Murang'a County: Difference between revisions

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{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement  
{{Infobox settlement
|name     = Murang'a County
|name                   = Murang'a County
|traditional_name  = Metumi, Mbiri
|image_skyline         = Kenya09-Murang'a-contesto-COSV.jpg
|image_skyline     = Kenya09-Murang'a-contesto-COSV.jpg
|image_size             =  
|image_size         =  
|image_caption         = Murang’a County Landscape
|image_caption     = Murang’a County Landscape
|image_flag             = Flag of Murang'a County.gif
|image_flag         = Flag of Murang'a County.gif
|flag_size             = 150px
|flag_size         = 150px
|image_shield           = Coat of Arms of Muranga County.png
|image_shield       = Coat of Arms of Muranga County.png
|shield_size           = 150px
|shield_size       = 150px
|image_map             = Murang’a County in Kenya.svg
|image_map         = Murang’a County in Kenya.svg
|map_caption           = Location in Kenya
|map_caption       = Location in Kenya
|settlement_type       = [[Counties of Kenya|County]]
|settlement_type   = [[Counties of Kenya|County]]
|subdivision_type       = Country
|subdivision_type   = Country
|subdivision_name       = {{flag|Kenya}}
|subdivision_name   = {{flag|Kenya}}
|coordinates           =  
|coordinates       =  
|seat_type             = Capital
|seat_type         = Capital  
|seat                   = [[Murang'a]]
|seat               = [[Murang'a]]
|established_title     = Formed
|established_title = Formed
|established_date       = 4 March 2013
|established_date   = 4 March 2013
|leader_title           = [[County Governors of Kenya|Governor]]
|leader_title       = [[County Governors of Kenya|Governor]] |leader_name       = [[Irungu Kang'ata]]
|leader_name           = [[Irungu Kang'ata]]
|timezone           = [[East Africa Time|EAT]]  
|timezone               = [[East Africa Time|EAT]]
|utc_offset         = +3
|utc_offset             = +3
|area_total_km2     = 2,325.8
|area_total_km2         = 2,325.8
|area_land_km2     =  
|area_land_km2         =  
|area_water_km2     =
|area_water_km2         =  
|population_as_of   = 2019
|population_as_of       = 2019
|population_total   = 1,056,640
|population_total       = 1,056,640
|population_density_km2 = auto
|population_density_km2 = auto
|elevation_m       =  
|elevation_m           =  
|blank_name         =
|blank_name             =  
|blank_info         =
|blank_info             =  
|website           = {{URL|http://muranga.go.ke/}}
|website               = {{URL|http://muranga.go.ke/}}
|footnotes         =  
|footnotes             =  
}}
}}
 
'''Murang'a County''' is a county in [[Central, Kenya]] in the [[Mount Kenya region]]. Its largest town and capital is [[Murang'a]], which was referred to as '''Fort Hall''' during the colonial era. The county is inhabited mainly by, and is considered the birthplace of the [[Gikuyu people|Gikuyu]], the largest ethnic group in Kenya.<ref>{{cite web |website=Encyclopaedia Britannica |title=Kikuyu People |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kikuyu |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=24 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724154241/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kikuyu |url-status=live }}</ref> The county had a population of 1,056,640 as of the 2019 census.<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume I: Population by County and Sub-County |url=https://www.knbs.or.ke/?wpdmpro=2019-kenya-population-and-housing-census-volume-i-population-by-county-and-sub-county |website=Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |access-date=6 November 2019 |archive-date=13 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113191208/https://www.knbs.or.ke/?wpdmpro=2019-kenya-population-and-housing-census-volume-i-population-by-county-and-sub-county |url-status=live }}</ref>
'''Murang'a County''' is one of the [[counties of Kenya]]'s former [[Central Province (Kenya)|Central Province]]. Its largest town and capital is [[Murang'a]], which was referred to as '''Fort Hall''' during the colonial era. The county is inhabited mainly by, and is considered the birthplace of the [[Gikuyu people|Gikuyu]], the largest ethnic group in Kenya.<ref>{{cite web |website=Encyclopaedia Britannica |title=Kikuyu People |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kikuyu |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=24 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724154241/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kikuyu |url-status=live }}</ref> The county had a population of 1,056,640 as of the 2019 census.<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume I: Population by County and Sub-County |url=https://www.knbs.or.ke/?wpdmpro=2019-kenya-population-and-housing-census-volume-i-population-by-county-and-sub-county |website=Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |access-date=6 November 2019 |archive-date=13 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113191208/https://www.knbs.or.ke/?wpdmpro=2019-kenya-population-and-housing-census-volume-i-population-by-county-and-sub-county |url-status=live }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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[[File:River Maragua Railway Bridge, Murang'a Kenya.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Railway bridge crossing Maragua river.]]
[[File:River Maragua Railway Bridge, Murang'a Kenya.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Railway bridge crossing Maragua river.]]
When [[missionaries]] first came to Kenya, they found the Coast Region already inhabited by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] who had taken the coast strategically for trade from Arab powers in the 16th century. The missionaries ventured into Kenya's rugged interior and Murang'a was one of the first places they settled.
When [[missionaries]] first came to Kenya, they found the Coast Region already inhabited by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] who had taken the coast strategically for trade from Arab powers in the 16th century. The missionaries ventured into Kenya's rugged interior and Murang'a was one of the first places they settled.
When the British set up the [[British East Africa|East African Protectorate]] in 1895, their first administrative post (Fort Smith) was located in Murang'a.


