Eldoret is a principal city in western Kenya. It is the capital and largest city in Uasin Gishu County. Lying south of the Cherangani Hills, the local elevation varies from about 2100 metres above sea level at the airport to more than 2700 metres in nearby areas (7000–9000 feet). The population was 289,380 in the 2009 census,and it is currently the fastest growing town in Kenya. It is also the 2nd largest urban centre in midwestern Kenya after Nakuru and the 5th largest urban centre in Kenya.