Samburu County FAQs: Towns, Map, Tribes, Distance & Government Guide
- BeyondForest
- Jun 25, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
0.)Where Is Samburu County Located in Kenya
1.)Samburu County Map
3.)Samburu Livestock and Pastoral economy
4.)How Many Sub-Counties Are in Samburu County
5.)How Many Constituencies Does Samburu County Have
7.)What Wards Are in Samburu County
9.)What Wildlife Is Samburu County Famous For
This Samburu County FAQ is built using official county data, development plans, tourism strategies, and frequently searched public questions not guesswork.
Samburu County covers ~20,000–21,000 km², making it larger than countries like Kuwait and Qatar
Samburu has more livestock than people by several multiples.
Samburu County is located in northern Kenya, within the country’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) region. It lies north of the Equator and occupies a vast landscape characterized by dry plains, rugged hills, and mountain ranges. Samburu borders Marsabit County to the north, Isiolo County to the east, Laikipia County to the south, and Baringo and Turkana counties to the west. The county sits between the Kenyan highlands and northern deserts, making it a transition zone in terms of climate, culture, and livelihoods. Its strategic location links central Kenya to the northern frontier districts.
About 92% of Samburu county is classified as ASAL .Altitude ranges from ~1,000 m (lowland plains) to over 2,500 m (Ndoto & Nyiro ranges). Less than 10% of Samburu county receives reliable rainfall
Image of by myfrikaa
Total population (2019 Census): ~310,000 people Household size averages 5–6 people with Youth (under 18) make up over 50% of the population while Urban population is below 20% Samburu is overwhelmingly rural
Samburu County Map
Major Towns & Urban Centres
Maralal | county headquarters and main town |
Wamba | major town in eastern Samburu |
Baragoi | northern administrative and trading centre |
Wards / Local Administrative Areas
Suguta Marmar |
Lodokejek |
Waso |
Baawa |
Loosuk |
Angata Nanyokie |
Ndoto |
Nachola |
Poro |
Wamba North |
Wamba West |
Maralal |
El Barta |
Baragoi |
South Hor |
Nyiro |
Wamba East |
What Is the Capital and Headquarters of Samburu County
Image of Beautiful roads in Baragoi Maralal road
Maralal is the capital and administrative headquarters of Samburu County. It hosts the county governor’s offices, county assembly, and key government departments. Maralal serves as the main political, economic, and service center, supporting administration, education, healthcare, trade, and transport across the county.
Samburu Livestock and Pastoral economy
Image of Young person in colorful attire stands in arid landscape with grazing cows by Rio The Photographer
Approximate livestock numbers:
Cattle | 185,000 |
Goats | 550,000 |
Sheep | 388,000 |
Camels | 33,000 |
Donkeys | 27,000 |
Indigenous chickens | 38,000 |
Beehives | 21,000 |
41% of the local economy comes from agriculture and livestock while Annual rainfall varies from <400 mm (lowlands) to >1,200 mm (mountain zones)
Samburu County has three sub-counties, which serve as the main administrative and planning units within the county government structure. These sub-counties are Samburu West, Samburu North, and Samburu East. Each sub-county is responsible for coordinating government services such as health, education, water, and local development projects within its area. The sub-counties are further divided into 15 wards, which help bring governance and service delivery closer to residents. This structure allows the county government to manage Samburu’s large geographic area more effectively, especially given its low population density and pastoral way of life.
Over 50% of households rely on unimproved water sources. Boreholes are the dominant water infrastructure while Walking distances for water can exceed 10–20 km in drought periods
In Samburu County Constituencies are national political units used to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) while Sub-counties are administrative units used by county and national government officers to deliver services. Because Samburu has a small population a very large land area and only three constituencies. The government aligned Sub-county boundaries = constituency boundaries
Samburu West = constituency and sub-county
Samburu North = constituency and sub-county
Samburu East = constituency and sub-county
How Many Constituencies Does Samburu County Have
Samburu County has three constituencies, which are used for national parliamentary representation in Kenya. These constituencies are Samburu West, Samburu North, and Samburu East. Each constituency elects a Member of Parliament to the National Assembly
Only about 8% of Samburu County can support crop farming.
What Are the Major Towns in Samburu County
Aerial View of Lion’s Cave in Archers Post in Samburu County by josephine k
The major towns in Samburu County include Maralal, which serves as the county headquarters and main urban center, Baragoi, an important northern administrative and trading hub, Wamba, a key town in eastern Samburu, and Archers Post, a gateway town near wildlife conservancies. Smaller centers such as South Horr also support local trade and government services across the county’s vast pastoral areas.
