Nakuru County Council
Encyclopedia
Nakuru County Council is one of the largest counties
in the Republic of Kenya
, East Africa
. It is home to a population of around 1,6 million, living on some 5,000 square kilometers in the central part of the country. The Nakuru area has a rich and fascinating history, with human settlements dating back more than 3,000 years. The population is very diverse, with residents that have migratory background from different parts of the country. According to 2002 government statistics, on a population total of 1,312,555, the youth population up to age 25 years was 56%. The percentage of pre-primary and primary school going age residents was 31%, and the County’s total labour force population (age 15-64) was 54%. The population growth rate is 3.4%.
The rural population is estimated to be 65%, with the remaining 35% living in towns and villages of 2,000 inhabitants and over. The County has nine towns with a population of over 2,000 people. There are about 400,000 households, 25% of which are female headed. The number of disabled is 3% and the absolute poverty in the rural areas is 45% and in the urban areas 41%.
and became a centre of trade and industrial activity.
The County Council of Nakuru was established in 1974 as one of the Local authorities of Kenya
charged with the responsibility of providing social services to its residents. The administrative set-up follows an organization of local authorities suitable for a developing country like Kenya, with 50 elected Councillors representing 50 wards and 19 nominated Councillors. The Council Chairman is Councillor John Murigu Kamau and the Vice Chairman is Councillor Wilfred Kipyegon R. Kirui (following 2009 elections). The County has in its jurisdiction sizeable towns, including Gilgil where a strategic telecommunication equipment factory is situated, and Subukia in the valley between Nakuru and Nyeri towns. One of the largest volcanic craters in the world is located here: Menengai Crater with a diameter of 12 km.
At the time of Independence in 1963, it was realized that building a County Hall with offices was essential for a more economic and effective control of the new administrative and technical organization. It was estimated that the new County Hall would cost £50,000, inclusive of the Council Chamber. Plans were approved and realized, and the County Hall was officially opened on 23 October 1967 by the First President of Kenya, His Excellency Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. The County Council of the Central Rift comprised two administrative districts, namely Nakuru
and Baringo District
s. The Council had under its administration the Area Councils of Naivasha
, Nakuru
, Molo
, Londiani
, North Baringo and South Baringo. This vast area covered seven thousand square miles with a population of about four hundred thousand people of different ethnic groups and diverse ways of life. This was under the regional (Majimbo
) system of government.
The Council of the Central Rift was disbanded in 1974 and the County Council of Nakuru as we know it today was formed. This comprised only the Naivasha and Nakuru areas. The boundaries were established at Mau Summit, Olenguruone, Kiptunga, Tipis, Lengatua, Ole-Kurto, Maiela, Milili, Suswa
, Kijabe
(bordering Kiambu
), Keriton Hill (bordering Nyandarua), National Youth Service Karunga Hill (Gilgil
), Gitare Centre, Kariandusi
, Kasambara, Ngorika, Dundori Centre, Equator (next to Laikipia), Mbogoine, Lower Solai
, Kisanana, Mogotio
(Molo River boundary), Makutano
, and Ndoinet.
, Molo, Rongai
, Olenguruone, Nakuru Municipality, Gilgil and Mbogo-ini Divisions. There are three canning factories: Kokoto, Njoro Canners and Kabazi Canners. Tea production is carried out in Olenguruone, Keringet
and Bahati Divisions. The parastatal company Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA http://www.ktdateas.com/) only takes tea from Olenguruone and Keringet. The processing of small-holder tea together with that from Nyayo Tea Zone is carried out in Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd. In Bahati Division are three large scale tea dams Beres, Ceres and Kinoru. The rest of tea farming is under small-holders in Kengero, Maombi and Munanda. Other cash crops include flowers, wheat, barley and pyrethrum. Most of all the barley needed for beer production is grown around Molo and Mau Narok
. It is processed in Molo Town, where Kenya Malting Ltd has a factory and depots. This company also runs an extension scheme for its farmers under contract. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide and the County is one of the most important production areas in the world. Most wheats are varieties of Mexican origin, due to climatic similarities between Mexico and Kenya. The total acreage under food crops is 130,000. The total acreage under cash crops 23,000. The main storage facilities include the National Cereals Produce Boards’ stores and silos with a combined capacity of over 220,000 tonnes. Nakuru County has become one of the bread-baskets of the country.
There is much economic activity in other sectors than agriculture. The County boasts 146 industrial plants and over 5,200 informal sector enterprises. Banks and financial institution include eight commercial banks with branches spread out across the County, as well as branches of seven nation-wide micro-finance institutions. There are over 150 savings and credit co-operative organizations, popularly known as SACCO
s, with a combined membership of 50,000 households.
