About Nakuru City
Creative. Diverse. At the Summit of the Great Rift Valley.
Nakuru is Kenya’s fourth city and the heartbeat of the Great Rift Valley — a vibrant, multi‑ethnic hub of enterprise, culture, education, and nature. From flamingo‑lined lakes to ancient volcanic craters and prehistoric sites, Nakuru blends heritage with modern urban energy.
UNESCO Creative City (Crafts & Folk Art)
Nakuru is recognised in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its rich crafts and folk‑art tradition — from beadwork and leather to woodcarving and textile design — supported by vibrant markets, festivals, studios, and training spaces. Creativity is part of daily life and a driver of jobs, identity, and destination branding.
Festivals & Stages
Growing calendar of music, film, comedy, and fashion showcases — plus community fairs and faith‑based gatherings.
Artisans & Markets
Active cooperatives and maker hubs supplying local and export markets with authentic Rift Valley crafts.
Spaces for Makers
Studios, galleries, and training centres that nurture youth talent and cultural entrepreneurship.
People & Diversity
Often called a Kenyan melting pot, Nakuru brings together communities from across the country — Swahili, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luo, Luhya, Maasai, Kisii, Somali and many more — living, trading, and creating side‑by‑side. This diversity shapes cuisine, music, language, and the city’s famously warm hospitality.
Iconic Natural & Heritage Sites
The city sits amidst internationally important landscapes and museums — perfect for day trips and film‑worthy backdrops.
Lake Nakuru National Park (UNESCO WHS)
Part of the Kenya Lake System, famed for flamingos, rhinos, lions, and sweeping viewpoints like Baboon Cliff.
Menengai Crater
One of Africa’s largest calderas, minutes from the CBD — panoramic hikes and geothermal storylines.
Hyrax Hill Museum
National Monument with prehistoric settlements documented by Mary Leakey; a classroom in the open.
Lake Elementaita & Soysambu
Alkaline lake and conservancy teeming with birdlife; hot springs at Kikopey and golden sunsets.
Lord Egerton Castle
Storied 52‑room heritage castle on lush grounds near Njoro — weddings, films, and cultural tours.
Day‑Trip Corridor
Easy links to Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, Kariandusi, and the wider Rift Valley circuit.
Wards & Neighbourhoods (Nakuru City)
Administratively, the city spans two constituencies — Nakuru Town East and Nakuru Town West — comprising multiple county assembly wards. Commonly referenced wards include:
Nakuru Town East (examples)
Biashara, Flamingo, Kivumbini, Menengai, Nakuru East.
Nakuru Town West (examples)
Barut, Kaptembwo, Kapkures, London, Rhoda, Shaabab.
These wards host busy markets, residential estates, universities, industrial parks, and cultural venues — each with distinct character and opportunities.
Economy, Education & Access
Diverse Economy
Agribusiness, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, and the creative sector power city growth alongside MSMEs.
Education Hub
Home to colleges and research centres in agriculture, hospitality, and the arts — a pipeline for skilled talent.
Easy Connectivity
Located on the Nairobi–Eldoret corridor (A104) with highway and rail links across the Rift Valley.
Plan Your Visit
- Best season: Year‑round; birdlife peaks after rains. Evenings can be cool at 1,850m — carry a light jacket.
- City etiquette: Support local artisans; ask before filming/photography at cultural sites.
- Getting around: Taxis/e‑hailing, matatus, and tour vans; day trips within 30–90 minutes of the CBD.