What Wards Are in Samburu County
Most towns in Samburu exist because of water, not trade.
Samburu County is divided into 15 wards, which are the lowest units of local governance and service delivery. These wards are spread across the three sub-counties (and constituencies) and include:
Lodokejek, Suguta Marmar, Maralal, Loosuk, El Barta, Baragoi, Nachola, South Horr, Nyiro, Angata Nanyokie, Wamba West, Wamba North, Wamba East, Waso, and Poro.
Each ward elects a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) and plays a key role in local development planning, budgeting, and representation.
Which Tribes Live in Samburu County
The Samburu people are the predominant community living in Samburu County and have traditionally practiced pastoralism. Other tribes present include the Turkana, mainly in border areas to the west and north, Rendille and Borana in parts bordering Marsabit and Isiolo counties, and small populations of Somali in trading centers. These communities interact through livestock trade, intermarriage, and shared grazing areas, shaping Samburu’s multicultural and pastoral way of life.
What Wildlife Is Samburu County Famous For
The region is best known for the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich, which are rarely seen together outside northern Kenya. Samburu also supports large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles, especially along river systems. These animals thrive in national reserves and community conservancies, making Samburu one of Kenya’s most distinctive wildlife destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Samburu County
Where is Samburu County located in Kenya?
Samburu County is located in northern Kenya within the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) region. It borders Marsabit to the north, Isiolo to the east, Laikipia to the south, and Baringo and Turkana to the west.
What is the capital and headquarters of Samburu County?
Maralal is the capital and administrative headquarters of Samburu County. It hosts the county government offices, main institutions, and serves as the largest urban center in the county.
How many sub-counties are in Samburu County?
Samburu County has three sub-counties Samburu West ,Samburu North and Samburu East. Each sub-county is further divided into wards for administrative and development planning.
How many wards are in Samburu County?
Samburu County has 15 wards spread across its three sub-counties. These wards form the basic units for local governance, service delivery, and county development programs.
What are the major towns in Samburu County?
The main towns in Samburu County include Maralal, Wamba, Archers Post, Baragoi, and South Horr. Most settlements develop around water sources, administrative centers, and key transport corridors.
How far is Samburu County from Nairobi?
Samburu County is approximately 350 kilometers from Nairobi by road. Travel time ranges from 7 to 9 hours, depending on road conditions and route used.
Which tribes live in Samburu County?
The Samburu people are the dominant community in Samburu County. Other communities include Turkana, Rendille, Borana, and pockets of Somali, especially near border areas.
Samburu County is best known for pastoral livestock keeping, wildlife conservancies, unique cultural heritage, and tourism attractions such as Samburu National Reserve and community-run conservancies.
What wildlife is Samburu famous for?
Samburu is famous for the “Samburu Special Five” Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Gerenuk, and Somali ostrich species adapted to dry northern Kenya ecosystems.
Is Samburu County safe for tourists?
Yes, Samburu County is generally safe for tourists, especially in designated reserves, conservancies, and towns. Visitors are advised to follow local guidance, use reputable tour operators, and stay informed about travel updates.
What economic activities support Samburu County?
The main economic activities are livestock production, tourism, trade, and small-scale agriculture in highland areas. Livestock contributes the largest share of household income.
Is Samburu County arid or fertile?
Most of Samburu County is arid or semi-arid, with limited rainfall. However, high-altitude areas such as the Ndoto and Nyiro ranges receive more rainfall and support farming and forestry activities.
How many constituencies does Samburu County have?
Samburu County has three constituencies, which align closely with its sub-county boundaries and are used primarily for parliamentary representation.
What counties neighbor Samburu County?
Samburu County neighbors Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia, Baringo, and Turkana counties, making it a strategic link between northern and central Kenya.
What is the official Samburu County government website?
The official Samburu County Government website is www.samburu.go.ke , where public documents, notices, and development updates are published.
Why are towns in Samburu County far apart?
Towns in Samburu County are widely spaced due to low population density, pastoral land use, and limited water availability—factors that naturally shape settlement patterns in arid regions.
Why is Samburu important to Kenya?
Samburu County is important for biodiversity conservation, livestock production, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism, contributing to national conservation and resilience efforts in ASAL regions.
Is Samburu County suitable for investment?
Yes. Samburu offers investment opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, livestock value chains, water infrastructure, and climate-resilient development projects.
