Marsabit

Location of Marsabit in Kenya

Marsabit is a town in northern Kenya, located 170km east of the center of the East African Rift at 37°58' E, 2°19' N (37.97°E, 2.32 N). It is located in the Eastern Province and is almost surrounded by the Marsabit National Park and Reserve. It lies southeast of the Chalbi Desert in a forested area known for its volcanoes and crater lakes.

Marsabit town

The town of Marsabit is an outpost of urban civilization in the vast desert of northern Kenya. The town is situated on an isolated extinct volcano, Mount Marsabit, which rises almost a kilometer above the sea of desert. The hills here are heavily forested, in contrast to the desert beyond, with their own "insular" eco-system.

The town's traditional inhabitants are the Borans, Burji, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana and Gabra . The town is also a home to Somali traders and migrants and has an airstrip. Mount Marsabit and "singing" wells lie near the town, which is the capital of Marsabit District.Elephants can often bee seen in the local wildlife refuge that surrounds the town, occasionally breaking down fences and causing damage to local farmers crop beds.

The towns name is from amharic word 'Marsa bet' (Meaning Marsa's home/house) is believed to have been named after a farmer named 'Marsa' (ethnically burji)who was brought to marsabit from Mega (in Ethiopia) by the Consul to assist in consolidation of farming and permanent settlement on the slopes of Mt. Marsabit.

Culture and religion

Camels watering in Marsabit in 2005

The people of Marsabit are a colorful ethnic mix of Burji, Somali, Rendille, Samburu, Turkana, Boran and Gabra. There are other people from other parts of Kenya who are there working mostly for the government and business. About 40% of the people living in Marsabit are Christians, 32% Muslims and other 28% believe in traditional religions and others. Mostly, these groups have ived in peace, but starting in 1994 and lasting for almost a year, there were ethnic killings of Gabra by Borana, following a dispute over clan ownership of cattle ( which are the main source of income for both groups, alongside trading of goods and foodstuffs.

Transport

Marsabit is approximately 550km or two days' drive from Nairobi via the towns of Isiolo and Archer's Post, by either matatu bus or private transport. There is an airstrip servicing charter aircraft.

Economy

Marsabit town is a trading and commercial center, with three petrol stations, a bank, post office, shops, restaurants, lodges and even a dry cleaner. The town facilitates the supply and movement of goods and services between Moyale (goods from Ethiopia) and Isiolo (goods from Nairobi). Agriculture also plays a role, as many grow millet and maize to be consumed locally and nomadic people supply beef by selling their cows.

Lake Paradise (which attracts game animals such as elephants and buffalo), and Bongole Crater located in the heart of the forest are both local attractions for tourists. The town and surrounding area are of rich cultural interest to anthropologists and other researchers.