One of the fastest growing activities is horticulture, especially flower farming. Kenya has proven to be a very competitive exporter of cut-flowers. New farms continue to be established, each one of them easily providing direct employment to 250 to 1,000 people. The most common livestock kept in the large-scale commercial farms are dairy and beef cattle, goat and sheep, with milk, meat, hide and skin, wool and mutton as their main products. The diversity and success of agriculture in the County is underscored by the presence of even horse-breeding, at Suswa Farm in Njoro Division. The majority of the large commercial farms are found around Naivasha, Molo, Rongai, Bahati and Njoro Divisions. The dairy industry is also well developed. An increasing number of farmer households is entering the dairy business, knowing that this can bring financial stability. Many small-holders are organized in cooperative societies. Large dairy processing plants are nearby in Nakuru Town and even export-grade cheese is being made by several firms in the area.
Fishing is practiced in Lake Naivasha
, a fresh-water lake of 145 km2. There are three landing beaches and over one hundred boats. Fishing is regulated to ensure sustainability. The population of fish farmers with fish ponds is around 100. These ponds are concentrated in Mbogoini, Bahati and Njoro Divisions. The main species of fish catch are Tilapia
varieties, Oreochromis, salmoides and procambarus.
The County Council of Nakuru is among the first rural administrative areas in Kenya to embark on an Information and Communication Technology strategy. The County was a champion in the "ICT in Local Government"http://www.ecouncil.or.ke/ campaign (2009).
County
A county is a jurisdiction of local government in certain modern nations. Historically in mainland Europe, the original French term, comté, and its equivalents in other languages denoted a jurisdiction under the sovereignty of a count A county is a jurisdiction of local government in certain...
in the Republic of Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, East Africa
East Africa
East Africa or Eastern Africa is the easterly region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. In the UN scheme of geographic regions, 19 territories constitute Eastern Africa:...
. It is home to a population of around 1,6 million, living on some 5,000 square kilometers in the central part of the country. The Nakuru area has a rich and fascinating history, with human settlements dating back more than 3,000 years. The population is very diverse, with residents that have migratory background from different parts of the country. According to 2002 government statistics, on a population total of 1,312,555, the youth population up to age 25 years was 56%. The percentage of pre-primary and primary school going age residents was 31%, and the County’s total labour force population (age 15-64) was 54%. The population growth rate is 3.4%.
The rural population is estimated to be 65%, with the remaining 35% living in towns and villages of 2,000 inhabitants and over. The County has nine towns with a population of over 2,000 people. There are about 400,000 households, 25% of which are female headed. The number of disabled is 3% and the absolute poverty in the rural areas is 45% and in the urban areas 41%.
History
Nakuru County is the home of pre-historic mankind since a million years. Some 3,500 years ago at five kilometers from what is now Nakuru Town, was a village of about 1,000 people and semi-permanent homes. In the colonial days, the area attracted white settlers who successfully began to exploit its agricultural potential. Nakuru was linked to the Uganda railwayUganda Railway
The Uganda Railway is a railway system and former railway company linking the interiors of Uganda and Kenya with the Indian Ocean at Mombasa in Kenya.-Origins:...
and became a centre of trade and industrial activity.
The County Council of Nakuru was established in 1974 as one of the Local authorities of Kenya
Local authorities of Kenya
Local authorities in Kenya are the bodies controlling local governance in Kenya.Kenya has four classes of local authorities: City, Municipality, Town and County council. Currently there are three authorities with city status: Nairobi, the national capital, Mombasa and Kisumu...
charged with the responsibility of providing social services to its residents. The administrative set-up follows an organization of local authorities suitable for a developing country like Kenya, with 50 elected Councillors representing 50 wards and 19 nominated Councillors. The Council Chairman is Councillor John Murigu Kamau and the Vice Chairman is Councillor Wilfred Kipyegon R. Kirui (following 2009 elections). The County has in its jurisdiction sizeable towns, including Gilgil where a strategic telecommunication equipment factory is situated, and Subukia in the valley between Nakuru and Nyeri towns. One of the largest volcanic craters in the world is located here: Menengai Crater with a diameter of 12 km.
