Nyahururu, formerly known as Thomson's Falls, is a high-altitude town in northern Nakuru County at approximately 2,360 meters elevation. The town is the county capital of what was formerly Laikipia County (now Laikipia is separate, but Nyahururu remains administratively important). The town was named after Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson, who visited in the 1880s, and the distinctive Thomson's Falls waterfall is the town's most famous feature.
Thomson's Falls cascade approximately 74 meters down a rock face, forming an impressive waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The waterfall is a significant tourism attraction and has cultural significance to local Kikuyu and Maasai communities. A hydroelectric plant uses the waterfall's power to generate electricity, contributing to local and regional power supply. The waterfall's flow varies seasonally, with higher volume during rainy seasons.
Nyahururu's high altitude creates a cool climate distinct from the Rift Valley's heat below. The town serves as a market center and administrative headquarters, with hotels, restaurants, schools, and other services supporting residents and visitors. The highland location makes it suitable for horticulture and dairy farming. Nyahururu is situated on the road between Nakuru and northern Kenya, giving it transit importance, though insecurity in northern regions has periodically constrained traffic and commerce.
See Also
Nakuru Timeline Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha Kalenjin Nakuru City Hell's Gate