Abaq
VIP
NFD is the newest of the 5 Somali territories (shanta Soomaaliyeed) and most Somalis have never seen what the cities there look like. If that is you, I give you Garissa, the biggest NFD city. It's a pleasant city on the Tana river (the 3rd permament Somali river) sourrounded by lush farmland irrigated by the river. The locals are hospitable and very cool temperament wise (you'll rarely see an argument or fight ever). The city is exceptionally green with trees planted everywhere (every house has at least 2 o 3 trees planted on its courtyard with the ubiquitous Geed Qareerow aka Geed Hindi aka Neem Tree being the most popular). Being situated along the banks of a river, the climate in Garissa is hot and humid all year round with the Jiilaal (Dec-March) being the hottest season (in most of Somali weyn this season is the coolest but in NFD and Jubbaland this is the hottest due to the equator). In comparison, the Xagaa (June-Aug) season is pleasant with cool temperatures and a lovely breeze for most of the day and some light rainfall most nights. Outside of this season however, there isn't much of a breeze in garissa due to its low elevation as it is by a river. Unfortunately, due to the abundant water, mosquitoes are a menace all year round in Garissa and especially during the wet season.
Being the biggest city between Nairobi and Kismayo, Garissa is a natural transport, business, and logistics hub and is an integral node in the livestock trade of the Greater Jubaland (Waamo) region. It's Wednesday livestock market is apparently the largest in East Africa. Education, both religious and secular, is plentiful and cheap in Garissa and of a high quality for African standards. The fact that most white collar jobs including teaching and lecturing in Somalia and now even DDS are held by graduates from Garissa schools and other NFD schools is testament to the quality of education in the city.
The population is large for Somali standards and fast growing. Challenges in the city include weak local government services and a lack of a master plan. If this is rectified, Garissa could quickly develop into one of the biggest and most economically vibrant cities in the Somali peninsula.
Being the biggest city between Nairobi and Kismayo, Garissa is a natural transport, business, and logistics hub and is an integral node in the livestock trade of the Greater Jubaland (Waamo) region. It's Wednesday livestock market is apparently the largest in East Africa. Education, both religious and secular, is plentiful and cheap in Garissa and of a high quality for African standards. The fact that most white collar jobs including teaching and lecturing in Somalia and now even DDS are held by graduates from Garissa schools and other NFD schools is testament to the quality of education in the city.
The population is large for Somali standards and fast growing. Challenges in the city include weak local government services and a lack of a master plan. If this is rectified, Garissa could quickly develop into one of the biggest and most economically vibrant cities in the Somali peninsula.
