Nakuru Travel Guide

Nakuru is Kenya's 4th largest city, only slightly smaller than Kisumu. It is an important agricultural city, trade center, and transportation hub, and the capital of Rift Valley Province.  Unlike most population centers in Kenya, Nakuru isn't dominated by a single tribe and Swahili, rather than a particular tribal language, is widely used.

The area around Nakuru was in the headlines in the 90s due to tribal strife. In the elections of 1992 and 1997, the Nakuru region had erupted in violence. Traditionally, the entire Rift Valley Province had supported the then President, Daniel Moi’s ruling party of KANU. However, when many Kikuyu people migrated to the rich farmlands in the area, they brought their opposition views with them.  The election of 2002, however, passed without violence and Moi was defeated.

Many travelers pass through Nakuru on their way west, and some stay a few days in town to see Menengai Crater or Lake Nakuru National Park, where your chances of seeing a rhino are better than any other park in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park is small, but tightly filled with a large variety of animals. It is located just 10km from city centre.

The town continues to grow and has good hotel facilities. The relatively new Hotels like The Merica and Cathay are situated close or off the High Street.

Nakuru was in the news recently (March 2006) when it was announced that the town will be upgraded to City status along side Kisumu and Mombasa.