This article needs to be updated.(December 2018) |
Elgeyo Marakwet | |
---|---|
Country | Kenya |
Founded | 4 March 2013 |
Capital | Iten |
Government | |
• Governor | Wisley Rotich |
Area | |
• Total | 3,049.7 km2 (1,177.5 sq mi) |
Population (2019) | |
• Total | 454,480 [1] |
Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
Elgeyo-Marakwet County is one of Kenya's 47 counties. Located in the former Rift Valley Province, its capital and largest town as Iten. Itborders the counties of West Pokot to the north, Baringo County to the east, southeast and south, Uasin Gishu to the southwest and west, and Trans Nzoia to the northwest.
The total population of Elgeyo-Marakwet County is 454,480 persons, of this 227,317 are females, 227,151 males, and 12 intersex persons. There are 99,861 households in the county with an average size of 4.5 persons per household with a density population of 150 persons per square km. [2]
Religion in Elgeyo-Marakwe County [3]
Religion (2019 Census) | Number |
---|---|
Catholicism | 231,873 |
Protestant | 144,885 |
Evangelical Churches | 46,334 |
African instituted Churches | 12,461 |
Orthodox | 256 |
Other Cristian | 7,394 |
Islam | 1,142 |
Hindu | 14 |
Traditionists | 491 |
Other | 2,933 |
Atheists | 5,210 |
Don't Know | 395 |
Not Stated | 46 |
The Kerio River binds the county on the eastern side. From its alluvial plain, the topography gradually rises towards the west. The Elgeyo Escarpment stands out distinctly and causes elevation differences of up to 1,500 m. [4] In the northern and southern parts of the county the topography is rugged, giving way to more subdued relief differences going westwards. The underlying geology mainly consists of gneisses from the Basement System. The Cherangany Hills rise gently to form the western half of the Great Rift Valley and extend northwest in a broken chain to Mount Moroto in Uganda. [5] Non-volcanic in origin, the Cherangany Hills resulted from subsequent erosion of the raised western ridge of the Eastern Rift Valley. The range is approximately 30 miles (48 km) long and 25 miles (40 km) wide and averages 9,000 feet (2,700 metres) in height; its highest point reaches more than 11,000 feet (3,400 metres). Many of the summits are covered with huge groundsels and lobelias. Some of the hills include Kameleogon (3581 m), Chebon (3375 m), Chepkotet (3370 m), Alaleigelat (3350 m) and Sodang (3211 m). [6]
Temperatures range from a minimum of 12 °C—relatively cool, with mists and occasionally even frost—to a maximum of 22 °C. Rainfall ranges annually from 800 to 2300 mm.
The county is mainly occupied by Keiyo, Sengwer (also called Cherangany) and Marakwet are part of the larger ethnic grouping of eight culturally and linguistically related ethnic groups known as the Kalenjin. [7]
Marakwet is a sub-tribe of the Kalenjin. It is made up of the sub-dialects Almoo, Endoow, Markweta (the sub-dialect giving rise to the common name), and Sombirir (Borokot) who presently predominantly live in Marakwet District in the North Rift Valley Province. Some now live in Trans Nzoia East and Uasin Gishu North districts and in other towns.
The name Keiyo or Elgeyo has been used interchangeably to describe the Keiyo people. The latter name is disputed as a corruption of the true name, which was coined by the Uasin-Gishu Maasai, who were the Keiyo's neighbours in the mid-9th century at the western side of Eldoret. [8]
Elgeyo - Marakwet is divided into 4 sub-counties, 20 county assemblies wards, 68 locations and 199 sub-locations. Below is the distribution of the county assemblies wards.
Constituency | No. of Wards |
---|---|
Marakwet East | 4 |
Marakwet West | 6 |
Keiyo North | 4 |
Keiyo South | 6 |
TOTAL | 20 |
Source [9]
Wisley Rotich who succeeded Alex Tolgos is currently serving his first term as the county's Governor. [10] William Kisang is the current senator replacing Kipchumba Murkomen who was appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Roads. [11] The County Women Representative is Caroline Jeptoo Ng'elechei, [12] all of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, an affiliate of the Jubilee Alliance. The county has four constituencies in the National Assembly, and twenty ward seats in its County Assembly. The County Assembly Speaker is Mr. Albert Kochei.
