Welcome to Kericho Town, a beautiful and picturesque town located in the highlands west of the Kenyan Rift Valley. Known for its large-scale cultivation of tea, Kericho is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of Kenya’s green scenery.
The town is surrounded by exquisite large tea estates that produce some of the world’s finest tea.
Kericho is the largest town in Kericho County and has a warm and temperate climate, making it an ideal location for agriculture. The town is situated on the edge of the Mau Forest, which is one of the largest indigenous forests in East Africa. Kericho is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a great place to explore for nature lovers.
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Kericho Town has something to offer for everyone. With its stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage, Kericho is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kenya.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful town in the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley.
Geographical Location
Kericho is a town located in the highlands west of the Kenyan Rift Valley. It is strategically located along Kenya’s western tourism circuit with access to Lake Victoria, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Ruma National Park.
The town has a warm and temperate climate making it an ideal location for agriculture and in particular, the large scale cultivation of tea.
Kericho is the biggest town in Kericho County and is home to Kenya’s biggest water catchment area, the Mau Forest. The town is situated at an altitude of 2,191 meters (7,188 feet) above sea level and covers an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles).
It is located approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) northwest of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi.
Kericho is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including rolling hills, tea plantations, and forests. The town is situated on the edge of the Mau Forest, which is the largest indigenous forest in East Africa. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, and different bird species.
Kericho is easily accessible by road and air. The town is served by Kericho Airstrip, which is located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the town center.
The airstrip is used for both commercial and private flights. Additionally, Kericho is served by a good road network, with major highways connecting the town to other parts of the country.
History of Kericho Town
Kericho Town is a beautiful green town located in the southwestern part of Kenya. The town was founded in 1902 by British settlers. The origin of the town’s name has not been established, but one theory is that it was home to the region’s first public hospital, built by the British at the dawn of the 20th century.
Medicine in the local Kipsigis language is referred to as Kerichek. Another theory is that the town was originally home of a medicine man named KipKerich.
Kericho Town is the capital of Kericho County, which has six sub-counties. The county government of Kericho is led by Governor Paul Chepkwony who is serving his second and final term.
The town has a population of approximately 150,000 people and is known for its tea plantations. The town is surrounded by exquisite large tea estates that cover the hills and valleys of the region.
Kericho Town is also home to Africa’s largest Sikh Gurudwara and the second-largest Catholic cathedral in Kenya. Gurdwara Sahib is built on the site of the home and workshop of Kericho Wagon Works founder Sant Baba Puran Singh Ji of Kericho.
The town has a rich history and is a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Kenyan countryside.
Economic Activities
Kericho Town is a hub of economic activity, with several industries contributing to its growth. Here are some of the main economic activities in the town.
Tea Farming
Kericho is known for its tea farming, which is the main economic activity in the region. The town has a high altitude and adequate rainfall, making it ideal for tea farming.
The tea grown in Kericho is of high quality and is exported to different parts of the world. There are several tea factories in the town, which process and package the tea for export.
Dairy Farming
Dairy farming is another major economic activity in Kericho. The town is home to several dairy farms, which produce high-quality milk and milk products.
The dairy industry in Kericho is well-developed, with modern facilities and equipment. The milk produced in the town is sold to local and international markets, contributing significantly to the town’s economy.
Retail and Trade
Retail and trade are also important economic activities in Kericho. The town has several markets and shopping centers, where you can find a variety of goods and services.
The markets sell fresh produce, clothes, electronics, and other household items. There are also several supermarkets and malls in the town, which provide a wide range of products and services.
Tourist Attractions
Kericho town is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The town is surrounded by lush green tea plantations, rolling hills, and forests that offer a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.
Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Kericho that you don’t want to miss:
Chagaik Arboretum
Chagaik Arboretum is a botanical garden located in the heart of Kericho town. The garden is home to a diverse collection of trees and plants from around the world.
It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll and a picnic with family and friends. The garden also has a small lake that attracts various bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird watching.
Kericho Tea Estates
Kericho is known as the tea capital of Kenya, and a visit to the tea estates is a must-do activity. The tea estates offer a guided tour of the tea plantations, where you can learn about the tea-making process from the picking of the tea leaves to the packaging of the final product.
You can also sample different types of tea and purchase some to take home with you.
Belgut Elephant Sanctuary
Belgut Elephant Sanctuary is located about 20 kilometers from Kericho town. The sanctuary is home to a small population of elephants that roam freely in the forest.
Visitors can take a guided nature walk through the forest and spot other wildlife such as monkeys, antelopes, and birds. The sanctuary also has a picnic area where you can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Education in Kericho Town
If you’re looking for a town in Kenya with a great education system, Kericho Town is a fantastic choice. The town is home to a variety of schools and colleges, offering education to students of all ages. Here are some of the different types of education you can find in Kericho Town:
Primary Education
Kericho Town has several primary schools that provide quality education to young students. These schools are usually divided into two categories: public and private. Public schools are funded by the government, while private schools are funded by individuals or organizations.
Some of the public primary schools in Kericho Town include Kericho Primary School, Sosiot Primary School, and Kapsoit Primary School. Private primary schools include Kericho Montessori School, Kericho Christian Academy, and St. Joseph’s Academy.
Secondary Education
Secondary education in Kericho Town is also available in both public and private schools. Public secondary schools are funded by the government, while private schools are funded by individuals or organizations.
Kericho High School is one of the most well-known public secondary schools in the town. Other public secondary schools include Kabianga High School and Kipchimchim Secondary School.
Private secondary schools in Kericho Town include Kericho Muslim Secondary School, Kericho Girls’ High School, and Kericho Boys’ High School.
Higher Education
Kericho Town is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Kabianga Kericho Town Campus and the African Institute Kericho Town Campus. These institutions offer a variety of courses and degrees to students who want to further their education.
