Laikipia County is in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. It is one of the smallest counties, occupying an area of 9,462 square kilometers. The region has different landscapes, and climatic zones ranging from fertile arable land, dry, and arid land to large stretches of range lands. Agriculture is the dominant economic activity. Majority of the residents keep livestock, and grow different food crops such as maize, carrots, peas, potatoes, and wheat. The County is also known for its big, open ranches like the Solio, Laikipa, Ol pejeta, Borana, and Ol jogi. These ranches are a significant source of beef both for local consumption and export.
In addition, the Laikipia region is inhabited by farmers, ranchers and pastoralists who occupy its northern, eastern, and western constituencies. The region is characterized by valuable resources and diverse communities. This has created a complex political narrative with its roots in resource and land grabbing, political wrangling, and human-wildlife conflict.