Person | Docket |
---|---|
Alphaeus Tanui | Finance and Economic Planning |
Thomas Maiyo | Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development |
Edwin Kibor | Education and Technical Training |
Robert Kangogo | Co-operatives, Trade, Industrialization, Tourism and Widlife |
Emmy Kosgei [13] | Roads, Public Works and Transport |
Michael Kibiwott | Health Services |
Jason Lagat | Water, Environment and Climate Change |
Purity Koima | Sports, Youth Affairs, Culture, Children and Social Services |
Monica Rotich | Public Service, Devolution, Administration, Communications, ICT and E-Governance |
Edwin Seroney | Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation |
Source [14]
Constituency | Ward | Representative |
---|---|---|
Marakwet East | Kapyego | Hon. Chebet Joseph Kipkorir |
Marakwet East | Sambirir | Hon. Suter Paul Kipkemoi |
Marakwet East | Endo | Hon. Kibiwott Jeremiah Kiptum |
Marakwet East | Embobut/Embulot | Hon. Kipyatich Paul Kipchumba |
Marakwet West | Lelan | Hon. Kurgat Pricillah Jepkoech |
Marakwet West | Sengwer | Hon. Kiptoo Asbel Kisang |
Marakwet West | Cherang'any/Chebororwa | Hon. Kosgei Evans Kimutai |
Marakwet West | Moiben/Kuserwo | Hon. Kiplagat Hillary Kipchirchir |
Marakwet West | Kapsowar | Hon. Kipruto Joshua |
Marakwet West | Arror | Hon. Mutwol Justine kosgei |
Keiyo North | Kamariny | Hon. Cheptiony Benjamin Kipkemboi |
Keiyo North | Emsoo | Hon. Cheboiboch Christopher Kangogo |
Keiyo North | Tambach | Hon. Chesire Dominic |
Keiyo North | Kapchemutwa | Hon. Cheruiyot Stephen Kemboi |
Keiyo South | Kaptarakwa | Hon. Kimutai Mathew Cheruiyot |
Keiyo South | Chepkorio | Hon. Koima John Kimeli |
Keiyo South | Soy North | Hon. Chepseba Simeon Kibet |
Keiyo South | Soy South | Hon. Tanui Jonah Kipkorir |
Keiyo South | Kabiemit | Hon. Barsulai Alfred Kipkoech |
Keiyo South | Metkei | Hon. Kibire Lawi Kipng’etich |
Nominated | Kaptarakwa | Hon. Kimutai Mathew Cheruiyot |
Nominated | Gender | Hon. Kiptoo Evalyne Jepchumba |
Nominated | Gender | Hon. Kiptoo Peris Jelagat |
Nominated | Gender | Hon. Kimitto Salina Jemosop |
Nominated | Gender | Hon. Rotich Jebet Eddah |
Nominated | Gender | Hon. Karen Jelagat Koech |
Nominated | Gender | Hon. Kimoning Tabitha Jepkirui |
Nominated | Gender | Hon. Kosgei Sally Jebet |
Nominated | Youth | Hon. Nge'tich Gilbert Kipkosgei |
Nominated | Youth | Hon. Bowen Stella |
Nominated | Gender | Hon. Cherop Rosa |
Nominated | PWD | Hon. Lai victoria Jemutai |
Nominated | PWD | Hon. Biwott Davies Kimutai |
The county has over 130 public and private health facilities with an average of 3.7 km access distance from one health centre to another. [17] The county has 626 medical personnels across the fields of medical profession. [18] [19]
The region is covered with 292.1 km of earth, 1,415.3 km of murram and 92.2 km of bitumen.[ when? ] [20] [21] As at 2014 there were 8 postal offices across the county with 1,600 installed letter boxes, 1,112 rented letter boxes and 488 vacant letter boxes. [22]
The main economic activity carried out in the county is mixed farming, which consists mainly of livestock and subsistence farming. Other activities include small business, tourism and fluorspar mining in Kerio Valley. Oil Prospecting by Tullow Oil Company is ongoing in Kerio Valley. [23]
As at 2014 county had 62,190,000 cattle, 7,220,000 goats and 10,232,000 sheep. [24]
Major Tourist Attractions are
There are a total of 554 ECD centres, 418 primary schools and 112 secondary schools, 4 public technical and vocational colleges and 1 teacher training college in the county.
Category | No. of Public | No. of Private | Total |
---|---|---|---|
ECD Centres | 427 | 127 | 554 |
Primary Schools | 367 | 51 | 418 |
Secondary Schools | 111 | 1 | 113 |
Indicator | Statistics |
---|---|
Number of Institutions (2007) | Primary (373), Secondary (75) |
Primary | Enrolment (110,399) |
Teacher to Pupil Ratio | 1: 36 (Public Schools) |
Secondary | Enrolment (20,887) |
Teacher to Pupil Ratio | 1:30 (Public Schools) |
Tertiary | 1 Teacher Training College, 3 Vocational Training Centers |
Adult Literacy Classes | Enrolment (Data Not available) |
Notable Secondary Schools
|
Indicator | Statistics |
---|---|
Health Facilities: | 113 - Referral Hospitals (1), District Hospital (1), Sub-District Hospitals (5), Dispensaries (89), Health Centres (15), Medical Clinics (1), Others (1) |
Doctor to Population Ratio: | 1:50,000 (Marakwet), 1:156,471 (Keiyo) |
Infant Mortality Rates: | 57/1000 (Keiyo) |
Under Five Mortality Rates: | 9.7/1000 (Keiyo) |
Prevalent Diseases: | Malaria, Diarrhoea, Bronchopneumonia and respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections |
Notable Hospitals: |
|
The county is notable for its long-standing tradition of producing top athletes who have represented Kenya in many international athletics events.
