Everything You Need To Know About Laikipia County

By the end of this section you will have learnt

1.)Everything About Laikipia County

2.)FAQs About Laikipia County

3.)Administration in Laikipia

4.)Geography and Climate In Laikipia

5.)Top Attractions and Tourist Activities In Laikipia

6.)Economic Activities in Laikipia

7.)Real Estate and Land in Laikipia

8.)Education and Infrastructure In Laikipia

9.)Priority Development Strategies for Laikipia county

10.)Laikipia Poem

11.)Challenges Facing Laikipia

Introduction to Laikipia County

Major Towns in Laikipia include Nanyuki, Nyahururu and Rumuruti

Laikipia County is located in central Kenya, covering approximately 9,462 km² and lies along the equator, bordered by Mount Kenya to the east and the Aberdare Ranges to the southwest. Known for its vast landscapes, Laikipia boasts a mix of arid savannah, forested highlands, and fertile agricultural zones.

Laikipia county is a leading conservation hub, home to iconic private and community conservancies like Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and Borana, as well as parts of Mount Kenya and Aberdare National Parks. Laikipia supports vibrant pastoralism, crop farming, tourism, and wildlife-based economies.

Community land: 39%

Private land: 41%

Government land: 20%

Most come here in search of Giza, the elusive black leopardess. She’s the headline act, the reason many dream of visiting.- Tandaafrika

FAQs About Laikipia County

Aerial View of Laikipia with Vast, wild and rugged by Sossian Lodge

Which Tribe Dominates Laikipia County

Kikuyu: ~50–60% of the county population

Maasai & Samburu combined: ~20–25%

Turkana, Pokot, Meru, Somali, others: ~15–25%

Laikipia County is one of the most ethnically diverse counties in Kenya, with no single tribe holding a majority, though several communities have notable populations.The Kikuyu dominate the southern and eastern zones of Laikipia .Maasai and Samburu Found largely in Laikipia North. Turkana, Pokot, and Other Pastoralists Found in smaller numbers, often as migrant herders or in urban informal settlements. Meru Common in eastern Laikipia, engaged in farming and trade.Somali and Borana Often involved in livestock trading,

 Luhya, Luo, Kamba, and Kisii: Found in urban centers as professionals, teachers, medics, and government workers

Which county does Nyahururu belong to?

Nyahururu is a unique town that straddles two counties: Laikipia and Nyandarua.Historically, Nyahururu was the administrative headquarters of the larger Laikipia District during colonial and early post-independence periods.Today, however, the central business district (CBD) of Nyahururu lies within Nyandarua County, while its outskirts and surrounding zones (such as Igwamiti Ward) fall under Laikipia County.

Nyahururu belongs to both Laikipia and Nyandarua Counties, with its core CBD in Nyandarua and its western and northern neighborhoods in Laikipia, making it a rare inter-county town.

Which is the biggest town in Laikipia County?

The biggest town in Laikipia County is Nanyuki — both in terms of population size, economic activity, and strategic regional importance, as confirmed by the Laikipia County Spatial Plan 2023–2033.Nanyuki is the most urbanized town in Laikipia, with the highest concentration of residents, businesses, and services.It has experienced rapid urban growth due to in-migration, tourism, and military presence.

Which county is Nanyuki in?

Nanyuki is located in Laikipia County, Kenya, and serves as the headquarters of Laikipia East Sub-county. It is the largest and most developed urban center in Laikipia, strategically positioned along the equator and at the foothills of Mount Kenya. Nanyuki lies within the administrative boundaries of Laikipia County, specifically in Thingithu and Nanyuki Wards, under Laikipia East Constituency.

Nanyuki is bordered by Meru County to the east and Nyeri County to the south, but its core urban area is firmly within Laikipia.

What is the difference between Laikipia and Samburu?

Laikipia and Samburu are two neighboring counties in Kenya, each with distinct geographical features, cultures, economies, and land use systems. Laikipia is located in Central Kenya while Samburu is located in Northern Kenya. Laikipia borders Samburu (N), Meru (SE), Nyeri (S), Baringo (W) while Samburu borders Laikipia (S), Isiolo (E), Baringo (W) Laikipia has Rolling highlands, plateaus, Mt. Kenya foothills while samburu has Dry plains, escarpments, and the Matthews Range

Laikipia Vs Samburu

Laikipia	Samburu
Rainfall is 400–1,200 mm/year (bimodal)	Rainfall is 300–800 mm/year (unreliable, drought-prone)
Key features are Conservancies, Mt. Kenya, rivers	Key feautures are Savannahs, acacia shrublands, seasonal rivers
Ethnic groups is Kikuyu, Maasai, Turkana, Meru, Borana, others	Ethnic group is Samburu (main), Rendille, Turkana, Borana
Commercial ranching and community grazing	Predominantly pastoralist (cattle, goats, camels)
Over 16 conservancies; strong ecotourism base	Game reserves like Samburu NR; cultural safaris
Key headquarters are Nanyuki, Nyahururu, Rumuruti	Ket towns are Maralal (HQ), Baragoi, Wamba
Drought and Famine is Frequent in northern Laikipia	Drought and Famine is Common across the county

Over 16 private and community conservancies notable Conservancies include Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Borana, Mugie, Il Ngwesi, Naibunga

Is Laikipia a plain?

