Elders from Garissa County have petitioned the county assembly to rename key streets after prominent local leaders, cultural icons and other distinguished figures, in an effort to honour their legacy and improve urban planning.
The group, led by Kenya Livestock Marketing Council chairman Dubat Amey and Mzee Maina Githongori, said the move would help preserve heritage, enhance navigation and promote a sense of civic pride. They called for the adoption of a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS) to map roads, install durable street signage and chart key landmarks throughout Garissa and its surrounding suburbs.
Amey said naming streets after Garissa’s trailblazers is long overdue, arguing that it would not only strengthen national identity and unity but also ensure that the contributions of past generations are remembered.
“We want our children to walk on streets named after those who contributed so much to society. This is a cultural reclamation of our space and history,” he said.
Maina added that many residents still struggle to give directions due to the absence of signage, underlining the importance of modern GIS-based mapping to improve mobility and service delivery.
The petition, submitted to county assembly clerk Mohamud Santur, was presented in the presence of Deputy Speaker and Iftin MCA Mustafa Abdirashid. The elders also proposed permanent signage on major roads and public institutions to facilitate emergency response and help new residents and service providers navigate the area with ease.
Abdirashid welcomed the initiative, praising the elders for their wisdom and commitment to community. He said the committees on lands, housing, physical planning, urban development and public works would review the petition and consult with the executive to determine the next steps.
“This is more than renaming streets. It’s about identity, legacy and respect. Our streets must reflect the spirit of our people,” he said.
Santur commended the elders for contributing to the county’s historical record and urged them to ensure those recommended for commemoration reflect the diversity of Garissa’s communities.
Several MCAs were present during the petition’s handover, including Mahat Abdikadir (Madogashe), Abdirahman Muktar (Ijara), Abdirahman Mohamed (Sankuri), Abdiweli Aden (Saka), Idris Ismail (Danyere) and nominated MCA Fatuma Adan. Other elders in attendance included Ali Said, Khadija Ibrahim, Abdi Sheikh Hassan and Samuel Kariuki.
If adopted, the initiative would represent a significant step in Garissa’s cultural renewal, embedding the names and legacies of its most respected citizens into the fabric of daily life.