The county is located in central north Kenya and borders the eastern shore of Lake Turkana.

[4] The county is made of an extensive plain lying 300 and 900 m (980 and 2,950 ft) above sea level which gently slopes towards the south-east.

Some of the prominent features include Ol Donyo 2,066 m [6,778 ft] above sea level, Mt.

[5][6] The county experiences semi-arid climatic conditions with an average temperature ranging between 15 °C and 26 °C.

[7][6] The county has a total population of 459,785, of which 243,548 are males, 216,219 females and 18 intersex persons.

[13] Mohamed Mohamud Ali is the Governor and was elected in 2017 and his deputy is Solomon Gubo Riwe.

[14][15] He replaced Ukur Yattani, the first governor of Marsabit county and currently the Cabinet Secretary of National Treasury & Planning.