[1] It serves as the capital of Marsabit County, and lies southeast of the Chalbi Desert in a forested area known for its volcanoes and crater lakes.

The town is situated on an isolated extinct volcano, Mount Marsabit, which rises almost a kilometer above the desert.

The town is mainly inhabited by the Cushitic-speaking Rendille, as well as the Borana, Gabra, Sakuye Oromo, Dasenach and Burji who are mostly traders and farmers with settlements in urban centres.

The Cushitic speaking Rendille of Marsabit pronounce the place as indication of dark clouds engulfing the top peak of the mountains, thus mar-sabich.

The castle on the top of the hill on the outskirt of the town is believed to be where Governor Marsa lived (Muktar Osman Shumbe-Oromo historian).

[citation needed] Besides the aforementioned ethnic groups, there are other people from other parts of Kenya who are there working mostly for the government and business.

Discussions to resolve existing conflicts between the two groups have been underway for several years now, and agreements were expected to be sealed at the event at this conference in the presence of traditional leaders.

Agriculture also plays a role, as many grow millet and maize to be consumed locally and nomadic people supply beef by selling their cows.