Laikipia is not entirely a plain rather, it is a geographically diverse plateau region that features a mix of plains, valleys, escarpments, highlands, and river basins, making it one of the most ecologically varied counties in Kenya.

Urbanization Rate: Growing rapidly in towns like Nanyuki and Rumuruti

Is Laikipia Safe to Visit or Live In?

Yes, Laikipia is generally safe to visit and live in, especially in its major towns, conservancies, and agricultural regions. With ongoing investments in security, infrastructure, and community development

Laikipia hosts dozens of high-end conservancies and eco-lodges (like Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and Borana) that welcome thousands of local and international tourists every year.

Laikipia has become one of Kenya’s most attractive destinations for tourists, expatriates, and local residents seeking quality of life, natural beauty, and opportunity.

British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) has long been based in Nanyuki, further boosting regional security measures.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Laikipia ?

Dry Season (January–March & July–October): Best Overall

The best time to visit Laikipia County is during the dry seasons—from January to March and July to October. These periods offer the most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, conservancy tours, outdoor adventures, and cultural events.

Rainy Season (April–June & November–Early December): Quieter, Lush Landscapes

How Can I Invest in Laikipia County?

The Laikipia Spatial Plan identifies areas like Rumuruti, Nanyuki, and Nyahururu as future industrial junctions. Opportunities include Agro-processing (milk, honey, cereals) Leather processing (due to livestock abundance) Construction materials and prefabricated housing Renewable energy (solar, biogas)

Land prices in Nanyuki and Rumuruti continue to rise due to demand from locals, diaspora, expatriates, and speculators.Strategic options include Buying plots for future resale Setting up eco-lodges or serviced apartments Investing in affordable housing near towns and conservancies Laikipia supports both commercial and subsistence agriculture, with fertile zones in the south/east and rangelands in the north.

With over 500,000+ residents and rising middle-class consumers, Laikipia offers growing markets for Supermarkets, agro-vets, machinery dealerships, Agri-inputs distribution (fertilizers, irrigation kits), Microfinance and SACCOs targeting smallholder farmers

How Much Is It From Nairobi To Laikipia

The distance and cost from Nairobi to Laikipia County depend on your entry point (Nanyuki, Rumuruti, Nyahururu Nairobi to Nanyuki (Laikipia East HQ) Distance: Approx. 195 km Time: 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic Route: Nairobi → Thika → Karatina → Naro Moru → Nanyuki Ksh 500–700 one way from Nairobi

Nairobi to Rumuruti (Laikipia West HQ) Distance: Approx. 220 km Time: 4.5–5.5 hours Route: Nairobi → Nakuru → Nyahururu → Rumuruti

Administration in Laikipia

List of Sub-Counties In Laikipia

Laikipia East	Headquarters Nanyuki
Laikipia West	Headquarters Rumuruti
Laikipia North	Headquarters Doldol
Laikipia Central	Headquarters Lamuria
Nyahururu	Headquarters Nyahururu

List of Constituencies In Laikipia

Laikipia East

Laikipia West

Laikipia North

List of Wards In Laikipia

Laikipia East Constituency 

Ngobit

Tigithi

Thingithu

Nanyuki

Umande

Laikipia North Constituency (4 Wards)

Mukogodo East

Mukogodo West

Segera

Sosian

Laikipia West Constituency 

Ol Moran

Rumuruti Township

Githiga

Marmanet

Igwamiti

Salama

Geography and Climate In Laikipia

Northern/central: Arid & semi-arid, suitable for livestock & wildlife

Laikipia's topography varies from high-altitude zones in the south and southeast to flat arid plains in the north. This variation influences its diverse climate the southern and eastern regions receive higher rainfall and support agriculture, while the northern parts are drier and suitable for pastoralism.

Southern/eastern: Fertile zones near Mt. Kenya & Aberdares, ideal for dairy, poultry, fish, and crops

Rainfall ranges between 400mm and 1,200mm annually, with bimodal patterns. Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C. The county's altitude, rangelands, rivers, and conservancies define its unique ecological richness.

Top Attractions and Tourist Activities In Laikipia

Private Conservancies

Ol Pejeta Conservancy	Largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy	UNESCO World Heritage Site, rhinos and Grevy’s zebras
Borana Conservancy	Known for its lion conservation efforts
Mugie Conservancy	Wildlife-livestock coexistence model
Ol Jogi Conservancy	Wildlife rescue and tourism
Segera Conservancy	Luxury eco-tourism
Mpala Ranch & Research Centre	Wildlife research and education

Community Conservancies

Il Ngwesi Community Conservancy

Naibunga Conservancy

Lekurruki Conservancy

Nashipa Conservancy

Kuri Kuri Community Conservancy

Tiemamut Conservancy

Koija Community Conservancy

Pastenya Conservancy

National Parks & Game Reserves

Laikipia Nature Conservancy (formerly Kuki Gallmann’s estate; mixed land use)