Notable Athletes hailing from this county include;
EMC Towns
¤kamwosor ¤Kipsaos ¤Kapchorwa ¤Tabare ¤HZ
List | Achievements | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
The late Nicholas Biwott | Former Powerful Cabinet Minister in Government of President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi. Also known as 'TOTAL MAN aka KARNET' | |||
Kipchumba Murkomen | Elgeyo Marakwet County Senator 2013 to date | First deputy Majority leader of the Kenyan Senate 2nd Majority Leader of the Kenyan Senate | ||
Moses Kiplagat Changwony | Former MD Sasini, Tardar and former aspirant Governatorial candidate Elgeyo Marakwet County | |||
Julius Kipngetich | Former CEO of Kenya Wildlife Service, Formerly Equity Bank Kenya Chief Operations Officer and Currently Uchumi Supermarkets CEO | |||
Philip Kiptoo Tunoi | Judge of Supreme Court of Kenya from 2012 to date | |||
Philip Kipchirchir Murgor | lawyer and Former Director of Public Prosecution | |||
Brother Colm O'Connell | Irish missionary and retired teacher. Successful Athletics Coach | |||
Gladys Boss Shollei | Former Chief Registrar of Kenya Judiciary, Current Woman Representative candidate Uasin Gishu County | |||
William Chebor Murgor | a member of pre-independence legislative council-Legco, and former MP of Keiyo North | |||
Lieutenant General Lazaro Kipkurui Sumbeiywo | Former Commandant of the Defence Staff College and Army Commander. Kenya special envoy to the Sudan and south Sudan peace process | Joseph Kipchirchir Boinnet- Immediate former inspector general of the National Police Service | ||
Sub-County/Constituency | Wards |
---|---|
Marakwet East | Kapyego · Sambirir · Endo · Embobut/Embulot |
Marakwet West | Lelan · Sengwer · Cherang'any/Chebororwa · Moiben/Kuserwo · Kapsowar · Arror |
Keiyo North | Kamariny · Emsoo · Tambach · Kapchemutwa |
Keiyo South | Kaptarakwa · Chepkorio · Soy North · Soy South · Kabiemit · Metkei |
County | Stats for the County (Per cent) |
---|---|
Urbanisation | |
Literacy | |
Attending School (15-18 Yrs) | |
Paved Roads | |
Good Roads | |
Electricity Access | |
Poverty Rate |
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 the Cherangani Hills, the local elevation varies from about 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) at the airport to more than 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) in nearby areas.
The Tugen are a sub tribe of the Kenyan Kalenjin people. They fall under the highland nilotes category. They occupy Baringo County and some parts of Nakuru County and Elgeyo Marakwet County in the former Rift Valley Province. Daniel Arap Moi, the second president of Kenya (1978–2002), came from this sub-tribe. The Tugen people speak the Tugen language. The Tugen population was 197,556 as of 2019.
Uasin Gishu County is one of the 47 counties of Kenya located in the former Rift Valley Province. Eldoret has the county's largest population centre as well as its administrative and commercial centre. "It lies between longitudes 34 degrees 50' east and 35 degrees 37' West and latitudes 0 degrees 03' South and 0 degrees 55' North. It is a highland plateau with altitudes falling gently from 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) above sea level to about 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea level. The topography is higher to the east and declines gently towards the western border".
The Elgeyo are an ethnic group who are part of the larger Kalenjin ethnic group of Nilotic origin. They live near Eldoret, Kenya, in the highlands of the former Keiyo District, now part of the larger Elgeyo Marakwet County. The Elgeyo originally settled at the foothills of the Elgeyo escarpment, in the area between Kerio river to the east and the escarpment to the west. Due to drought and famine in the valley, the Keiyos climbed the escarpment and started to settle on the highland east of Uasin Gishu plateau. When the British came, the Keiyos were pushed to settle in clusters called reserves.
The Marakwet are one of the groups forming the ethnolinguistic Kalenjin community of Kenya, they speak the Markweta language. The Marakwet live in five territorial sections namely Almoo, Cherangany, Endoow, Sombirir (Borokot) and Markweta. Cutting across these territorial groups are a number of clans to which each Marakwet belongs. There were 119,969 Marakwet people in 2019.
