Happy TravellerWelcome to Nakuru, a vibrant city located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. As the capital of Nakuru County and the largest urban center in the Rift Valley, Nakuru is a hub of activity and a must-visit destination for any traveler to Kenya. With a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, Nakuru offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, as well as stunning natural beauty and a thriving economy. Join us as we explore all that Nakuru has to offer.
History:
Nakuru has a fascinating history that dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries at the Hyrax Hill reserve. The city was officially founded in 1904 and named after the Maasai-speaking people of Kenya. During the colonial era, Nakuru was established as part of the White highlands and became a municipality in 1952. Today, Nakuru is a hotbed of Kenyan politics and has been home to many prominent politicians over the years.
Geography and Climate:
Nakuru is situated in Nakuru County and lies 1,850 meters above sea level. The city has a temperate climate throughout the year, with temperatures falling significantly at night and during the cold season of June to August. The Nyayo gardens are a popular attraction in Nakuru, located along Kenyatta Avenue.
Economy:
Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are the main drivers of Nakuru’s economy. The area surrounding the city is known for its agricultural uses, with crops such as coffee, wheat, barley, maize, beans, and potatoes grown in abundance. These crops provide the primary raw material for the manufacturing industries found in Nakuru and Nairobi, such as flour milling and grain ginneries. Dairy farming is also a key economic activity in Nakuru, with numerous milk processing plants located around the city. Nakuru is home to many manufacturing industries, including the Menengai soap factory, Car and General motorcycle plant, Eveready battery plant, and Fertiplant East Africa. The city is also a center for various retail businesses that provide goods and services to the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
Education and Healthcare:
Nakuru is an important educational center, home to Egerton University, Kabarak University, Mount Kenya University, University of Nairobi, and Kenyatta University. The city also has numerous public and private secondary schools and a public library run by the Kenya National Library Service. Nakuru hospital is one of the largest in the county and is home to the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital.
Transportation:
Nakuru is easily accessible by air, with the Lanet Airstrip and Kabarak Airstrip located nearby. The city is also well-connected by road, with the Eldoret-Nairobi highway passing through the city and the Dondori road C86 linking the city to central Kenya. The Rift Valley Railways narrow gauge track runs through the city, connecting it to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. The government is currently extending the newer standard gauge railway from Nairobi to Nakuru and further on to Kisumu, with a brand new station planned for the city.
Tourism:
Nakuru is a popular tourist destination, thanks in large part to Lake Nakuru National Park. Located just two kilometers north of the city, Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes and is internationally known for its dense flamingo population. The park is also home to over 450 species of birds and 56 mammal species, including Rothchilds giraffes. Other popular attractions in Nakuru include Menengai Crater, a dormant volcano, and the Hyrax Hill prehistoric site. Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo are also easily accessible from Nakuru and are major tourist attractions in their own right.
Culture and Contemporary Life:
The food culture of Nakuru includes a variety of local and international cuisines, and the city is home to many sporting activities, including football, cricket, and rugby. Afraha Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Nakuru and is the home stadium of Nakuru AllStars and Ulinzi Stars. The city also hosts an annual rugby festival, The Great Rift 10-a-side, and is one of six cities to host a leg of the national rugby sevens circuit. Nakuru is a melting pot of cultures and is populated by people from many regions of the world, including a sizable population of Kenyans of Indian origin.
Come and experience all that Nakuru has to offer. From its rich history and stunning natural beauty to its thriving economy and vibrant culture, Nakuru is a city that truly has something for everyone.
