55-656: Saiwa Swamp National Park is located near Kitale , in Trans-Nzoia County, Rift Valley Province , Kenya . It is the smallest national park in Kenya, only 3 km, and was created as a habitat for the Sitatunga , a rare aquatic antelope . There is a variety of wildlife at the park, including trees, birds, insects and reptiles. . The Saiwa Swamp National Park is mostly known for the Sitatunga Antelope (Tragelaphus spekii),
110-867: A Mediterranean climate . Eldoret is governed by the County Government of Uasin Gishu which manages all the town's affairs. The city is divided into thirteen wards. Six of them (Huruma, Kamukunji, Kapyemit, Kidiwa/Kapsuswa, and Stadium/Industrial, Market) are in Eldoret North Constituency , Three (Hospital, Kapsoya and Kimumu/Sergoit) are in Eldoret East Constituency , and the remaining four (Kipkenyo, Langas, Pioneer/ Elgon View and Race Course) are part of Eldoret South Constituency . All of these three constituencies have more wards within other local authorities than Eldoret municipality. Eldoret has
165-496: A parastatal that was the first Kenyan textile mill to operate computerized mills. It quickly became a success, achieving profitability within three years while employing 400 people and consuming 3,000 tons of cotton a year at its peak. By the late 1990s, the liberalization of Kenya's market which led to massive imports of cheap used clothing coupled with mismanagement led to the decline of the country's textile industry. Rivatex in Eldoret
220-416: A subtropical highland climate ( Köppen climate classification Cfb ). The town, lying over 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level, has a moderate to cool climate. The temperature falls significantly at night, and in the cold season (May–August) it is regularly in the single digits Celsius. The warm season is the driest and the cool season is the wettest, making the town have a pattern similar to that of
275-468: A decent variety of accommodation options, notably the Sirikwa Hotel, Poa Place, The Noble Hotel and Conference Centre and the ultra-modern Boma Inn as well as enough night-life options to interest one for an evening or two. The town and its surrounding regions has also lately grown into a sports tourism destination thanks to a number of residents, renowned world runners and a high-altitude that makes
330-609: A granite escarpment is the Chepkiit Waterfalls. Located in Nandi County , the name loosely translates to "view from above" and it features four viewpoints which are favorite locations for picnics and bird-seeing excursions. In the past, the location was a site of the ancient practice of Sheu Morobi where very old members of the Nandi community would jump to their deaths for a variety of reasons including loneliness and so as not to burden
385-576: A mob attacked and set fire to a church located near Burnt Forest , a satellite town of Eldoret. Hundreds of people had taken refuge during Kenyan massacres. As a result, about forty to eighty people, mostly Kikuyu , were burnt to death. William Ruto the current President of the Republic of Kenya was born in Kamagut Ward of Turbo Constituency that straddles Eldoret town. He has previously represented Eldoret North Constituency in parliament. Eldoret has
440-620: A notable example of a swamp-dwelling antelope. The Sitatunga exhibits a range of specialized adaptations suited to its unique habitat. Distinguished by its elongated, splayed hooves, the sitatunga is adept at navigating through muddy, vegetated swamplands. However, these adaptations render it relatively clumsy and vulnerable on firmer terrain. Organizations such as the African Wildlife Foundation are known to implement conservation efforts in order to keep these animals from going extinct. This Rift Valley Province location article
495-532: A number of estates. Estates vary in that some are posh and others are resided in by the middle-class community. Almost every estate has its own identity. Some of the estates include Elgon View , Langas, Kapseret, Huruma, Kapsoya, Shauri, Kipkorgot, Kahoya, West Indies, West, Kipkaren, Kimumu, Jerusalem, Annex, Mwanzo,Hawaii, Action, Mailinne, Pioneer, Outspan, Kiplombe, Kamkunji, Samar, Silas, Kenya Service, Cheplaskei, Chinese, Road Block, Peris, Junction, Munyaka, Hillside, Eldoville, Juniorate among many others. Eldoret
550-625: A paragliding destination. It has become the place to go to fly 100–200 km (62–124 mi) out-and-returns in January with world records across both distances having been set in the Kerio Valley in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The Champions Monument is situated at the junction of Kaptagat and Nairobi roads and was erected in honour of retired, elite and upcoming athletes in the country. The bronze monument, erected by Mediheal Group of Hospitals, depicts two female athletes and two male athletes attached on
605-472: A reputation as the home of malaria and blackwater fever and it was removed from civilisation, because the nearest rail-head was at Londiani over 100 miles away and the nearest bank was at Eldoret , 45 miles (72 kilometers) away. But gradually convoys of ox wagons carrying furniture and tools traveled from Londiani and the soldier-settlers sent from England after the First World War began to occupy and develop