One of the main highlights of Murang'a's history, however, is the [[Mau Mau uprising]] that was led by the [[Kikuyu people|Agikuyu community]] who consider Murang'a their ancestral origin. Murang'a is thus considered, at least by some, the birthplace of the Kenyan independence movement.
One of the main highlights of Murang'a's history, however, is the [[Mau Mau uprising]] that was led by the [[Kikuyu people|Agikuyu community]] who consider Murang'a their ancestral origin. Murang'a is thus considered, at least by some, the birthplace of the Kenyan independence movement.
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==Population==
==Population==


{{Historical populations
{{Historical populations
| 1979 | 648,333
| 1979 | 648,333
| 1989 | 858,063
| 1989 | 858,063
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! style="width:100px;"|Religion (2019 Census)
! style="width:100px;"|Religion (2019 Census)
! style="width:80px;"|Number
! style="width:80px;"|Number
|-
|[[Protestant]] ||415,159
|-
|-
|[[Catholicism]]y||259,936
|[[Catholicism]]y||259,936
|-
|[[Protestant]] ||415,159
|-
|-
|[[Evangelical Churches]] ||207,410
|[[Evangelical Churches]] ||207,410
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== Economy ==
== Economy ==
Murang’a County’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, real estate and agro-processing. Tea, coffee, macadamia, avocado and dairy dominate trade—with avocado orchards yielding ~KSh 1.5 M/acre/year and coffee and tea fuelled by contract-farming schemes . There are major agri‑businesses like KTDA tea factories; of which Murang’a County is one of Kenya’s top tea producer, earning the highest tea revenue nationally over the years. In 2024, local farmers received over KSh 17.8 billion in earnings, with bonuses exceeding KSh 52 per kilo. The thriving tea sector drives rural livelihoods, trade, and investment in value-added processing and cooperative societies.  
Murang’a County's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, real estate and agro-processing. Tea, coffee, macadamia, avocado and dairy dominate trade—with avocado orchards yielding ~KSh 1.5 M/acre/year and coffee and tea fuelled by contract-farming schemes . There are major agri‑businesses like KTDA tea factories; of which Murang’a County is one of Kenya's top tea producer, earning the highest tea revenue nationally over the years. In 2024, local farmers received over KSh 17.8 billion in earnings, accounting for approximately 20% of KTDA's total earnings, highest of any county,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kamau |first=Peter |title=KTDA Farmers Earn KSh 17.8 Billion in 2024 |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/ktda-farmers-earnings-2024 |website=The Standard |date=2025-07-15 |access-date=2025-07-16}}</ref> with bonuses exceeding KSh 52 per kilo. The thriving tea sector drives rural livelihoods, trade, and investment in value-added processing and cooperative societies.


