Eldoret, Kenya

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Eldoret, Kenya

Region: Uasin Gishu

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Geographic Coordinates: 0.516700, 35.283300

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 193830

Language: Swahili

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Eldoret is a bustling city located in western Kenya, Serving as the capital of Uasin Gishu County. It is the fifth-largest city in Kenya and sits at an altitude of 2, 100 meters above sea level, Making it one of the highest urban centers in the country. The name Eldoret comes from a Maasai word meaning stony river, And it has a rich history and cultural heritage. The city was founded by white settlers as a railway station on the Uganda Railway line in 1910.

Today, Eldoret has grown to become an important hub for agriculture, Education, Healthcare, Sports and commerce. One of Eldoret’s main attractions is its world-renowned athletes’ training camps that have produced many Olympic champions due to its high-altitude training facilities ideal for long-distance running preparation. Some famous athletes who have trained here include Kipchoge Keino, Wilson Kipsang and Vivian Cheruiyot among others. Eldoret also boasts several educational institutions such as Moi University School Of Medicine & Health Sciences which attracts students from all over East Africa due to its excellent academic programs.

Other notable schools include St Patrick’s High School Iten – where many Kenyan athletes were nurtured – among others. For those interested in experiencing Kenyan culture firsthand; various festivals like Marakwet Cultural Festival held annually at Kerio View Hotel or Chebara Dam Fishing Competition held every year during Easter holidays offer visitors traditional dances & music while showcasing their fishing competitions skills.

Nature lovers can explore beyond town borders with nearby national parks such as Mt Elgon National Park offering stunning views of waterfalls & caves within its boundaries; Lake Bogoria National Reserve – home to flamingos & hot springs- and Maasai Mara National Reserve known for wildlife sightings including annual wildebeest migration. Agriculture drives Eldoret’s economy with maize, Wheat & tea being main crops grown in the region. The town also has several industries such as textile manufacturing, Food processing plants among others that contribute to local economy. Eldoret is a city full of life with a rich cultural heritage.

It offers visitors an opportunity to explore Kenya’s history through various festivals while enjoying breathtaking views of nature in nearby national parks. With its high-altitude training facilities for athletes and excellent academic programs at Moi University School Of Medicine & Health Sciences among other institutions; Eldoret is an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts and students alike.

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1. The Eldoret Museum showcases the history and culture of the Kalenjin people, who are the dominant ethnic group in Eldoret.
2. Kipchoge Keino Stadium is named after Kenyan Olympic gold medalist Kipchoge Keino and has hosted many international athletic events.
3. Iten Viewpoint, located about 30 kilometers from Eldoret, is known as the Home of Champions due to its high altitude training facilities for athletes. The viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
4. The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital is one of the largest medical facilities in Kenya, providing specialized medical care to patients from all over East Africa.
5. The Uasin Gishu County Assembly Building is an architectural masterpiece that combines modern design with traditional African elements.
6. The Sosiani River Bridge spans across the Sosiani River and provides a beautiful view of the river below.
7. The Sirikwa Holes were used by early man for shelter and storage purposes, providing insight into early human civilization in Kenya.
8. Saiwa Swamp National Park, located about 22 kilometers from Eldoret, is home to rare animals such as sitatunga antelopes, De Brazza’s monkeys, otters, and bushbucks among others.
9. The Kitale Nature Conservancy boasts wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, elands among others. Located about 45 kilometers from Eldoret towards Kitale town.
10. The Kerio Valley Escarpment is a breathtaking natural formation located on your way to Kabarnet town.

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1. Agriculture: Eldoret is renowned for its fertile soil and favorable climate for agriculture, with major crops grown including maize, wheat, tea, coffee, and horticultural products.
2. Healthcare: Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital is situated in Eldoret, making it one of the largest public hospitals in Kenya. There are also numerous private clinics and hospitals located within the city.
3. Education: Several universities are found in Eldoret such as Moi University, University of Eldoret and Eldoret Technical Training Institute among others.
4. Manufacturing: Various manufacturing industries operate in Eldoret such as textiles, food processing plants like flour mills and breweries.
5. Retail: The city boasts a thriving retail sector with supermarkets like Tuskys Supermarket chain drawing customers from all over the region.
6. Transportation: As a significant transportation hub, Eldoret has a bustling airport serving both domestic and international flights along with an extensive road network linking it to other parts of Kenya.
7. Hospitality industry which includes hotels such as Boma Inn Hotel, Eldo Bliss Hotel among others.

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1. The establishment of Eldoret as a railway town in 1908 led to its growth and development.
2. The construction of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in 1916 is now one of the largest hospitals in Kenya.
3. Kipchoge Keino, a Kenyan athlete, won two Olympic gold medals and set several world records in athletics events.
4. Wilson Kiprugut Chumo, another Kenyan athlete, won a bronze medal at the 1964 Olympics.
5. The Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule in Kenya impacted Eldoret as it was a major transportation hub for goods and people during this time.
6. Daniel arap Moi, former president of Kenya who was born near Eldoret had significant political influence over the region during his tenure as president from 1978 to 2002.
7. The post-election violence that occurred in Eldoret following the disputed presidential election results of 2007-08 resulted in many deaths and displacement of residents.
8. The development of agriculture as a major industry in Eldoret due to its fertile soils and favorable climate for farming activities such as tea growing and dairy farming.
9. The establishment of Moi University located within Uasin Gishu County where Eldoret is situated.
10. The town has hosted annually since early eighties, the popular international athletics meeting christened ‘Eldoret City Marathon’.