At the time of Independence in 1963, it was realized that building a County Hall with offices was essential for a more economic and effective control of the new administrative and technical organization. It was estimated that the new County Hall would cost £50,000, inclusive of the Council Chamber. Plans were approved and realized, and the County Hall was officially opened on 23 October 1967 by the First President of Kenya, His Excellency Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. The County Council of the Central Rift comprised two administrative districts, namely Nakuru
Nakuru District
Nakuru District is a district in the Rift Valley Province, Kenya. The district capital is Nakuru. With a population of 1,187,039 , it is the second largest district in Kenya after Nairobi. Nakuru District has an area of 7,242 km²....
and Baringo District
Baringo District
Baringo District is an administrative district in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. Its capital town is Kabarnet. The district has a population of 264,978 and an area of 8,646 km² ....
s. The Council had under its administration the Area Councils of Naivasha
Naivasha
Naivasha is a market town in Rift Valley Province, Kenya, lying north west of Nairobi. It is located on the shore of Lake Naivasha and along the Nairobi - Nakuru highway and Uganda Railway.Naivasha is part of the Nakuru District...
, Nakuru
Nakuru
Nakuru, the provincial capital of Kenya's Rift Valley province, with roughly 300,000 inhabitants, and currently the fourth largest urban centre in the country, lies about 1850 m above sea level...
, Molo
Molo, Kenya
Molo is a town in western Kenya. It is served by a branch of Kenya Railways, formerly the Uganda Railway, East African Railways Corporation until 1977. Molo hosts a town council and an administrative division in the Nakuru District of Rift Valley Province...
, Londiani
Londiani
Londiani is a town in western Kenya. Londiani hosts a town council and an administrative division in the Kipkelion District of Rift Valley Province. Londiani has an urban population of 4,000 and a total population of 37,538 .- External links :...
, North Baringo and South Baringo. This vast area covered seven thousand square miles with a population of about four hundred thousand people of different ethnic groups and diverse ways of life. This was under the regional (Majimbo
Majimbo
Majimbo is a Swahili term that is commonly used in Kenya to refer to the idea of political devolution of power to the country's regions...
) system of government.
The Council of the Central Rift was disbanded in 1974 and the County Council of Nakuru as we know it today was formed. This comprised only the Naivasha and Nakuru areas. The boundaries were established at Mau Summit, Olenguruone, Kiptunga, Tipis, Lengatua, Ole-Kurto, Maiela, Milili, Suswa
Suswa
Suswa is a shield volcano in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya. It is located between Narok and Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.Suswa has a unique double crater with a moat-like inner crater surrounding a tilted block of rock...
, Kijabe
Kijabe
Kijabe is a town in Kenya. Its name is Maasai for "Place of the Wind". It stands on the edge of the Great Rift Valley at an altitude of 2200m, some 50 kilometres north-west of Nairobi. Kijabe is located in the Lari division of Kiambu District. Kijabe has a population 17,334 . Kijabe has a railway...
(bordering Kiambu
Kiambu
Kiambu is a town in Central Province, Kenya. It is located at around , in the elevation of about 1,720 m. It has an urban population of 13,814. It is the capital of the Kiambu District, which bounds the northern border of Nairobi...
), Keriton Hill (bordering Nyandarua), National Youth Service Karunga Hill (Gilgil
Gilgil
Gilgil, Kenya is a town in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The town is located between Naivasha and Nakuru and along the Nairobi - Nakuru highway. Gilgil has a population of 18,805 . Gilgil is also the centre of the Gilgil division in Nakuru District.- History :During the 1920s - 1940s, some...
), Gitare Centre, Kariandusi
Kariandusi
Kariandus is a settlement in Kenya's Rift Valley Province....
, Kasambara, Ngorika, Dundori Centre, Equator (next to Laikipia), Mbogoine, Lower Solai
Solai
Solai is a town in Nakuru District, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. It is located about thirty kilometers north of the district capital, Nakuru.Administratively, Solai is a location in Bahati division of Nakuru District. Solai location has a population of 35,949...
, Kisanana, Mogotio
Mogotio
Mogotio is a settlement in Kenya's Rift Valley Province....
(Molo River boundary), Makutano
Makutano
Makutano is a settlement in Kenya's Rift Valley Province....
, and Ndoinet.
Economy
Everywhere in Nakuru County is agricultural activity. Agriculture contributes 48% of income. Rural self-employment contributes 8%, wage employment 19%, urban self employment 23% and other sectors 2%. The number of unemployed in 2002 was 294,195 (15%). Average farm size (small scale) is 2.5 acres (10,117.2 m²) while average farm size (large scale) is 1100 acres (4.5 km²). The main food crops produced include maize, beans, Irish potatoes and wheat. The types of fruits and vegetables grown are tomatoes, peas, carrots, onions, French beans, citrus, peaches, apples, cabbages, strawberries, asparagus and leeks. Most of these are grown in Bahati, NjoroNjoro
Njoro is an agricultural town 18 km west south west of Nakuru, Kenya. Njoro is the divisional headquarters of Njoro Division of Nakuru District. It houses the divisional headquarters of the provincial administration and the police.- Brief history :...
