About E. Marakwet
Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments in Elgeyo Marakwet
Geography of Elgeyo Marakwet County
Elgeyo Marakwet County as a whole falls into three topographical zones. At the Northern boundary (where the Marakwets live), there is a high altitude region of forest and moorland, the Cherangani mountains; a potential area for forest, pyrethrum, tea, wool sheep, potatoes, dairy cattle, etc. On the Eastern fringe is the Kerio Escarpment and Valley. The Highland plateau rises from an altitude of 2700 meters ASL on the Metkei Ridges, in the south, to 3350 metres ASL on the Cherangani Hills Reserve, in the north. It borders Baringo County on the East, Uasin Gishu on the South, and Trans Nzoia and West Pokot on the North.
Land Use in Elgeyo Marakwet County
Elgeyo Marakwet’s economy and livelihood is centered on agriculture, which is depended upon by over 76% of the County’s rural population in crop farming, livestock production and fisheries. The County has two salient agro-ecological zones at the highlands and lowlands (Escarpment and Kerio Valley) each with a disparate agricultural potential. The area under arable agricultural enterprise accounts for 2171 km2, which constitute 71% area of the county. Agriculture sector employs almost 90% of the County’s work force. The main cash crops cultured in Elgeyo Marakwet County include tea, pyrethrum, maize, and coffee.
Highlights in Elgeyo Marakwet County
The scenic Escarpments and the beautiful Kerio Valley best seen at the highest points over Elgeyo Marakwet are the main attractions. Rimoi National Reserve, located at the centre of Kerio Valley, is another huge tourism potential within the county. The ideal climatic condition and the altitude of the highlands offers exceptional opportunities for sports tourism especially given the fact that local and international athletes train around Iten. There is potential for developing tourism because of the beauty and wildlife around Lake Kamnarok. If there are better communications into the valley it is possible to consider linking up into Western tourist circuit of Kericho, South Nyanza, Kisumu, Kakamega and to the routes of Trans Nzoia, Baringo and Samburu. Hotels and camps are on the rise.
Population in Elgeyo Marakwet County
Keiyo North has the highest population density of 148 persons per km2 while Marakwet East has the lowest with 109 persons per km2. Keiyo South and Marakwet West have 132/km2 and 146/km2. Total population was 370,712 in 2009. The 2012 population projection was 401,989. Population growth rate for the county is 2.7% per annum. The highlands, constituting 49% of the Elgeyo Marakwet County’s area, are densely populated due to its endowment with fertile soils and reliable rainfall. The Escarpment and the Kerio Valley make up 11 percent and 40 percent respectively. Human development indicators show that Elgeyo Marakwet County has 51% of residents living below the poverty line.
Airports in Elgeyo Marakwet County
Elgeyo Marakwet County has 2 non-functioning Airstrips at Tot and Chepsirei.
Roads in Elgeyo Marakwet County
The County currently has a total road network of 1,579.4 kms of which 152 kms (9 %) is bitumen, 996 kms is gravel surface (63%), and 431 kms is earth (27 %).
Climate in Elgeyo Marakwet County
The altitude in Elgeyo Marakwet County varies from 3350 metres above sea level on the Cherangani Hills to around 1000 metres in the Kerio Valley. The temperature varies with altitude, between 18 C and 26 C mean maximum. The Cherangani Hills receive between 1200 mm of rainfall while the plateau records are 1000-1200 mm per annum. The Kerio Valley receives between 800-1000 mm per annum. The rainy season is March to September with maximum in May and August, and minimum in January. Seasonal variation increases in the more arid areas of the valley and reliability decreases. Temperatures in the low-lying valley are relatively high (over 33 C). Evapotranspiration is high in these zones which have long dry periods. January to March are the warmest months.
National Monuments in Elgeyo Marakwet
There are no designated national monuments in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Touring Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya offers a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, it is also home to globally-famous long distance running exports. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the famous Kerio Valley Escarpment or venture into the Cherangani Hills for more challenging hikes.
A Guide to Elgeyo Marakwet County
A Summa Digest of Elgeyo Marakwet
About Elgeyo Marakwet Way Back When
44 Destinations in E. Marakwet County , arranged as one would visit these - west, south then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Home of Champions Art Center, Keiyo Gardens, High Altitude Training Camp , Kamariny Stadium , St. Patrick's High School , Bugar Forest , Iten Viewpoint , Lelin Campsite , Kerio View Hotel , Active Edge , Rimoi National Reserve , Kapkurmoi Cultural & Conservation, Kessup Falls , Kessup Forest , Kilima Resort , Tambach Museum , Kolol Viewpoint , Torok Falls , Biretwo Museum , Kerio River Lodge , Chebloch Gorge , Samich Resort , Kenya Fluorspar Company , Sego Safari Resort , Melwa Gorge , Kerio Valley , Elgeyo (Kerio) Escarpment , Lake Kamnarok National Reserve , Kureswo Hot Springs , Metkei Ridge , Chemonde Forest, Chebirara Falls, Mela Cave , Cherangani Hills , Teren River Bridge , Arror Dam , Chebara Dam , Embobut Forest , Wewo Catholic Church , The Foothills (Kipkunurr & Koisungur) , Kipteberr Hill , Kiplagoch Caves , Ancient Marakwet Furrows
Know More About E. Marakwet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Air Like In Elgeyo M?
With a wide range in altitude, from 3350 metres asl., on the Cherangani Hills to around 1000 metres asl., in the Kerio Valley. the temperature varies with altitude, between 18 o C and 26 o C average maximum.
What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.28?
Elegyo Marakwet can be split into three agro-zones: A high altitude region of forest and moorland; The Cherangani mountains; And the lower set Kerio Escarpment and Valley.
