Njoro

Coordinates: 0°19′54″S 35°56′42″E / 0.331626°S 35.944938°E / -0.331626; 35.944938

Njoro is an agricultural town 18 km west south west of Nakuru, Kenya. Njoro is the divisional headquarters of Njoro Division of Nakuru District. It houses the divisional headquarters of the provincial administration and the police.

Geography

Elevation is 2423m

Brief history

The town was first settled by the Maasai-speaking people before the arrival of British settlers to the Kenya highlands. Over the years the town grew to be an important center in agricultural research, education and development. The town is home to a campus of the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and Egerton University is situated 5 km south from the town center. Njoro is currently a district on its own in Rift Valley province. The population is rising due to the fact that peace is prevailing, unlike the neighbouring towns like Molo; Mau Narok, and Likia. It is near the Mau Forest, which has become a global issue on environment.

Economy

The main economic activities are agribased industries including vegetable and milk processing, large-scale wheat and barley farming. Light manufacturing industries such as timber milling and quarrying are also a mainstay of the local economy. The economic growth of the town has been slowed due to its proximity to the provincial capital, Nakuru. Tourism has a minor but important role in the local economy. The town is part of the south Rift tourist circuit as it is on the way to the famed Masai Mara National Park. Tourists can visit the Lord Maurice Tatton castle, which is run and maintained as a visitor and conference center by Egerton University. The town also boasts of a top golf club.

People

Njoro is populated by people from all ethnic groups in Kenya. However, the Kikuyu are the predominant people, and thus have greatly influenced the culture of the area. Residents of Njoro lived peacefully until the politically instigated tribal clashes of the 1990s. Several people were killed and many displaced due to the laxity of the Moi regime to maintain law and order. Issues arising from the displacement of local residents and their desired resettlement have continued to cause friction.

See also

• Railway stations in Kenya