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#1732849005160660-700: A temperate oceanic climate ( Köppen climate classification Cfb ). Kitale Airport is an airport in Kitale, Kenya . Kitale Airport ( IATA : KTL , ICAO : HKKT ) is located in the town of Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County , in northwestern Kenya , North in the Former Rift Valley Province,close to the International border with the Republic of Uganda . Its location is approximately 336 kilometres (209 mi), by air, northwest of Nairobi International Airport ,
715-515: A world map running towards different directions. One of the males is holding an Olympic torch in one hand while the rest have their hands raised up as a sign of victory. It also has an image of a male athlete mounted on the top draped in the Kenyan flag. Located some 25 kilometres (16 mi) away from Eldoret at a point where the River Sosiani plunges 100 metres (330 ft) from the plateau and over
770-479: Is 30200. The National Museum of Western Kenya is located at Kitale. It is a natural history museum and was originally created by Lt Col. Hugh Stoneham in 1926. Just next to the museum there is a demonstration farm with agroforestry practices run by a Swedish non-governmental organisation called Vi Agroforestry. Kitale lies between Mount Elgon and Cherang'any Hills is 72.3 km (44.9 mi) by road north west of Eldoret . Establishment and settlement in
825-585: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Kitale Kitale is a town in the north west of Kenya, in the former Rift Valley province. It situated between Mount Elgon and the Cherangany Hills . The town has an elevation of around 1,900 metres (6,200 ft). Its population was 162,174 as of 2019. Kitale town is the headquarter of the Trans-Nzoia County . Kitale is reachable by air through Kitale Airport . The postal code for Kitale
880-418: Is a popular destination for foreigners looking to hone their athletics talent and time at its high altitude training centres form part of a number of elite athletes training regimens. Notably, altitude training here was a key element of Mo Farah's preparations before his 5000m and 10000m gold medals at London 2012 and World Championships 2013. Elgeyo Marakwet is also increasingly gaining a global reputation as
935-560: Is also home to the MGW site, located at Kapsoya, the first of Safaricom's data centre in the North Rift, set up in 2015. Eldoret has traditionally not been known as a tourist destination and does not have much to differentiate it from Kenya's other highland centres. Being Kenya's fifth-largest town however, it is a great deal bigger and serves as a base for touring the North-Rift circuit. The town has
990-900: Is host to the Moi Barracks for the Kenya Defence Forces. The barracks has a memorial for Kenyan soldiers killed in battle in Somalia . The city is also home to the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation since 1997, a military installation that was the first manufacturer of small arms and ammunition in the region. Its customers include the Kenya Police, Wildlife Service, the Army, licensed dealers and carriers as well as friendly governments. The Toyota Tsusho Corporation built Kenya's first full scale fertilizer blending factory at Ngeria on
1045-530: Is led by Ken Knit (Kenya). It is the first, fully integrated textile manufacturing company in East and Central Africa and has been based in Eldoret for close to 50 years. It is Kenya's leading manufacturer of wool products and with a workforce of 2,000, is presently the largest textile related employer in the North-Rift. Another notable textile firm is Rivatex EA which was opened in 1975 by then Vice President, Daniel Toroitich arap Moi as Rift Valley Textiles ( Rivatex ),
1100-481: Is surrounded by prime agricultural lands and acts as a trading centre for Uasin Gishu's economy which is driven by large-scale grain farming, dairy and horticultural farming. The town is also a local manufacturing hub with a number of nationally recognised manufacturing concerns, including Raiplywoods, Rupa Textiles, Kenya Pipeline Company, Kenya Co-operative Creameries as well as corn, wheat and pyrethrum factories all within
1155-556: The Cherangani Hills , the local elevation varies from about 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) at the Eldoret International Airport to more than 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) in nearby areas. As per the 2019 population census , Eldoret has a population of 475,716 people and is the fifth most populated urban area in the country after Nairobi , Mombasa , Nakuru and Ruiru . A long standing municipality , Eldoret
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#17328490051601210-632: The 1950s the town was literally divided into two, along the main street (now Uganda Road), with the Afrikaners on the north and the British on the south. The former took their children to Highland School, (now Moi Girls High School) and the latter, to Hill School. Recreation was also along the divide – 'Brits' used the Lincoln Hotel and the Race-Course near the now "Chinese Area" while the Afrikaners converged at
