Banisa residents on November 26, 2025. Many people who travelled to take part in the November 27 by-elections could not find accommodation
Banisa town in Mandera County faced an unusual challenge last week as voters from far-flung areas struggled to find accommodation ahead of the parliamentary by-election.
Many were forced to spend the night in churches, police stations or even at polling centres due to the town’s limited lodging facilities. Residents and natives from as far as Busia and the interior parts of Mandera returned home to pick a new MP after the death of Kullow Maalim Hassan in March 2023.
The influx saw guest houses and other facilities filled, forcing many to rely on relatives and friends for shelter.
Voters at Banisa Primary Polling Station during a parliamentary by-election on November 27, 2025.
“I came from Lulis and spent the night at Banisa Primary School because that is where I am registered to vote. I could not find a room in town, so we bought a mattress and slept here,” said Harun Abdullahi.
Journalists covering the by-election faced similar difficulties. The Nation Media Group team, after travelling more than 1,000 kilometres from Nairobi, had to spend the nights in a local church—Pastor Ambrose Songa of Banisa International Church accommodated them.
“This pastor and his church should be abundantly blessed. Without him, we could not have even found water to wash after the dusty road trip,” said Martin Mwaura, an NTV cameraman. The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation team found accommodation at the Banisa Police Station.
Many registered voters who had moved away in search of work, education, or better opportunities came back to make their voices heard.
“All our guest houses were full. Others were accommodated by relatives and friends because they wanted to vote,” said Mr Abdi Ibrahim, a resident.
The surge highlighted Banisa’s limited infrastructure. Water scarcity is a persistent problem, and the town relies on a small water pan that is now at risk of drying up amid worsening drought conditions.
“This by-election has brought politics to Banisa earlier than usual. Many of our people living far away were forced to come back to vote for their candidate of choice,” said Hassan Adan, a resident of Banisa town.
But the influx was also seen as a silver lining by some.
“Having these people back home means more money in our pockets and a chance to share our struggles with them. We hope politicians understand this and fulfil their promises for a better life,” said Ms Faryhia Adan.
Residents went to the polls last Thursday and elected Ahmed Maalim Hassan as their MP. Many voiced hope that the MP would push for the town’s development, including a reliable water supply and improved infrastructure.
Banissa MP-elect Ahmed Maalim Hassan of UDA.
Locals noted that Banisa’s lack of banks, limited hotels and guest houses, and sparse infrastructure make it difficult for returning residents and visitors during such events.
“Banisa must be developed into a town and not remain a village. Many wealthy sons and daughters from this town have chosen to invest elsewhere because infrastructure here is lacking,” said Mr Mohamed Yussuf.
Despite its growth, the town still struggles with basic needs. The dusty roads, limited water supply and insufficient accommodation facilities remain key challenges.
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