The district headquarters at Kapchorwa, which means "home of friends", are located approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi), by road, northeast of Mbale, the nearest large city.

[3] The district is approximately 295 kilometres (183 mi) northeast of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda.

Kapchorwa was granted district status on 1 February 1962, shortly before Uganda became an independent country.

Kapchorwa District is home mostly to Kalenjin peoples, including the sub-groups Sabiny, Pokot, and Nandi.

Crops grown include the following:[8] Animal husbandry is practised; the livestock domesticated are mainly cattle, goats, and chickens.