The University of Kabianga Kericho Town Campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as education, business, and agriculture. The African Institute Kericho Town Campus offers diploma and certificate programs in fields such as hospitality and tourism, business, and information technology.
Overall, Kericho Town offers a great education system for students of all ages. Whether you’re looking for primary education, secondary education, or higher education, you’ll find a variety of options to choose from in this town.
Healthcare Facilities
If you are in Kericho Town and need medical attention, you will be happy to know that there are several healthcare facilities available to you. Here are some of the options:
Greenview Nursing Home
Greenview Nursing Home is a private primary care hospital located in Kipchebor, Kericho Town. The facility is fully operational and has a capacity of 32 beds and 2 cots.
It is regulated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council. Greenview Nursing Home offers inpatient and outpatient healthcare services, including consultations, medical examinations, prescriptions, minor and major surgeries, and more.
SouthRift Hospital
SouthRift Hospital is a modern level 5 hospital located 1.5 km from Kericho Town past Kisumu junction along Kericho – Sotik road. The six-story ultramodern facility offers general and specialized services under one roof.
Some of the services provided include outpatient and inpatient care, maternity services, laboratory services, radiology services, and more.
Kericho County Referral Hospital
Kericho County Referral Hospital is a public hospital located in Kericho Town. The hospital offers 24-hour emergency medical care services and has a capacity of 300 beds.
Some of the services provided include outpatient and inpatient care, maternity services, laboratory services, radiology services, and more.
Kericho Nursing Home
Kericho Nursing Home is a private primary care hospital located in Kipchebor, Kericho Town. The facility is fully operational and has a capacity of 157 beds and 2 cots.
It is regulated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council. Kericho Nursing Home offers inpatient and outpatient healthcare services, including consultations, medical examinations, prescriptions, minor and major surgeries, and more.
Overall, there are several healthcare facilities available in Kericho Town, both public and private. Whether you need emergency medical care or general healthcare services, you can find a facility that meets your needs.
Culture and Lifestyle
Kericho Town is a multicultural hub with a diverse population that has a rich cultural heritage. The town is home to several communities, including the Kipsigis, Nandi, Luo, and Kikuyu, among others.
Each community has its unique customs, traditions, and way of life that blend together to form the town’s vibrant culture.
One of the most prominent aspects of Kericho’s culture is its love for tea. The town is renowned for its large-scale cultivation of tea, which has been a significant contributor to the local economy for many years.
The Tea Hotel, which started as a guesthouse for Brooke Bond in 1952, is a testament to the town’s tea culture. The hotel has since been converted into a museum that showcases the history of tea cultivation in the region.
Kericho Town is also known for its love for sports, particularly football. The town has produced several talented footballers who have gone on to play for national and international teams. The town has several football clubs that play in various leagues, including the Kenyan Premier League.
The town’s lifestyle is laid back and relaxed, with a strong sense of community. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are often greeted with warm smiles and open arms.
The town’s nightlife is relatively quiet, with a few bars and restaurants that offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy a cold drink.
In terms of fashion, the locals in Kericho have a unique sense of style that blends traditional and modern elements. Brightly colored fabrics, beaded jewelry, and traditional headwear are common among the locals, while modern clothing styles are also prevalent.
Overall, Kericho Town’s culture and lifestyle are a reflection of its diverse population, rich history, and love for tea and sports. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find the town’s culture and lifestyle welcoming, friendly, and fascinating.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Kericho Town is strategically located along Kenya’s western tourism circuit with access to Lake Victoria, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Ruma National Park.
The town is also well-connected to other regions of Kenya via a network of highways, including the busy highways connecting Nyanza and western regions to Nairobi city.
The town has a bus station that serves as a transportation hub for both local and long-distance travelers. There are several bus companies that operate from this station, offering regular services to Nairobi, Kisumu, and other major towns in Kenya.
Additionally, there are taxi and motorcycle services available for those who prefer private transportation.
Utilities
Kericho Town has a reliable supply of electricity, water, and communication services. The town is connected to the national grid, ensuring a steady supply of electricity to residents and businesses.
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) is responsible for the distribution of electricity in the town. The town also has a reliable supply of clean water, thanks to the Kimugu water supply project, which produces at least 13 million liters of clean water on a daily basis.
In terms of communication services, Kericho has access to mobile phone networks, internet services, and postal services. Internet services are provided by several companies, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya, offering reliable and affordable internet connectivity to residents and businesses alike.
Overall, Kericho Town has a well-developed infrastructure that ensures residents and businesses enjoy access to essential services such as transportation, utilities, and communication.
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the town, you can expect to find a reliable and efficient transport system, a steady supply of electricity and water, and access to modern communication services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sub-counties in Kericho?
Kericho County has six sub-counties, namely Ainamoi, Belgut, Bureti, Kipkelion East, Kipkelion West, and Soin/Sigowet.
What is the climate like in Kericho?
Kericho has a subtropical highland climate. The town experiences cool temperatures throughout the year, with an average temperature of 15°C. The rainy season is from March to June and from October to December.
What is the latest breaking news in Kericho County?
For the latest breaking news in Kericho County, you can check out local news sources such as Tuko News or The Standard. These sources provide up-to-date news on various topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, and business.
How do I pay for parking in Kericho town?
To pay for parking in Kericho town, you can use the Kericho County Parking System. The system allows you to pay for parking using your mobile phone. Simply dial *217# and follow the prompts to pay for your parking.
What are the neighboring counties of Kericho?
Kericho County is bordered by five other counties. To the north is Nakuru County, to the east is Bomet County, to the south is Narok County, to the southwest is Kisumu County, and to the west is Homa Bay County.