[[Kakuzi Limited]] '''PLC''' grows avocados, macadamia, blueberries, tea, and livestock—supporting 3,000+ smallholder farmers via its Avocado Smallholder Programme—and recently launched a macadamia oil plant, boosting value-addition and employment. [[Del Monte Kenya]] with pineapple farms in Murang’a, is a major exporter of canned pineapple and juice concentrates. It partners with Murang’a farmers through out-grower schemes and operates CSR initiatives, value addition, rural employment and infrastructure projects.  
[[Kakuzi Limited]] '''PLC''' grows avocados, macadamia, blueberries, tea, and livestock—supporting 3,000+ smallholder farmers via its Avocado Smallholder Programme—and recently launched a macadamia oil plant, boosting value-addition and employment. [[Del Monte Kenya]] with pineapple farms in Murang’a, is a major exporter of canned pineapple and juice concentrates. It partners with Murang’a farmers through out-grower schemes and operates CSR initiatives, value addition, rural employment and infrastructure projects. Kakuzi supports farmers through various programs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kakuzi Support Programs |url=https://example.com}}</ref>


Real estate around Thika Greens, Kenol town and Murang’a town is booming. Thika Greens Golf Resort hosted the Murang’a Investment Forum (June 13–14, 2025), where plans for industrial parks, agro-processing zones, and a 500‑acre export processing zone were unveiled with an aim to catalyze investment. Kenol Town (positioned on the Nairobi–Embu–Meru highway and the new Kenol–Isiolo superhighway) is seeing rising demand for residential and commercial lands. Murang’a town is also experiencing a boom in real estate and infrastructure development.
Real estate around Thika Greens, Kenol town and Murang’a town is booming. Thika Greens Golf Resort hosted the Murang’a Investment Forum (June 13–14, 2025), where plans for industrial parks, agro-processing zones, and a 500‑acre export processing zone were unveiled with an aim to catalyze investment. Kenol Town (positioned on the Nairobi–Embu–Meru highway and the new Kenol–Isiolo superhighway) is seeing rising demand for residential and commercial lands. Murang’a town is also experiencing a boom in real estate and infrastructure development.


The synergy between booming real estate and agriculture (with expanding orchards and processing zones) is transforming Murang’a into a dynamic commerce hub, catalyzed by policy support, private investment and infrastructure such as dual carriageways and smart-market upgrades.
The synergy between booming real estate, industrialization and agriculture (with expanding orchards and processing zones) is transforming Murang’a into a dynamic commerce hub, catalyzed by policy support, private investment and infrastructure such as dual carriageways and smart-market upgrades.


