Trans-Nzoia County
Trans-Nzoia County is a county in the former Rift Valley Province, Kenya, located between the Nzoia River and Mount Elgon, 380 km northwest of Nairobi. At its centre is the town of Kitale which is the county capital and largest town. It is bordered by the Republic of Uganda to the west, Bungoma and Kakamega Counties to the south, West Pokot County to the east, and Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu Counties to the southeast. Trans Nzoia covers an area of 2495.5 square kilometres. The county has a cool and temperate climate, with daytime temperatures ranging from 23.4 °C to 29.2 °C and nighttime temperatures from 11.0 °C to 13.5 °C. It receives moderate rainfall, making it suitable for agriculture
Earliest known written records about the region show that Trans Nzoia was inhabited by the Sabaot
people who, by the time of the arrival of colonial settlers, had died or left the district, some had died of illness, others had been killed in intertribal wars with the Suk, and the remainder had mostly gone off in the direction of Ravine, though some had gone up the Elgon. After independence, many of the farms vacated by white settlers were bought by individuals from other ethnic groups in Kenya. Kitale, its capital town, is now majorly Luhya with inhabitants from other tribes in Kenya occupying almost less than 1% of the population.
The county is largely agricultural with both large scale and small scale wheat, maize and dairy farming. The county is referred to as the bread basket of Kenya for its role in food production in the country. The majority of its inhabitants are however generally poor.
Trans Nzoia is one of Kenya's forty-seven counties, established under the 2010 constitution. It is locally governed by the County Government of Trans Nzoia. The County Government Act allows the County Government to further decentralize its functions and services below the village with the approval of the Trans-Nzoia County Assembly. Governors are elected every five years in the Kenya General Elections. George Natembeya is the current governor since 2022, succeeding Patrick Khaemba who was the first governor of Trans Nzoia and led the county from 2013 to 2022.
Physiographic and natural conditions
Trans Nzoia County features predominantly flat terrain with gentle undulations rising towards the Cherang'any Hills in the east and Mount Elgon in the northwest. Mount Elgon, shared with Bungoma County and Uganda, is Kenya's second-highest peak and a significant environmental and wildlife conservation site. The county's altitude varies from 1,660 meters in Sikhendu Ward to 4,299 meters at Mount Elgon's peak.The county is home to 15 rivers, including Sabwani, Rongai, Noigamaget, Suam, Kaptega, and Losourwa, which contribute to the Nzoia River system draining into Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana. These rivers are crucial for domestic use, small-scale irrigation, and have potential for hydroelectric power generation. However, they face threats from human activities such as encroachment and agriculture, which impact their catchment areas.
Trans Nzoia's forests, primarily located in Mount Elgon and Cherang'any Hills, are essential for the county's climate and water catchment. Human activities have reduced forest cover from 17% in 2013 to 15.1%, posing challenges for the local environment.
The county enjoys a cool, temperate climate with mean maximum daytime temperatures ranging from 23.4 °C to 29.2 °C and mean minimum nighttime temperatures between 11.0 °C and 13.5 °C. The highest temperature, about 34.2 °C, occurs in February, and the lowest, around 6.5 °C, is recorded in January. Annual rainfall varies from 1,000mm to 1,700mm, distributed across three main seasons: long rains, intermediate rains, and short rains. The long and intermediate rainy seasons are more reliable for agriculture. However, recent climate changes have led to increased occurrences of droughts, dry spells, and floods.
Demographics and sub-divisions
Trans Nzoia comprises five sub-counties: Kiminini, Saboti, Endebess, Kwanza, and Cherangany, which are further divided into 25 wards. As of the 2019 Census, the population was 990,341, consisting of 489,107 males, 501,206 females, and 28 intersex individuals. The county had 223,808 households with an average size of 4.4 people per household.Kitale serves as the county's administrative center and main commercial hub. Other significant market centers include Kiminini, Kachibora, Saboti, and Endebess. The county is highly diverse, with residents from nearly all of Kenya's 44 ethnic groups, including the predominant Luhya and Kalenjin communities, as well as Kikuyu, Kisii, Luo, Teso, and Turkana among others.
Historically a white highland, Trans Nzoia's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, benefiting from fertile soils and favorable climatic conditions. It is renowned for large-scale maize production, earning it the nickname "Kenya’s breadbasket." Other significant economic activities include trade and tourism, supported by the presence of Mt. Elgon and Cherangany Hills, which are part of Kenya's five water towers. The county boasts both indigenous and exotic forests, contributing to a tree cover of 17%, surpassing the national target of 10%.
Strategically located, Trans Nzoia serves as a gateway to South Sudan via West Pokot and Turkana counties and to Uganda through the Suam Border. It is well-connected by major roads, including the National Trunk Road 1A, linking it to Tanzania, South Sudan, and the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The county also has a modern airstrip and extensive road networks, enhancing its status as a regional economic hub.
History
Toponymy
Trans Nzoia County derives its name from the Nzoia River, a prominent geographical feature in the region. Here's an exploration of the toponymy related to Trans Nzoia:- Nzoia River: The county is named after the Nzoia River, which flows through the region. The name "Nzoia" is believed to have its origins in local dialects, though the exact etymology might vary.
- "Trans" Prefix: The prefix "Trans" indicates "across" or "beyond" in Latin, suggesting that the name signifies "beyond the Nzoia River" or "across the Nzoia River". This term was commonly used during the colonial era to denote areas located on the other side of a prominent geographical feature.
- Colonial Influence: During British colonial rule, the area around the Nzoia River and its surroundings were designated as "Trans Nzoia" to demarcate administrative regions. This naming convention persisted into the post-independence period, and Trans Nzoia County was formally established as an administrative unit within Kenya.
- Historical Context: The naming of Trans Nzoia County reflects its geographical and historical significance as a region defined by the Nzoia River and its cultural, economic, and political interactions over time.
Early Settlement and Initial Development
Initially, the region was dominated by natural features like Mount Elgon, the Cherangani Hills, and the Nzoia River, which marked its boundaries. Early maps, such as those depicting "Qitale," show its significance as a route for slave traders from Uganda to the coast. Kitale, now the central town of Trans Nzoia, was even used as a resting place for these traders.An article titled "At the Sign of the World's Cross Roads: Tsetse Fly and the Trans-Nzoia" from The Field magazine in September 1919 provides a detailed account of the early settlement and the challenges faced by settlers in the Trans-Nzoia region of Kenya. It highlights the following key points:
- Tsetse Fly Infestation: One of the significant challenges in Trans-Nzoia was the presence of the tsetse fly, which caused sleeping sickness in both humans and animals. This pest was a major obstacle to settlement and agriculture, as it affected livestock and made large areas uninhabitable.
- Early Settlement: The article discusses the arrival of early European settlers who faced numerous hardships, including diseases, lack of infrastructure, and the remoteness of the region. Despite these challenges, the settlers were determined to develop the land.
- Agricultural Potential: Despite the difficulties, the region was recognized for its fertile soil and potential for agriculture. The settlers worked hard to clear the land, establish farms, and introduce crops and livestock that could thrive in the environment.
- Infrastructure Development: The article notes the gradual development of infrastructure, including roads and railways, which facilitated better access to markets and resources. This development was crucial for the economic growth of the region.
- Community Efforts: There was a strong sense of community among the settlers, who supported each other in overcoming the various challenges. They established social and support networks to improve living conditions and promote development.
- Government Involvement: The colonial government played a role in supporting the settlement efforts by providing resources, conducting surveys, and implementing policies to encourage more settlers to move to Trans-Nzoia.