It receives moderate rainfall, making it suitable for agriculture Earliest known written records about the region show that Trans Nzoia was inhabited by the Sabaot people who, by the time of the arrival of colonial settlers, had died or left the district, some had died of illness, others had been killed in intertribal wars with the Suk (Pokot), and the remainder had mostly gone off in the direction of Ravine, though some had gone up the Elgon.

Trans Nzoia County features predominantly flat terrain with gentle undulations rising towards the Cherang'any Hills in the east and Mount Elgon in the northwest.

Mount Elgon, shared with Bungoma County and Uganda, is Kenya's second-highest peak and a significant environmental and wildlife conservation site.

Trans Nzoia's forests, primarily located in Mount Elgon and Cherang'any Hills, are essential for the county's climate and water catchment.

The county is highly diverse, with residents from nearly all of Kenya's 44 ethnic groups, including the predominant Luhya and Kalenjin communities, as well as Kikuyu, Kisii, Luo, Teso, and Turkana among others.

Historically a white highland, Trans Nzoia's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, benefiting from fertile soils and favorable climatic conditions.

Strategically located, Trans Nzoia serves as a gateway to South Sudan via West Pokot and Turkana counties and to Uganda through the Suam Border.

Initially, the region was dominated by natural features like Mount Elgon, the Cherangani Hills, and the Nzoia River, which marked its boundaries.

It highlights the following key points: This early period in Trans-Nzoia's history is characterized by the settlers' resilience and the collaborative efforts to transform a challenging environment into a productive agricultural region.

Kitale started to emerge as an administrative and business center, and the appointment of a District Commissioner at Hoey’s Bridge facilitated governance and infrastructure development.

The extension of the railway to Kitale, a project championed by Governor Sir Edward Grigg, significantly boosted agricultural and economic activities by improving the transport of goods and people.

To enhance this sector, the County Government of Trans Nzoia has established milling plants in Kitale Town, Endebess, and Matisi, promoting value addition to agricultural produce.

The county also invests in irrigation systems in areas like Endebess, Kwanza, Saboti, Cherangani, and Kiminini to ensure a reliable water supply for crops.

Mechanization is made more accessible through subsidized agricultural machinery, including tractors, ploughs, and planters, supporting farmers in maximizing their productivity.

Efforts include the preservation and protection of key sites, the establishment of tourist information centers, and the modernization of traditional bomas at the Kitale Museum.

To attract more visitors, comprehensive tourism marketing and investment strategies are being implemented, along with the classification of tourist establishments to ensure high standards of service.

The County Government of Trans Nzoia is renovating existing markets and constructing new business kiosks and sanitation blocks to create a conducive environment for traders.

Through these strategic initiatives, Trans Nzoia County is steadily strengthening its economic foundation, ensuring sustainable growth and development across agriculture, tourism, and trade sectors.

[2] Prominent churches in the county include Anglican (ACK), Roman Catholic, Friends (Quakers), Seven-Day Adventist (SDA), and Presbyterians.

Jainism is also practiced by Oshwals in Kitale which is a religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings while emphasising spiritual independence and equality.

However, due to influence of Christianity, education and intermarriage, most of these traditions have been replaced by modern culture, a reason why the one time pastoralists are now big farmers in the region.

Mainly an agricultural town, Kitale has recently shown a lot of economic potential, with agribusiness, real estate and commercial businesses booming the most.

Its mission focuses on developing a progressive, responsive, sustainable, technology-driven, evidence-based, and client-centered healthcare system, aiming for the highest health standards for all residents.

The healthcare infrastructure in Trans Nzoia County includes 15 hospitals, 22 health centers, 124 dispensaries, 51 private clinics, and 2 nursing homes.

[8] Despite these facilities, the healthcare system faces challenges, including uneven distribution of health services, understaffing, inadequate medical equipment, and insufficient supporting infrastructure.

Moreover, identifying suitable sites for medical-related amenities like public mortuaries, cemeteries, and crematoriums in Saboti and Kwanza sub-counties is part of the strategic plan.

[8] The County Government of Trans Nzoia is responsible for fostering a conducive environment for quality education and vocational training, aiming to empower individuals with the skills necessary for self-employment and global competitiveness.

The county is focused on improving ECDE infrastructure, enhancing human resource capacity, increasing learning materials, and implementing school feeding initiatives.

Trans Nzoia County boasts 31 accredited TVET institutions, providing a variety of educational opportunities beyond secondary school.

Some of the wild animals found here include elephants, buffalos, black and white colobus, giant forest hog and over 420 bird species.