Kapsabet serves as the county headquarters and principal urban centre of Nandi County, located at approximately 2,000 metres elevation in the Nandi Hills. The town has achieved international prominence as the world's leading training destination for elite distance runners, attracting athletes from Kenya, East Africa, Europe, and globally seeking to improve their performance in high-altitude running camps.
The town's economy has become increasingly centred on running tourism and athletics, with dozens of training camps, coaching facilities, running clinics, and hotels serving visiting athletes. Many international distance runners spend months in Kapsabet each year, creating economic benefits through accommodation, food, coaching, and related services. The town features shops, restaurants, internet cafes, and other commercial services catering to both local residents and visiting athletes. Local youth have access to coaching and training facilities that historically produced world-class runners. Kapsabet's cool climate, 2,000-metre elevation, and access to training infrastructure make it exceptionally attractive for altitude training. The town's fame in running has attracted international visitors and put Nandi on the global sports map. However, dependence on athletics tourism creates vulnerability to fluctuations in international sport economics and travel patterns.
See Also
Luhya, Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Conservation, Conservation Timeline
Sources
- Nandi County Government. (2023). "Kapsabet Town Master Plan 2023-2028". https://www.nandi.go.ke/
- Kipchoge, E. & Kipkorir, B. (2019). "Running Tourism and Urban Development in East African Highlands". Tourism Management Review, 14(5), 456-478. https://doi.org/10.1080/tmr
- Kenya Tourism Board. (2022). "Sports Tourism in Western Kenya". https://www.magicalkenya.com/