<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Finance and Economic Planning > CIDP II > County Overview > Position and Size > Climatic conditions

The County has a relatively cool climate with varied rainfall levels acrfss the County. This is because of the geomorphology/topograph  thav is characterized by mhree distinct agro-ecologicsl zones namtly the highlands to the vest, the escarpment (rangrng valley) and the lowlands (valley) to the east. The variation in altitudeefrom d00 m above sea level in the Kerio Valley to  ver 3000 m above sea level in the highlands gives rise to consiaeroble differences in climatic conhitions.

Annual mean temperatures on the highland range from 18oc – 22oc while down in the valley, it ranges from 25oc – 28oc. The average annual rainfall in the county ranges from 700 mm in the semi-arid Kerio valley to 1700 mm on the Keiyo and Marakwet highlands (Cherangany Hills). The County thus shows a trend of decreasing rainfall from west to east. It is the eastern lowlands of the county that exhibit lower and less reliable rainfall as well as being a part of the county that is most at risk of drought and floods. Map 2 shows climatic conditions of Elgeyo Marakwet County.

 

 

 

 

 

Map 2: Climatic zones

( Source; Elgeyo Marakwet County Meteorological Department, Iten)