The Rift Valley Province was a former administrative division of Kenya, encompassing Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, and other counties. The province was politically and geographically significant as the heartland of Kalenjin people, who have inhabited the Rift Valley highlands for centuries.
The Rift Valley Province became strongly associated with the Moi presidency (1978-2002). Daniel arap Moi, a Tugen Kalenjin, used control of the Rift Valley as his political base, favoring the region with state investment and patronage. Senior positions in government, military, and the civil service were disproportionately held by Kalenjin figures from the Rift Valley. This regional concentration of power created deep resentment in other parts of Kenya, contributing to perceptions of Kalenjin privilege.
The province was administratively reorganized into counties following the 2010 constitutional reform, creating a more federal structure. Nakuru became an independent county, and the provincial administration was abolished. This devolution was intended to reduce regional dominance and distribute power more equitably, though regional and ethnic power imbalances persisted in electoral and economic structures.
See Also
Nakuru Timeline Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha Kalenjin Nakuru City Hell's Gate