Demographics

As of  January 2022, the demographics of Garissa County were as follows;

Population: Garissa County had a population of approximately 800,000 people in 2019. The population is predominantly composed of various Somali ethnic groups.

Ethnic Groups: The majority of the population in Garissa County is of Somali ethnic background. This includes subgroups like the Ogaden, Ajuran, Degodia, and others. There are also smaller populations of other ethnic groups.

Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Garissa County, with the vast majority of the population being Muslim.

Languages: The Somali language, particularly the various dialects of the Somali language, is widely spoken. Additionally, Swahili and English are used for administrative and business purposes.

Urbanization: The county’s population is primarily rural, with a smaller urban population residing in towns like Garissa (the county headquarters), Dadaab, and Hulugho.

Economic Activities: The economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock farming, and trade. Many residents in rural areas engage in pastoralism, while those in towns are involved in trade and commerce.

Education: Access to education has been a significant challenge in Garissa County, particularly in rural areas. Efforts have been made to improve educational infrastructure and opportunities for the local population.