1265-473: The 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) Sergoit farm, now owned by Sergoit Golf and Wildlife resort. The land had earlier been surveyed by a certain van Breda and the new arrivals took up leaseholds of between 320 and 2,020 hectares (800 and 5,000 acres) on condition that they would develop it within five years. Each family built a shack, put up fences, in-spanned oxen to simple ploughs and turned the first furrows. They sowed wheat, maize and vegetables. These actions laid
1320-782: The District Commissioner and the Police, and the Kitale Club was founded in 1924. At first there was no church and services were held in the houses of parishioners, led by the Rev. O.H. Knight, who had arrived in Eldoret in 1920. Saint Luke’s Church was built in Kitale in 1928, with the Rev. F. Tyrie as its incumbent, and the Roman Catholic church was constructed later, early in the Second World War. The hospital, with space for only four patients,
1375-596: The Great Rift Valley than any other place in Africa. At 26 floors and 70 metres (230 ft) tall, this is the tallest building in Kenya west of Nairobi and stands as a landmark of the town. It was built by the Moi University Pension Scheme and was opened in 2016. The building features a rooftop restaurant as well as a variety of boutiques and office spaces. Eldoret Club is a private members club that
1430-793: The IAAF High Altitude Training Center and other privately run training centers, the Kipchoge Keino stadium or even along the streets on most mornings. Eldoret is home to Moi University . Though the university's main campus is located about 30 kilometres (19 mi) away in Kesess, located due South, four of its campuses are within the town limits of Eldoret. These campuses are; Annex Campus (School of Law), Town Campus (School of Medicine and School of dental sciences), Rivatex Campus (School of aeronautical engineering) and Eldoret West campus (for privately sponsored students). As of 2006, it had
1485-603: The Plateau were known as the Ilwasin Kishu, after whom it is presently named. In August 1908, fifty-eight families of displaced Afrikaners left Nakuru for the Uasin Gishu plateau after a journey from South Africa by sea and by rail from Mombasa . Led by Jan van Rensburg, they traveled using wagons that would often get stuck in mud, finally arriving at Sergoit Hill [1] on 22 October of that year. Jan Ernest Kruger would later own
1540-617: The Trans Nzoia, and thus the future township of Kitale was brought to life, it is having hitherto been merely a square on the map. The close of the 19th century saw the majority of East Africa come under British protection and this led to the establishment of national and sub-national boundaries. The greater Trans Nzoia area initially included the Uganda portion of what was known as the British East African Protectorate though this
1595-506: The Wagon Wheel for recreation. Daniel Arap Moi was born in the neighboring Baringo District, and under his presidency , the town was developed further. The country's second institution of higher learning, Moi University , was established by the government in 1984 and the third international airport was subsequently constructed, significantly boosting the fortunes of the town. By 1987, only two Afrikaner households remained in Eldoret, with
1650-483: The area and Kitale appeared as a rectangle three miles by two, but in reality there was nothing there – not even one building. In 1919, the British Government sent out settlers after the First World War and they found that what was supposed to be Kitale was just grassland and scattered trees, there was still not a single hut or person to be seen. One traveler noted: ‘It was impossible to foresee that this small area
1705-554: The capital with over 40 branches in town. The city also hosts a substantial manufacturing sector. The city was referred to as Farm 64 during the colonial period and is still colloquially referred to by locals as ' Sisibo '. The name "Eldoret" is based on the Maasai word "eldore" meaning "stony river"; a reference to the bed of the Sosiani River (a tributary of the Nile ), that runs through
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1760-610: The community. The Eldoret Arboretum is located next to the Kipchoge Keino stadium and is jointly managed by the County Government of Uasin Gishu and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The arboretum hosts a Wall of Fame that features the names of legendary and elite Kenyan athletes, most of whom come from the surrounding regions. The Wall of Fame is styled as four pillars each holding the names scripted across four categories; Olympians, World Champions, World Cross Country champions and marathon greats. Situated north-east of Eldoret at