==County subdivisions==
==County subdivisions==
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*[[Paramount Chief Karuri wa Gakure]] - A colonial tribal leader who died in 1916 who at one time was senior most chief in Kiambu, Murang'a and Nyeri Counties.
*[[Paramount Chief Karuri wa Gakure]] - A colonial tribal leader who died in 1916 who at one time was senior most chief in Kiambu, Murang'a and Nyeri Counties.
*[[Bildad Kaggia]] - A nationalist, activist, and politician. One of the [[Kapenguria Six]] prominent Kenyan nationalists.
*[[Bildad Kaggia]] - A nationalist, activist, and politician. One of the [[Kapenguria Six]] prominent Kenyan nationalists.
*[[Kenneth Matiba]] – Politician, former Cabinet Minister, First Kenyan Opposition Leader, Businessman and civil servant.
*[[Kenneth Matiba]] – A Politician, an activist, former Cabinet Minister, First Kenyan Opposition Leader, Businessman and civil servant.
*[[Dr. Julius Gikonyo Kiano]]- First black Kenyan to get a PhD degree, one founding figures of the [[Republic of Kenya]], member of the initial independent [[Kenya]] cabinet and long time cabinet minister; one time frontrunner for post of Secretary of [[UNCTAD]]. Jointly with [[Tom Mboya]] organised with assistance of [[John F. Kennedy]], initially as Senator and briefly as President of US, the educational scholarships for many Kenyans who furthered their education in USA in the late 1950s and early 1960s, referred as [[the Kennedy Airlifts]] program.
*[[Dr. Julius Gikonyo Kiano]]- First black Kenyan to get a PhD degree, one founding figures of the [[Republic of Kenya]], member of the initial independent [[Kenya]] cabinet and long time cabinet minister; one time frontrunner for post of Secretary of [[UNCTAD]]. Jointly with [[Tom Mboya]] organised with assistance of [[John F. Kennedy]], initially as Senator and briefly as President of US, the educational scholarships for many Kenyans who furthered their education in USA in the late 1950s and early 1960s, referred as [[the Kennedy Airlifts]] program.
*[[Charles Rubia]] – First African Mayor of Nairobi, former Member of Parliament for [[Starehe Constituency]], former Cabinet Minister in Kenyatta's Regime and a champion for Multi-party Democracy in Kenya, which he is mostly remembered for.
*[[Charles Rubia]] – First African Mayor of Nairobi, former Member of Parliament for [[Starehe Constituency]], former Cabinet Minister in Kenyatta's Regime and a champion for Multi-party Democracy in Kenya, which he is mostly remembered for.
*[[Joseph Kamotho]] - Former Cabinet Minister and a Member of Parliament for [[Kangema Constituency]], one of the most influential politicians in [[Moi]]'s era.
*[[Joseph Kamotho]] - Former Cabinet Minister and a Member of Parliament for [[Kangema Constituency]], one of the most influential politicians in [[Daniel arap Moi|Moi]]'s era.
*Professor [[Njuguna Ndung'u]] - A Kenyan [[economist]], ex-[[Cabinet Secretary, Finance (Kenya)|Minister of Finance]] and the 8th [[Central Bank of Kenya]] Governor.
*Professor [[Njuguna Ndung'u]] - A Kenyan [[economist]], ex-[[Cabinet Secretary, Finance (Kenya)|Minister of Finance]] and the 8th [[Central Bank of Kenya]] Governor.
*Dr. [[Patrick Njoroge]] - 9th Governor of [[Central Bank of Kenya]], the first Kenyan to earn a PhD from [[Yale University]].
*Dr. [[Patrick Njoroge]] - 9th Governor of [[Central Bank of Kenya]], the first Kenyan to earn a PhD from [[Yale University]].
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*[[Chris Kirubi]] - A billionaire businessman, an entrepreneur, and an industrialist.
*[[Chris Kirubi]] - A billionaire businessman, an entrepreneur, and an industrialist.
*[[Peter Munga]] – A billionaire Businessman, Entrepreneur, the founder and Chairman of [[Equity Group]].
*[[Peter Munga]] – A billionaire Businessman, Entrepreneur, the founder and Chairman of [[Equity Group]].
*Dr. [[James Mwangi]] – Entrepreneur, Businessman and Current C.E.O of [[Equity Group]].
*Dr. [[James Mwangi]] – A billionaire business executive, an entrepreneur, and Current C.E.O of [[Equity Group]].
*[[Nicholas Ng'ang'a]] – The Chairman [[Safaricom]] PLC, Chairman of Board [[Kakuzi Limited]], Chairman of Board [[Tea Board of Kenya]].
*Dr. [[Benson Wairegi]] — A billionaire businessman and business executive; he is the Group Managing Director [[Britam Holdings]] and former Chancellor for [[Kenyatta University]].
*Dr. [[John Kibunga Kimani]] - A billionaire investor born in Makuyu, Murang'a; who is the second-largest shareholder in agricultural giant [[Kakuzi Limited]] Plc,<ref>{{cite news |author=Business Daily Africa |title=Billionaire Kibunga Kimani takes 11pc stake in Centum |newspaper=[[Business Daily Africa]] |date=September 23, 2025 |url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/billionaire-kibunga-kimani-takes-11pc-stake-in-centum-5203594 |access-date=September 26, 2025}}</ref> and a top individual investor in [[Safaricom]],<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=The Billionaires of Kenya: John Kibunga Kimani, from Squatter's Son to NSE's Richest Top Six |newspaper=[[The Kenya Times]] |date=September 17, 2025 |url=https://thekenyatimes.com/featured/john-kibunga-kimani-nse/ |access-date=September 26, 2025}}</ref> [[Centum Investment Company]],<ref>{{cite news |author=Business Daily Africa |title=Billionaire Kibunga Kimani takes 11pc stake in Centum |newspaper=[[Business Daily Africa]] |date=September 23, 2025 |url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/billionaire-kibunga-kimani-takes-11pc-stake-in-centum-5203594 |access-date=September 26, 2025}}</ref> and [[Nation Media Group]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=The Billionaires of Kenya: John Kibunga Kimani, from Squatter's Son to NSE's Richest Top Six |newspaper=[[The Kenya Times]] |date=September 17, 2025 |url=https://thekenyatimes.com/featured/john-kibunga-kimani-nse/ |access-date=September 26, 2025}}</ref>
*[[Mwangi wa Iria]] – Former Governor Murang'a County.
*[[Mwangi wa Iria]] – Former Governor Murang'a County.
*[[Irungu Kang'ata|Irungu Kan'gata]] – Current Governor Murang'a County, Former [[Senate of Kenya]] Majority Chief Whip, a lawyer and a university law lecturer.
*[[Irungu Kang'ata|Irungu Kan'gata]] – Current Governor Murang'a County, Former [[Senate of Kenya]] Majority Chief Whip, a lawyer and a university law lecturer.
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*[[Ndindi Nyoro]] – Current MP Kiharu and Chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.
*[[Ndindi Nyoro]] – Current MP Kiharu and Chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.
*[[Clement Muchiri Wambugu]] – Former MP, Mathioya Constituency
*[[Clement Muchiri Wambugu]] – Former MP, Mathioya Constituency
*[[Gerishon Kirima]] -  A major [[Kenya|Kenyan]] real estate investor and a former Member of Parliament for [[Starehe Constituency]]. (d. 2010)
*[[Gerishon Kirima]] -  A [[Kenya]]n real estate tycoon and a former Member of Parliament for [[Starehe Constituency]]. (d. 2010)
*[[Maina wanjigi]] - A veteran politician, former Cabinet Minister and father to [[Jimmy Wanjigi]].
*[[Maina wanjigi]] - A veteran politician, former Cabinet Minister and father to [[Jimmy Wanjigi]].
*[[Jimmy Wanjigi]] - A billionaire businessman and political strategist.
*[[Jimmy Wanjigi]] - A billionaire businessman and political strategist.
*[[Jimnah Mbaru]] – Politician, Businessman, Entrepreneur.
*[[Jimnah Mbaru]] – A billionaire businessman, Politician, Entrepreneur, Chairman [[Dyer & Blair Investment Bank]], former Chairman [[Nairobi Securities Exchange]].
*[[Sabina Chege]] - The former Women Representative for Murang'a County.
*[[Sabina Chege]] - The former Women Representative for Murang'a County.
*[[Alice Muthoni Wahome]] – Former MP Kandara, and Current Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation.
*[[Alice Muthoni Wahome]] – Former MP Kandara, and Current Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation.
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*[[Jamleck Kamau]] – Former [[Kigumo Constituency]] Member of Parliament.
*[[Jamleck Kamau]] – Former [[Kigumo Constituency]] Member of Parliament.
*[[James Wainaina Macharia]] - Former CS for Roads and Health during [[Uhuru Kenyatta]]'s era.
*[[James Wainaina Macharia]] - Former CS for Roads and Health during [[Uhuru Kenyatta]]'s era.
*Dr. [[Benson Wairegi]] - a billionaire businessman and business executive; he is the Group Managing Director [[Britam Holdings]] and former Chancellor for [[Kenyatta University]].


