Did you know the name Naivasha is derived from the Maasai word, ɛnaɨpɔ́sha, which means "that which heaves."

It is a common Maasai word for bodies of water that are large enough to have wave action when it is windy or stormy. Naivasha arose as the British attempted to pronounce the Maasai name. Literally, Lake Naivasha means "Lake Lake" and Naivasha Town means "Lake Town".

Nestled in the famous Rift Valley, Naivasha is a popular tourist destination. These include Hell’s Gate National Park, the main locations for The Lion King. The park is located between Lake Naivasha and the Longonot and Suswa volcanoes. The name Hell’s Gate is derived from the most impressive feature in the Park, the Ol Jorowa Gorge, which runs through the middle of the park. The gorge formed the overflow of Lake Naivasha between lower and middle Cambrian times. 

It is covered by ashes from the Longonot eruption which occurred 100 years ago, the park is famous for its geothermal station, Lower Gorge, and spectacular sceneries of towering cliffs, scrub clad volcanoes, water-gouged gorges, and plumes of geothermal steam

 

 

There is the Olkaria Geothermal Spa and Demonstration Centre, established by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen). This unique spa showcases direct use applications such as hot/ warm water bathing for balneological effects, sauna, steam bathing, cooking, drying of fruits and vegetables, refrigeration, irrigation of crops and fish farming.

The Geothermal Spa offers a bouquet of adventure, spice comfort, luxury, and true Africa hospitality. From the Great Rift Valley along the majestic shores of Naivasha to the land of the Maasai, the setting of the Geothermal Spa ensures that you have a memorable visit.

 

 

 

Mount Longonot National Park and Mount Longonot itself are nearby attractions that are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.  Derived from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot meaning mountains of many spurs and ridges, Mt. Longonot National Park covers an area of 52sq km, most of it being occupied by the mountain.

 

 

The flanks of this volcanic mountain have beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges while the stony soils have little vegetation. The crater has an impenetrable forest and due to the nature of the terrain, Mt. Longonot has no roads and as such, visitors have to hike up and go round the rim of the crater to fully experience the sheer adventure of the great outdoors.

At Lake Naivasha, visitors observe birdlife and hippopotamus behaviour, as well as other wild animals. The lake lies on an alluvium-covered flat in the Rift valley floor and is flanked on the north by an extensive papyrus swamp. It is the highest of the lakes in the eastern part of the rift system.

By road, Naivasha is about 90 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. The journey takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes. It has a population of about 225,000 covering about 425.48 kilometres squared.

It neighbours Kajiado South Constituency, Lari Constituency, Narok East Constituency, Gilgil Constituency, Lari Constituency and Nyandarua South Constituency. Naivasha Constituency has eight wards namely Mai Mahiu ward, Olkaria ward, Viwandani ward, Naivasha East ward, Lake View ward, Bashara ward, Maela ward and Hells Gate Ward.

The major economic activities in Naivasha are:

Host of Several Rotary Events
In April 2018, Rotary District 9212 held its District Conference and Assembly in Naivasha.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=495919656021305&set=pb.100068098254507.-2207520000

In April 2022, Naivasha hosted Rotary District 9213 Conference and Assembly  https://x.com/rotaryd9213/status/1385543832062791681

In February 2025, Naivasha hosted the District 9212 Interact Conference
https://www.instagram.com/rotarydistrict9212/p/DFUTQW-ol5q/

The Rotary Club of Naivasha
Naivasha is home to the Rotaract Club of Naivasha and the Rotary Club of Naivasha. The Rotary Club of  Naivasha has been quietly reshaping rural education through its "Adopt A Village" initiative. This program, aimed at bolstering educational infrastructure in underserved areas, reached a significant milestone in 2018 with the inauguration of a fully-equipped science laboratory.

Funded by a grant from District 9212, the laboratory project exemplifies the club's commitment to enhancing STEM education in rural Kenya. The opening ceremony drew notable Rotary figures, including then- District Governor Peter Mbui and Past District Governor Richard Omwela, along with a Rotary International Past President's Representative.

This science facility isn't merely a room filled with equipment; it represents a bridge between rural students and the world of scientific inquiry. By providing hands-on learning tools, the Rotary Club of Naivasha is cultivating a new generation of critical thinkers and potential innovators in areas often overlooked by large-scale educational initiatives.

The "Adopt A Village" program is an embodiment of a holistic approach to community development. The science laboratory stands as a tangible symbol of the club's broader vision for rural empowerment through education.

The Rotary Club of Naivasha, chartered in 2002, meets every Wednesday at 6:30 PM at Naivasha Sports Club. The Rotaract Club of Naivasha meets every Thursday at Olive Resort, Naivasha from 06:30PM - 07:30 PM