1815-541: The country's largest civilian airport. The geographic coordinates of this airport are:0° 58' 30.00"N, 34° 57' 36.00"E (Latitude:0.975000; Longitude:34.960000). 1°01′N 35°00′E / 1.017°N 35.000°E / 1.017; 35.000 Eldoret Eldoret is a city in the Rift Valley region of Kenya . It serves as the capital of Uasin Gishu County . Located in western Kenya, and lying south of
1870-553: The farm. The Central Lounge in Eldoret is all that remains of Willy's farm. The official town site started in 1910 with the development of a Post Office at "Sisibo". This was followed shortly after by the arrival of 60 more Afrikaner families in 1911. The governor decided to establish an administrative centre in the area in 1912 and thus the Post Office was renamed from "64" to a new official town name: "Eldoret". Becoming an administrative centre caused an enormous increase in trade within
1925-440: The farmers but during the agricultural depression of the 1930 and locust invasions, which caused extensive damage to crops, Kitale foundered. Recovery was slow but progress was made especially when there was a new influx of settlers after the Second World War. Then Kitale achieved full municipal status and a large measure of control over township affairs. The stage was set for it to develop into an important municipality. Kitale has
1980-594: The farms. A District Commissioner, Mr Champion, was appointed but as there were no buildings in Kitale he took up residence in what became known as the Old Boma not far from Hoey’s Bridge . Firms began to build temporary premises near the water tank and the Standard Bank, Kitale Stores and Post Office, Howse & McGeorge, the Veterinary Office and Buck’s Hotel and Garage opened up. Permanent buildings were erected for
2035-451: The foundation for the transformation of the Plateau into a prosperous agricultural region. The farms were later officially registered and each was given a number. Eldoret was established in the midst of the farms they created on what was known to the settlers as "Farm 64", "64" or "Sisibo" to the locals because at that time it was 103 kilometres (64 mi) from the newly built Uganda Railway railhead at Londiani . Willy van Aardt owned
2090-405: The high altitude of 2,400 m above sea level, the small town of Iten is known for its regional honey, being home to training camps for international athletes and the viewpoints of the Great Rift Valley. The Iten Viewpoint offers views of natural landmarks such as Kerio valley, Lake Kamnarok, Kerio River with its crocodiles, Tugen Hills and Cherangani Hills. Iten viewpoint allows visitors to see more of
2145-474: The high cost of imported dyes as a factor affecting profitability. This was resolved in 2008, when Prof Richard Mibey , invented the Tami Dye, a natural dye made from Mexican Marigold which was previously considered a weed in the surrounding regions. The university holds the patent to this dye. Being able to produce affordable dye in Kenya has been a key contributing factor to the revival of Rivatex East Africa and
2200-530: The largest buildings, Komora, that houses a large supermarket chain and many offices. Notable professional firms include Nyairo and Company, the oldest law firm in the town`, founded by Alfred Momanyi Nyairo in the sixties. Other law firms include Wabomba Masinde and Associates advocates, Gumbo and Associate Advocates, Mburu Maina & Company Advocates, Nyaundi Tuiyott & Company Advocates, Kalya & Company Advocates, Chebii and Company Advocates and Gicheru & Company Advocates. The city has an industry that
2255-611: The local area suitable for athletics training. Notable attractions within easy distance of Eldoret include the Nandi Hills area to the south, home of the Nandi , the fiercest early opponents to British rule. It is also the home of the Chemosit , a crypto-beast that is said to devour human brains. To the north lies the town of Iten , capital of Elgeyo Marakwet county and the world's foremost source of elite-middle and long distance runners. It
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2310-447: The outskirts of Eldoret. The $ 15 million plant has the capacity to produce 150,000 tonnes per year which is 25% of Kenya's 600,000 annual requirement. In early 2019, Safaricom , Kenya's largest mobile network operator, set up its second largest call centre, and its first outside Nairobi, in Eldoret town. The Kshs 900 million facility provides employment to 800 individuals of whom 300 are paid interns from local universities. The town
2365-578: The present town of Kitale was begun by the colonial district commissioner Arthur Champion and Arthur Cecil Hoey OBE, a farmer who built the Hoey's Bridge (later renamed Moi's Bridge) in order to enable access across the River Nzoia. In 1920 Mr. Champion, who was still administering the District from a site near Hoey’s Bridge, later known as the “Old Boma”, asked Mr. and Mrs. Hoey to help him choose his new headquarters in
2420-527: The prospective city. A bank and several shops were built. The Uganda Railway extension, from Londiani towards Uganda , reached Eldoret in 1924, starting a new era of prosperity and growth. In 1928, a piped water supply from the Sosiani River was installed and in 1933, an electricity generator plant was installed by the East African Power and Lighting Company. By that time, Eldoret had a small airport, and low-cost rental housing had been constructed. In