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1. The Eldoret Museum showcases the history and culture of the Kalenjin people, one of Kenya’s largest ethnic groups.
2. Kipchoge Keino Stadium is a world-renowned athletics stadium named after the legendary Kenyan athlete Kipchoge Keino.
3. The Kitale Nature Conservancy is a wildlife sanctuary located just outside Eldoret that is home to over 100 species of birds and various other animals.
4. The Moi University Art Gallery is an art center that features works by both local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
5. The Sirikwa Holes are ancient rock formations located just outside Eldoret that were used by early humans for shelter and protection.
6. The Iten Viewpoint is a scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the Rift Valley landscape below.
7. The Chepkiit Falls are a stunning waterfall located in Kapcherop, about 30 minutes’ drive from Eldoret.
8. Kerio Valley National Reserve is a vast wilderness area known for its diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and baboons.
9. Saiwa Swamp National Park is home to rare Sitatunga antelopes.
10. The MTRH Memorial Garden – A garden dedicated to health workers who died during Covid-19 pandemic.

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1. Ulinzi Stars FC – a football club founded in 1973 as an army team. They’ve won the Kenyan Premier League three times and represented Kenya in continental competitions.
2. Eldoret Falcons FC – a women’s football club founded in 2010. They’ve won domestic titles and represented Kenya internationally.
3. Kapsabet Boys High School – a high school with a strong athletics program that produced world-class athletes, including Wilson Kipketer, David Rudisha, and Asbel Kiprop.
4. St. Patrick’s High School Iten – another high school with a successful athletics program that produced Olympic medalists such as Peter Rono and Matthew Birir.
5. Moi University Volleyball Team – a volleyball team from Moi University that won national championships and represented Kenya internationally.
6. Rift Valley Academy Rugby Club – a rugby club based in Eldoret competing at the national level producing players who represented Kenya internationally.
7. Eldoret Golf Club – located near the city center of Eldoret with an 18-hole course designed by renowned golf architect David Jones Jr., hosting tournaments for amateur & professional players from across the country regularly.

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1. Eldoret Agricultural Show – an annual event that showcases the latest technologies and innovations in agriculture and farming.
2. Eldoret Street Carnival – a vibrant parade featuring music, dance, and colorful costumes.
3. Chebara Dam Festival – a celebration of the local community’s cultural heritage with traditional dances, music performances, and food stalls.
4. Eldoret International Marathon – one of Kenya’s most prestigious marathons attracting runners from all over the world.
5. Moi University Cultural Week – a week-long event celebrating the diverse cultures represented at Moi University through performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
6. Kalenjin Music Festival – an annual competition showcasing traditional Kalenjin music and dance performances by various groups from across the region.
7. Eldoret Jazz Festival – a two-day event featuring some of Kenya’s top jazz musicians performing on multiple stages throughout the city.
8. Nandi County Cultural Festival- A festival that showcases Nandi culture through traditional dances, singing competitions among other activities
9. Eldoret Food Fest- An annual food festival where different restaurants showcase their cuisines to visitors who get to sample different foods
10. Eldoret Fashion Week- A fashion show that brings together designers from around Kenya to showcase their designs

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• Chapati: a flatbread made from wheat flour, water, and oil. It is commonly served with stew or curry.
• Ugali: a dish made from maize flour and water. It is often served with vegetables or meat.
• Nyama Choma: grilled meat (usually beef or goat) that is marinated in spices and roasted over an open fire.
• Sukuma Wiki: a dish made from kale or collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
• Matoke: boiled plantains that are mashed and seasoned with salt, pepper, and oil.
• Kuku Choma: grilled chicken marinated in spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, turmeric powder among others

Some popular restaurants in Eldoret include:

• The Boma Inn Eldoret Restaurant
• Java House
• KFC
• Pizza Inn
• Chicken Inn
• Tamu Tamu Restaurant

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Parks and Recreation

1. Uhuru Gardens is a well-known park that boasts walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
2. Moi University Botanic Garden is a stunning botanical garden with an array of plant species.
3. Kipchoge Keino Stadium is an athletic stadium where visitors can either watch or participate in sports activities like running and football.
4. Eldoret Club is a private members club that provides facilities for tennis, squash, swimming, and golf.
5. Zebra Park Eldoret is a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can observe zebras and other animals in their natural habitat.
6. Chepkiit Waterfalls are impressive waterfalls situated outside Eldoret that are famous for hiking and picnicking.
7. The Kerio Valley National Reserve – located around 100 km from Eldoret town; it offers scenic views of the valley which includes gorges, cliffs & hillsides covered by acacia trees & shrubs
8. Saiwa Swamp National Park – this park houses rare Sitatunga antelope species; birdwatching & nature walks are some of the activities offered here
9. Kesses Dam – this dam supplies water to nearby residents; it’s also an ideal location for fishing & boat rides
10. Eldo Centre Mall – This mall has various recreational activities such as bowling alleys, cinemas & gaming zones

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Adventure Awaits!

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