It has a population of 238,773 people according to the 2019 census report that was published by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The town was first settled by the pastoralist tribes, Kalenjins and Maasai, before the arrival of British settlers to the Kenya highlands.
The population is rising due to the fact that peace is prevailing, unlike the neighbouring towns like Molo; Mau Narok, and Likia.
Light manufacturing industries such as timber milling, canning, and quarrying are also a mainstay of the local economy.
The town is part of the south Rift tourist circuit as it is on the way to the famed Masai Mara National Park.