The Home of Champions
A Summa Digest of Elgeyo Marakwet
Located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, bordering Baringo on the east, Uasin Gishu on the south and Trans Nzoia and West Pokot on the north, the long narrow county of Elgeyo Marakwet takes after the character of its neighbours, known for stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations. Covering 3029km2, the dramatic landscape of Elgeyo Marakwet County is split into two distinct ecologies, the highland and the lowland, creating a picturesque and stunning touring circuit.
Furthermore, the county is loosely delineated by the Uasin Gishu plateau in the west, and the Kerio River, along the Rift Valley, in the east. The spectacular Elgeyo Escarpment aptly divides the cool, evergreen highland with the dry lowland. The Cherangani Hills, an extension of the Rift Valley, dominates much of the northern region. This offers an impressive hillscape for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Even without the possibility of seeing game, and there is plenty around the county, the view of the escarpment and the valley provide an apt attraction. From the exemplar Iten Viewpoint, also known as Kerio Viewpoint, regarded as the universal welcome to Elgeyo Marakwet County, the drive from here takes to the spectacular winding road down the escarpment, to Kerio Valley.
Driving down this heart-stopping and meandering descent, one looses 1,000 ft of altitude in just 5 km, with the temperature rising from 23 C at the highland to about 32 C on the lowland. For many years now, there has been potential for developing a top-tier circuit because of the scenic beauty and wildlife around the Lake Kamnarok. Thanks to improvement of better communications into the valley it is now possible to linking up into Western circuit of Kericho, South Nyanza, Kisumu, Kakamega and to the inner circuit of Trans-Nzoia, Baringo, Samburu.
On top of that, there’s also the kindred spirit of long distance running in Elgeyo Marakwet County that is almost palpable in the air. The world champions train in the highland region. This is the playland of long-distance running. And it has consummate flair considering two out of every three titlist long-distance runners in Kenya have their roots in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Put differently, this region has produced about 62% of all the long-distance world champions.
A record breaking triumph from a community that accounts for 0.0004% of the world’s population! Kamariny Stadium is a typical case. In 2019 Iten was elevated by IAAF to the status of global heritage location. The county is home to various ethnic groups, primarily of the Elgeyo and Marakwet, each with its unique cultural practices and traditions. The latter communities have rich agrarian traditions and are known for their prowess in athletics, especially in long-distance running.
The high potential land is mostly in the escarpment and on the plateau zone in the highlands. For millennia, farming has been the mainstay of the communities living here. Contrariwise, for drier parts lower in the valley, where conditions are not as favourable, pastoralism has been favourable. Temperature around Elgeyo Maraket County ranges from 17C to 35C. The big range being on account of its geography.
The coldest area is Marakwet East, with a temperature range of 7°C– 10.9°C. This is followed by Kaptagat area, which is less cold with a temperature range of 11°C – 15.9°C. Kamworor area follows with a moderate temperature range of 16°C – 19.9°C, when compared to Kaptagat and Marakwet East. The warmer areas are found in Biretwo, with a temperature range of 20°C – 25° C; while Tot, in the northern parched region, is the hottest region with temperatures exceeding 25° C.
Salient Features of Elgeyo Marakwet County
- County Number 28
- Area – 3029 km2
- Altitude – 1000 to 3350 ms
- Major Towns – Iten, Kapsowar, Chepkorio
- Borders – West Pokot, Baringo, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu
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.
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Explore Destinations in Elgeyo Marakwet County
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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
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 18oC and 26oC average maximum.
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.