2475-507: The rest having moved back to South Africa in the late 1950s and early 1960s, in the aftermath of the Mau Mau rebellion and in anticipation of independence. The town was significantly impacted by the 2007–2008 Kenyan crisis when violence gripped Kenya in the aftermath of controversial general elections. The athlete Lucas Sang was murdered about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) away from the town while on his way home to Chepkoilel. On 1 January 2008,
2530-543: The town. Eldoret and the plateau around it had been occupied by the Sirikwa for several centuries prior to the era of Maasai ascendancy. Innovation in weaponry was introduced by the Maasai era of the late 18th and 19th centuries. With new weapons and forms of governance, they swept down from their original homelands in the north, closer to Lake Turkana , down to their present homelands south of Kenya. The Maasai clan that took over
2585-455: The town. The city is home to a large market and is known for the Doinyo Lessos cheese factory, Moi University and Eldoret International Airport . The runners from Eldoret have also contributed significantly to the economy of Eldoret town, primarily investing in small businesses and real estate, from their winnings in races all over the world. Moses Kiptanui is a stake holder in one of
2640-607: The wider Kenyan textile industry. The university won a $ 60 million grant from the World Bank to carry out a face-lift as a result of the work on the Tami Dye. It also secured a pledged investment of $ 40 million from the Indian Government. In mid-2019, Rivatex reopened following major renovations and restructuring. As part of this effort, it opened a Digital Assembly Plant with the capacity to produce laptops, tablets, electric meters, smartphones and other digital devices. The city
2695-424: Was a change of policy and it was decided to extend the railway to Jinja in Uganda via Eldoret, and to construct a branch line from Eldoret to Kitale. The railway reach Kitale in 1925 and Governor Grigg visited the district for the opening of the line. He provided funds for building Kitale School which had hitherto occupied a cramped private residence and for a new African hospital. The prosperity of Kitale depended on
2750-412: Was annexed to become a part of Kenya during administrative restructuring in 1902. At this time the urban area was non-existent and the undulating grasslands formed part of Maasai grazing fields. Christine Nichols (2014) notes that a 1908 map of the Trans Nzoia area showed numerous potential farms delineated by metal beacons stuck in the ground. A survey had been done to encourage white settlers to come to
2805-501: Was conferred city status on 15 August 2024, making it the fifth city of Kenya. The city is a significant urban area in Kenya; it is the second largest medical destination in Kenya after Nairobi and hosts the largest university student population outside of the nation's capital. Its international airport is ranked as the second busiest cargo airport after JKIA in Nairobi and has the second largest coverage by financial institutions outside of
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#17328490051602860-455: Was destined to become the commercial center of the 1000 square miles of fertile land. As I moved westwards two huge lions passed me, for this was lion country where game abounded. Kongoni, reedbuck, oribi, topi and waterbuck were plentiful, and leopard well in evidence in the forested areas, their victims wild pig and monkeys.’ In reality the Trans Nzoia district was not a popular area. It had
2915-504: Was established in 1924 on the edge of town. It is situated on large well-manicured grounds that house a clubhouse, a 9-hole golf course and a variety of other facilities. Athletics is by far the most popular sport in the region with wins at the Olympics and World Athletics Championships as well as road races across the world having propelled many local residents to stardom and financial success. Current and future athletes can be seen training at
2970-443: Was in a private house run by two nursing sisters. There was no permanent water or electricity, no permanent sanitation except pit latrines. Finally, a new hospital was opened in 1936. Water for household use was obtained by donkey transport from the stream below the Kitale Club where a small brick dam held back the water. Settlers pressed the government for a railway line but it was not until Sir Edward Grigg became governor that there
3025-473: Was placed under receivership in 1998 and finally shut its doors in 2000. The city of Eldoret, through Moi University and its subsidiary firm Rivatex, has played a leading role in the revival of the Kenyan textile industry. The defunct Rivatex was purchased from the Government of Kenya in 2007 by Moi University as a facility for research, product development, extension and production. The university identified
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