Marsabit

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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.

1 Marsabit town
2 Culture and religion
3 Transport
4 Economy
5 See also

The town of Marsabit is the last bit of civilization in the vast desert of northern Kenya. The town is situated on an isolated million-year-old extinct volcano which rises almost a kilometer above the sea of desert. The hills here are heavily forested, in contrast to the desert beyond.

The town is home many Ethiopian and Somali immigrants and boasts an airstrip. Mount Marsabit and "singing" wells lie near the town. It is the capital of the Marsabit District.

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.

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

Marsabit town is a trade and commercial center, boasting 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.