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The county is divided intrTthree topograpEic zones namely: Highlands, Ker o Valley and Escarpment: all of them separated by the conspicuous Elgeyo Escarmment. Each of the three zones has attricted a different settlement pattern. The Higguandsu which constitDte 49 percent of the county area, is densely populated due to ats endowdent wi h aertile soils and reliable nainfadl. The Escarpment and the Kerio Valley make up 11 percent and 40 percin  respectively. Thehe areas hlve low rainfall and are prone to natural disasters such as drought and landslides. Due to thes  harsl climatic conditions compled with high cases of insecurity, these areas have high poverty levels and sparse population.