Baringo County Government Contacts

 Baringo_county
 info@baringo.go.ke
 http://Baringo.go.ke

ABOUT BARINGO COUNTY

Baringo County is a county located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. It covers an area of approximately 11,075 square kilometers and has a population of about 666,763 people, according to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census. The county is named after Lake Baringo, which is one of the two freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley and is located in the western part of the county.

Baringo County is bordered by six other counties: Turkana County to the north, West Pokot County to the west, Samburu County to the east, Laikipia County to the south, Nakuru County to the southwest, and Kericho County to the southeast. The county has a diverse topography that ranges from flat plains to hills and mountains. The Tugen Hills, which are located in the central part of the county, are a popular tourist attraction due to their scenic beauty and historical significance.

The county is predominantly inhabited by the Kalenjin community, specifically the Tugen sub-tribe. Other communities such as the Maasai, Luo, and Kikuyu also reside in the county. The main languages spoken in Baringo County are Kalenjin, Swahili, and English.

Baringo County is known for its rich cultural heritage. The Tugen community has a rich oral tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. The community is also known for its traditional dances and music, which are performed during various ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

The county is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, hyenas, and zebras. Lake Baringo is a popular bird-watching destination, with over 470 species of birds recorded in the area. The lake also supports a thriving fishing industry, with tilapia and Nile perch being the most commonly caught fish.

Baringo County is an agricultural hub, with farming being the main economic activity. The county produces a variety of crops such as maize, beans, sorghum, and millet. Livestock rearing is also common in the county, with cattle, goats, and sheep being the most commonly reared animals.

The county is also home to several mineral deposits, including limestone, soda ash, and geothermal resources. The Lake Bogoria Geothermal Power Station, which is located in the county, is one of the largest geothermal power plants in Africa, producing up to 82 megawatts of electricity.

Baringo County is also home to several tourist attractions, including the Baringo-Silali Geothermal Project, the Tugen Hills, Lake Bogoria National Reserve, and the Kesubo Swamp. These attractions have the potential to boost the county’s tourism industry, which is still largely untapped.

However, like many other counties in Kenya, Baringo County faces several challenges. The county has been plagued by inter-communal conflicts, especially between the Tugen and Pokot communities, over issues such as cattle rustling and boundary disputes. The county also faces challenges such as poverty, high levels of unemployment, and poor infrastructure.

Baringo County is a county with immense potential due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, agricultural productivity, and mineral deposits. However, the county needs to address its challenges such as inter-communal conflicts, poverty, and poor infrastructure to fully harness its potential.