, Molo, Rongai
Rongai
Rongai is a town in Nakuru District, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. It lies 30 km west of Nakuru, along the A104 Road and the railway line between Nakuru and Uganda. It is about 10 kilometres north of Elburgon and 15 kilometres east of Molo . The town lies 1912 m above sea level and has a...
, Olenguruone, Nakuru Municipality, Gilgil and Mbogo-ini Divisions. There are three canning factories: Kokoto, Njoro Canners and Kabazi Canners. Tea production is carried out in Olenguruone, Keringet
Keringet
Keringet is a settlement in Kenya's Rift Valley Province....
and Bahati Divisions. The parastatal company Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA http://www.ktdateas.com/) only takes tea from Olenguruone and Keringet. The processing of small-holder tea together with that from Nyayo Tea Zone is carried out in Kiptagich Tea Factory Company Ltd. In Bahati Division are three large scale tea dams Beres, Ceres and Kinoru. The rest of tea farming is under small-holders in Kengero, Maombi and Munanda. Other cash crops include flowers, wheat, barley and pyrethrum. Most of all the barley needed for beer production is grown around Molo and Mau Narok
Mau Narok
Mau Narok is a settlement in Kenya's Rift Valley Province....
. It is processed in Molo Town, where Kenya Malting Ltd has a factory and depots. This company also runs an extension scheme for its farmers under contract. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide and the County is one of the most important production areas in the world. Most wheats are varieties of Mexican origin, due to climatic similarities between Mexico and Kenya. The total acreage under food crops is 130,000. The total acreage under cash crops 23,000. The main storage facilities include the National Cereals Produce Boards’ stores and silos with a combined capacity of over 220,000 tonnes. Nakuru County has become one of the bread-baskets of the country.
There is much economic activity in other sectors than agriculture. The County boasts 146 industrial plants and over 5,200 informal sector enterprises. Banks and financial institution include eight commercial banks with branches spread out across the County, as well as branches of seven nation-wide micro-finance institutions. There are over 150 savings and credit co-operative organizations, popularly known as SACCO
Sacco
Sacco is a town and comune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of south-western Italy.-Overview:Sacco is known as La Città della Buona Fortuna , because many of its inhabitants have gone on to accomplish many great things...
s, with a combined membership of 50,000 households.
One of the fastest growing activities is horticulture, especially flower farming. Kenya has proven to be a very competitive exporter of cut-flowers. New farms continue to be established, each one of them easily providing direct employment to 250 to 1,000 people. The most common livestock kept in the large-scale commercial farms are dairy and beef cattle, goat and sheep, with milk, meat, hide and skin, wool and mutton as their main products. The diversity and success of agriculture in the County is underscored by the presence of even horse-breeding, at Suswa Farm in Njoro Division. The majority of the large commercial farms are found around Naivasha, Molo, Rongai, Bahati and Njoro Divisions. The dairy industry is also well developed. An increasing number of farmer households is entering the dairy business, knowing that this can bring financial stability. Many small-holders are organized in cooperative societies. Large dairy processing plants are nearby in Nakuru Town and even export-grade cheese is being made by several firms in the area.
Fishing is practiced in Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, lying north west of Nairobi, outside the town of Naivasha. It is part of the Great Rift Valley. The name derives from the local Maasai name Nai'posha, meaning "rough water" because of the sudden storms which can arise...
, a fresh-water lake of 145 km2. There are three landing beaches and over one hundred boats. Fishing is regulated to ensure sustainability. The population of fish farmers with fish ponds is around 100. These ponds are concentrated in Mbogoini, Bahati and Njoro Divisions. The main species of fish catch are Tilapia
Tilapia
Tilapia , is the common name for nearly a hundred species of cichlid fish from the tilapiine cichlid tribe. Tilapia inhabit a variety of fresh water habitats, including shallow streams, ponds, rivers and lakes. Historically, they have been of major importance in artisan fishing in Africa and the...
varieties, Oreochromis, salmoides and procambarus.
The County Council of Nakuru is among the first rural administrative areas in Kenya to embark on an Information and Communication Technology strategy. The County was a champion in the "ICT in Local Government"http://www.ecouncil.or.ke/ campaign (2009).