Nakuru is a small city in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. It is the capital of Nakuru County, and is the third largest city in Kenya. As of 2019, Nakuru has an urban population of 570,674, making it the largest urban centre in the Rift Valley, succeeding Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. The city lies along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, from Nairobi.
History
Archaeological discoveries were located about from the Central Business District at Hyrax Hill.
The city was incepted on 28 January 1904 when a local area one mile away from the railway station's main entrance was proclaimed to be a township. The name of the town was derived from the Maasai-speaking people of Kenya.
During the colonial era, the British established Nakuru as part of the White highlands and became a municipality in 1952.
After the founding of the Republic of Kenya, the first and second presidents of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Arap Moi respectively, had their semi-official residences. The city had been known for Kenyan politics and was a home to politicians such as Kariuki Chotara, Kihika Kimani, Mirugi Kariuki, and Koigi Wamwere.
During the 2007 post-election violence, dozens of buildings in Nakuru were burnt to the ground.
On 3 June 2021, Nakuru was no longer a municipality after the Kenyan Senate voted that its status was adequate enough to be a city. Following the Senate of Kenya's approval in June, the President of the Republic of Kenya chartered Nakuru on 1 December 2021. It is the fourth urban center in Kenya to be declared a city after Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
Geography
The city of Nakuru is situated in Nakuru County, Kenya. It lies 1,850 meters above sea level.
Climate
Nakuru has temperate and subtropical highland climates; temperatures fall significantly at night and between June and August.
Gardens
The Nyayo Gardens are located along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru.
Economy
Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism make up the economy of Nakuru. Around the city, it is widely known for its agricultural activity. The main crops grown include coffee, wheat, barley, maize, beans, and potatoes. These crops are stored in massive silos at the outskirts of the city, stored by the National Cereals and Produce Board and Lesiolo Grain Handlers Limited. The crops are the main sources for manufacturing industries found in Nakuru and Nairobi, such as flour milling and grain ginneries. Dairy farming is the main supplier for milk processing plants within Nakuru.
Some manufacturing industries include the production of soaps, motorcycles, batteries, and gardening equipment.
Nakuru is one of Kenya's largest hubs for retail supermarket chains with The Nakumatt, Naivas, Tuskys, and Gilanis being founded.
According to a UN study released in 2011, Nakuru is Africa's fastest-growing city and the fourth fastest in the world.
The city is also a centre for various retail businesses that provide goods and services to the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. A large public market lies to the west of the town on the main thoroughfare to the capital, Nairobi.
Human resources
Education
Nakuru is the home of Egerton University and Kabarak University, a private university associated with former President Moi's business and religious interests. Mount Kenya University, University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University have campuses situated here.
Nakuru contains numerous public and private secondary schools. Public schools include Nakuru Boys High School and Nakuru Girls High School (formerly Nakuru High School), Menengai High School, and Nakuru Day Secondary School. There is a public library run by the Kenya National Library Service.
Public health
The Nakuru hospital is one of the largest in the county, historically the biggest in the province of Rift Valley. It is also home to the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital, opened shortly after World War I by Norman Jewell to commemorate troops.
Public safety
Police and law enforcement
Nakuru has a fire department that can be accessed by calling 911. The number can be called in case of any other emergencies.
Transportation
Air
Nakuru is home to the Lanet Airstrip, later approved in 2017 to be upgraded to an international airport by the Ministry of Transport and the county government.
Nakuru is also home to Kabarak Airstrip, located away from the city centre.
Road
Dondori Road C86 links the city to central Kenya. The Eldoret-Nairobi highway passes through this city, linking Uasin Gishu County with Nairobi.