Mount Kenya National Park (accessed via Nanyuki gate)

Aberdare National Park (accessible from Nyahururu/Mutubio area)

Rumuruti Forest Reserve – Important biodiversity hotspot

Mukogodo Forest Reserve – Indigenous forest with community forest association

Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve – Tourism and ecotourism hub with canopy walks

Includes endangered wildlife like Grevy’s zebra and black rhino African wild dogs

Economic Activities in Laikipia

Agriculture & Livestock

Livestock Population include Cattle >300,000 Sheep: >500,000 Goats: >600,000 Poultry: >1 million birds

with key Crops such as Maize, wheat, potatoes, beans, vegetables, fruits

Greenhouse farming rising in Nanyuki, Tigithi, and Umande areas

Apiculture (Bee Farming) with over 13,000 beehives active in the county

Nanyuki is the Most developed, tourism hub

Rumuruti is the Administrative headquarters with potential for growth

Nyahururu is a shared town with Nyandarua, commercial hub

Headquarters: Rumuruti

Sub-counties: Laikipia East, Laikipia West, Laikipia North, Laikipia Central, Nyahururu

Major Towns: Nanyuki, Nyahururu, Rumuruti

Borders: Samburu (North), Isiolo (NE), Meru (SE), Nyeri (South), Nyandarua/Nakuru (SW), Baringo (West)

Total Population according to 2019 Census is Approx. 518,560 people with a Projected Population in 2033 at over 680,000 people

Real Estate and Land in Laikipia

Landmass of Laikipia is 9,462 km² which is 1.6% of Kenya’s area.

Nanyuki is the most urbanized and economically vibrant town in Laikipia and hosts key national security installations (e.g., Kenya Air Force base and British Army Training Unit Kenya – BATUK).

Nanyuki is a launchpad for tourism to Ol Pejeta Conservancy ,Mount Kenya National Park ,Ngare Ndare Forest and offers experiences like Equator crossing photo, Luxury lodges, nature treks, canopy walks ,horseback riding safaris, scenic flights, and heritage cafés

Laikipia's Livestock and wildlife rangelands include 70% ,Forested and conservation areas include 17% while Cropland is 13%

Land Prices and Plots for Sale

Major Real Estate Companies Selling Land in Nanyuki

1/8 acre	KSh 150K–490K	Airstrip, Muthaiga, Horizon	Bei Bora
¼ acre	KSh 350K–2M	Ol Saruni, Ngarariga	Optiven
½–1 acre	KSh 2M–5M	Marura, Rumuruti Road	AMG
3–6 acres	KSh 4.5M–24M	Burguret, Timau, Simba Road	TopLine

Investing in Nanyuki gives you stunning views of Mount Kenya,Proximity to Ol Pejeta, wildlife conservancies, and Nanyuki Airstrip and is very well‑connected via the A2 highway. Smaller plots (¼ acre) sell for around  349,000Ksh to 849,000Ksh in suburban estates like Nanyuki Horizon, Airstrip Gardens, and Muthaiga .½-acre and 1-acre plots range from KSh 1.8M–2.9M, often located near Marura, Rumuruti Road, and Ol Saruni. Larger parcels (3–6 acres) in areas like Burguret, Timau, and Simba Road retail between KSh 4.5M–24M

Education and Infrastructure In Laikipia

Laikipia has a total road network of 6,000 km with only 18% paved, the rest is murram or earth roads

Nanyuki has an Airstrips along Nanyuki Highways for civilian and on Rumuruti for small aircraft

Nanyuki is served by a Meter gauge rail from Nairobi to Nanyuki

Nanyuki has an electricity access of 56% on urban coverage and 21% rural coverage

Nanyuki has water Access with Piped water access serving 48% of households while water scarcity prevalent in pastoral zones

Priority Development Strategies for Laikipia county

• Crop & Livestock Improvement

  
  

• Infrastructure Expansion (Roads, ICT, Energy)

  
  

• Tourism & Industry Promotion

  
  

• Environmental Protection & Climate Action

  
  

• Urbanization & Housing Policy

Laikipia Poem

Image of a Black Leopard Known as Giza In Laikipia

The Laikipia region is not just the stunning star of the film "I Dreamed of Africa".

It’s real.

It’s a magical, wild place.

Untouched.

It’s one of the most beautiful destinations to experience, like the Wilderness Camp.

It’s the extremely rare black leopard that can only be spotted here.

It’s vast open plains, hills where great predators stand watch.

It’s flowing rivers and small watering holes.

It’s the land of elephants and great herbivores.

It’s a place less frequented by the masses, and for that reason, infinitely beautiful.

It’s rich in experiences, like getting close to rhinos or tracking lions.

It’s poetry that roars at night.

It’s beauty that drinks in the daylight.

It’s Laikipia.

A land where every detail and every shade is a great adventure.

For many, but not for everyone.

Only for those who truly love Africa and want to experience it without compromise! -Un posto nel mondo

Challenges Facing Laikipia

Land degradation

invasive Opuntia species

human-wildlife conflict

Poverty pockets

Inequality

urban sprawl

lack of housing plans