Service Board and a former employee. The court found procedural flaws in how the employee was terminated and emphasized the importance of following fair administrative and legal processes in public employment matters.


The case, which had drawn attention from civil society groups and workers' unions, has been described as a wake-up call for devolved governments to prioritize good governance, transparency, and accountability in human resource management. The ruling underscores the need for counties to adhere to the Constitution and labor laws when hiring, promoting, or dismissing staff.


Observers note that the decision could lead to policy reforms within Garissa County’s public service sector and inspire whistleblowers to report malpractice. County executives are expected to hold consultations on strengthening their HR departments and introducing regular audits to ensure compliance with employment standards.

Conclusion:


The week’s developments in Garissa County paint a picture of a region grappling with both urgent challenges and promising efforts. From security operations and flood threats to environmental conservation and livestock protection, the County Government and residents are actively engaging in solutions that matter. The news also reflects the evolving dynamics of governance and justice in the region, pointing toward a more responsive and resilient future.






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