About Kajiado County
BeyondForest- Feb 24
- 3 min read
In this section we will look at
2.)Major Towns in Kajiado
4.)Distance from Nairobi to Kajiado
5.)What is Kajiado Known For?
Image of Kajiado Map
Kajiado County is located in the southern part of Kenya, bordering Tanzania to the south. The county is predominantly occupied by the Maasai community, who have maintained their rich culture and traditions for centuries.
The name Kajiado originates from the Maasai word "Olkeju-ado," which means "the long river," referring to a seasonal river that runs through the town of Kajiado. During the colonial period, the British administration established administrative centers in Kajiado to govern the Maasai people, who were largely pastoralists.
Image of Kajiado Map
During Kenya’s fight for independence, the Maasai played a crucial role in land matters, as their territory had been greatly affected by colonial land alienation policies. After Kenya gained independence in 1963, Kajiado continued to develop as a major center for Maasai culture and livestock farming. Today, Kajiado has transformed into a vibrant county with modern towns, tourism, and business growth, while still preserving its traditional way of life.
a) Kajiado Town
The county headquarters. A major administrative and business center. Has government offices, schools, and health facilities.
b) Ngong
Located close to Nairobi, making it a popular residential area. Known for Ngong Hills, a famous hiking and tourism destination. A fast-growing urban center with modern real estate development.
c) Kitengela
One of the fastest-growing towns in Kenya. Located near Athi River and Nairobi. Known for industries, real estate, and a large middle-class population. Has modern amenities, shopping malls, and international schools.
d) Isinya
Located along the Nairobi-Namanga Highway. A growing commercial town with many businesses and industries. Home to agribusiness and livestock trading.
e) Namanga
A key border town between Kenya and Tanzania. A major gateway for trade and tourism. Known for the Namanga Border Post and customs offices.
f) Loitoktok
Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. A key tourism town due to its proximity to Amboseli National Park. A major agricultural and livestock center.
g)Ongata Rongai
A fast-growing town near Nairobi. Popular with people working in the city but living outside Nairobi. Known for universities, businesses, and entertainment joints.
Kajiado County is divided into several sub-counties, each with its own administration and local governance structures.Each sub-county is further divided into wards, which are represented by elected Members of County Assembly (MCAs).
Kajiado Central
Covers Kajiado Town and surrounding areas.
Kajiado North
Includes Ngong, Ongata Rongai, and Kiserian.
Kajiado East
Covers Kitengela, Isinya, and Mashuuru.
Kajiado West
Includes Magadi, Ewuaso Kedong, and Oltepesi.
Kajiado South
Covers Loitoktok, Kimana, and Namanga.
The distance from Nairobi to Kajiado Town is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles).The journey from Nairobi to Kajiado takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The main route used is the Nairobi-Namanga Highway, which is well-paved and accessible.Other towns in Kajiado, such as Kitengela and Ngong, are much closer to Nairobi (around 30–50 km), while farther places like Loitoktok can take over 4 hours to reach.
What is Kajiado Known For?
Maasai Culture and Heritage
Home to the Maasai community, who have preserved their traditional lifestyle, dress, and customs. Maasai villages attract tourists interested in experiencing traditional Maasai dances, beadwork, and warrior traditions.
Livestock Farming
Kajiado is one of Kenya’s leading counties in cattle rearing. Livestock markets in Kajiado, Isinya, and Kimana attract traders from different parts of the country. Dairy and beef farming are key economic activities.
Tourism and Wildlife Conservation
Kajiado is home to part of Amboseli National Park, which offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The county has many private wildlife conservancies that protect animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Popular tourist sites include Ngong Hills, Lake Magadi, and Namanga Hills.
Real Estate Development
Towns like Kitengela, Ngong, and Ongata Rongai have experienced rapid real estate growth. Many people working in Nairobi prefer to live in Kajiado due to affordable land and housing.
Cross-Border Trade with Tanzania
Kajiado plays a key role in trade between Kenya and Tanzania. The Namanga Border Post is a major customs and immigration checkpoint. Businesses in Namanga thrive due to imports and exports across the border
Salt Production at Lake Magadi
Lake Magadi is one of the world's largest natural sources of sodium carbonate (soda ash). The Magadi Soda Company extracts and exports soda ash for industrial use. The area around Lake Magadi is also popular for scenic landscapes and hot springs.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Some parts of Kajiado, such as Loitoktok and Kimana, are known for farming due to their fertile land and good climate. Common crops grown include maize, beans, tomatoes, and onions. Large-scale horticulture farms export vegetables and flowers to international markets.
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