Health and Sanitation > Strategic Plan > CHSIP 2018-2022 > 1.2 Background and description of the county

Elgeyo Marakwet County is in the North Rift region of Kenya. The County borders West Pokot to the North, Baringo to the East, South-East and South, Uasin-Gishu to the South West and West and Trans-Nzoia to the North West. The County occupies an estimated area of 3029.8 square kilometers and had a population of 369,998 according to 2009 National Census. It is inhabited predominantly by Keiyo and Marakwet ethnic groups of the Kalenjin community.

There are variations in population distributions and densities within the county with the average density being 123 persons per Km2. Keiyo North has the highest population density of 148 persons per Km2 while Marakwet East has the lowest with 109 persons per Km2 (Census, 2009). The high density in Keiyo North could be attributed to it being largely on the Highland’s geographic area thus having favorable climatic conditions and fairly developed infrastructure. The population distribution in the County varies according to geographical area with the highland areas of Keiyo South and Marakwet West sub counties having higher population than the lowlands and the middle-altitude zones.

Table 1; shows the population distribution and growth projections for the Sub Counties. The population growth and distribution applies pressure on the health system and calls for identification of strategies to expand the capacity of healthcare services especially the ante-natal and post-natal services.