Narok
Narok | |
---|---|
Town | |
![]() | |
![]() ![]() Narok | |
Coordinates: KE 01°05′S 35°52′E / 1.083°S 35.867°E | |
Country |
![]() |
County | Narok County |
Narok (sometimes referred to as Narok Town) is a town west of Nairobi that supports Kenya's economy in south-west of the country, along the Great Rift Valley. Narok is the district capital of the Narok County and stands as the major centre of commerce in the district. Narok has a population of around 40,000 people, mostly Maasai. The Maasai, natives of Narok district, refer to Narok as Enkare Narok (meaning black water or dark water) named after, Enkare Narok, the river flowing through Narok town. The elevation of Narok is 1827 metres (5,997 feet) in altitude.
Narok Town is the last major town when travelling by road from Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Park and Keekorok Lodge. The Narok town stands as a center for services, business, and finance. For decades, Narok's economy was controlled by Asian and non-Maasai communities.
Narok Town has several public and parochial schools. These include the following primary schools: Nasaruni Academy for Maasai Girls, Masikonde Primary School, Ole Sankale Boarding School, St. Mary's Primary School, St. Peter's Primary. Also, the following secondary schools: Narok Boys' High School, Maasai Girls' High School, Ole Tipis Secondary School and St Mary's Secondary School. Narok also has a Bible college, Bisset Bible College, and the newly upgraded Narok University, which was previously a teachers' college. Currently the town has embarked on structural and economic growth as the roads and new beautiful building and modern branded shops are mushrooming each day. The common Narok Stadium has been deteriorating due to neglect, hence need to corporate bodies to chip in and bring back the Narok glory.
The main economic income is the tourism sector, which brings an estimated 10 billion Kenya Shillings annually, as well as wheat farming, which is done both in large and small scale.
References
- Alain Zecchini, "Kenya's battle for biodiversity" (on Narok), Le Monde diplomatique, November 2000, MondeDiplo.com, webpage: MondeDiplo-Masai.
External links
- Alain Zecchini, Kenya's battle for biodiversity.
- Profile of Narok District.
- PDF August-2006-Narok.
- MSN Map