Keiyo District is a defunct administrative district in the former Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The district was formed in 1994, when the Elgeyo-Marakwet District was split into two — the other half was Marakwet District. Keiyo District had a population of 143.865. Its capital was located in the Iten/Tambach town. In 2010, the districts were re-joined as Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
Iten is a town in Elgeyo-Marakwet County in the Republic of Kenya and serves as the capital and is the largest town in the county. The town is located along the road between Eldoret and Kabarnet at the junction of the road heading to Kapsowar. Elgeyo escarpment and Kerio River are located east of Iten. The growing town had a population of 42,312 at the 2009 consensus.
Kapatarakwa is a village in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya. Kaptarakwa is located about 37 km from the town of Eldoret in the Kenyan highlands. Kaptarakwa is about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level. Nearby is the Kerio Escarpment which drops down to 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level.
Kaptagat is a settlement in Uasin Gishu County, in the southwestern part of Kenya. This part of the country, where the two counties of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet County share a border, is used by the majority of Kenyan professional long-distance runners to train for professional competition. Eliud Kipchoge, the former marathon world record holder, and the Tokyo Olympics and Rio Olympics marathon gold medalist, maintains a training camp in Kaptagat.
Elgeyo escarpment is a fault-scarp caused by post-Miocene faulting. Miocene beds are still visible. The escarpment is part of the western wall of the Great Rift Valley.
Kerio Valley lies between the Tugen Hills and the Elgeyo Escarpment in Kenya. It sits at an elevation of 1,000 meters in the Great Rift Valley.
The Cherang'any Hills are a range of hills in the western highlands of Kenya. The hills are one of Kenya's five main forests and catchment areas. The highlands, the large central plateau, is divided by the Mau Escarpment which rises from the border with Tanzania up to the Cherang'any Hills. The escarpment bounds the plateau that rises to the slopes of Mount Elgon. The Cherangany Hills span three counties namely Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot. The highest point of the range is the summit of Nakugen at 3530 m, which can be ascended from the south from parking space at a Kenyan Wildlife Service station, located at 1.16284°N 35.49325°E. Other notable peaks include; Chemnirot (3520 m), Kameleogon (3500 m), Chebon (3375 m), Chepkotet (3370 m), Karelachgelat (3350 m) and Sodang (3211 m). They are home to a marginalized hunter-gatherer community called the Sengwer.
Marakwet East is an electoral constituency in Kenya. It is one of four constituencies of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Between 1992 and 2012, the constituency had eleven wards, all of which elected councillors for the defunct Marakwet County Council. However, after the promulgation of the new constitution, the constituency was subdivided into four wards: Embobut/Embolot, Endo, Kapyego, and Sambirir.
Keiyo South is an electoral constituency in Kenya. It is one of four constituencies of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. The constituency has 6 wards, all of which elect Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Elgeyo Marakwet County which sits in the county Headquarters, Iten. The wards are namely: Metkei, Kabiemit, Chepkorio, Soy South and Soy North. The constituency was established for the 1969 elections. It was previously one of two constituencies of the former Keiyo District.
Sub-counties, also known as Districts, are the decentralised units through which government of Kenya provides functions and services. At national level, sub-counties take a more administrative function like security, statistical purposes, provision of government services, etc. Even though the sub-counties are divisions of counties, powers to create new national sub-counties lies with the national government. As of 2023, there are 314 sub-counties, compared to 290 constituencies. A deputy county commissioner is appointed by the state to lead each sub-county. The sub-counties are further divided into divisions, locations and sub-locations.
Uasin Gishu District, also known as Eldoret District, was one of the districts of Kenya, located in the Rift Valley Province. The town of Eldoret was its capital, administrative and commercial centre. It bordered the Trans-Nzoia District.
Trans-Nzoia District was an administrative district of Rift Valley Province, Kenya, located between the Nzoia River and Mount Elgon with its centre at the town of Kitale.
Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen is a Kenyan lawyer and politician serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports. He is also the former Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport, and Public Works in Kenya. Hon. Murkomen is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a three-time elected Senator of Elgeyo Marakwet County. He served for 21 months as Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary.In his tenure at the Roads and Transport docket, he will be remembered for improving efficiency at the Port Mombasa, expanding air travel by constructing 8 airstrips and adding 1000km of tarmac to Kenya's road infrastructure among many other stellar achievements.
The Sengwer people are an indigenous community who primarily live in the Embobut forest in the western highlands of Kenya and in scattered pockets across Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties. The Sengwer are sometimes portrayed as a component of the Marakwet people but are a distinct ethnic grouping with a distinct language.
Elgeyo-Marakwet District, also referred to as Tambach District during the colonial period, was one of the districts of Kenya, located in the Rift Valley Province. Its capital was Tambach.