==See also==
==See also==
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According to the 2019 census, the population was 92,814.<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume I |url=https://www.knbs.or.ke/download/2019-kenya-population-and-housing-census-volume-i-population-by-county-and-sub-county/ |website=Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |date=2019 |access-date=2025-06-15}}</ref>
According to the 2019 census, the population was 92,814.<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume I |url=https://www.knbs.or.ke/download/2019-kenya-population-and-housing-census-volume-i-population-by-county-and-sub-county/ |website=Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |date=2019 |access-date=2025-06-15}}</ref>
Mathioya had a 2019 population of 92,814 and a projected 2024 population of around 95,200.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kenya: Counties and Sub-Counties |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/kenya/admin/ |website=Citypopulation.de |access-date=2025-06-15}}</ref>
Mathioya had a 2019 population of 92,814 and a projected 2024 population of around 95,200.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kenya: Counties and Sub-Counties |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/kenya/admin/ |website=Citypopulation.de |access-date=2025-06-15}}</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
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[[Category:Murang'a County| ]]
[[Category:Murang'a County| ]]
[[Category:Mount Kenya region]]
[[Category:Counties of Kenya]]
[[Category:Counties of Kenya]]

Latest revision as of 11:22, 8 October 2025

Script error: No such module "Distinguish". Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Script error: No such module "Settlement short description".Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".Expression error: Unexpected < operator. Murang'a County is a county in Central, Kenya in the Mount Kenya region. Its largest town and capital is Murang'a, which was referred to as Fort Hall during the colonial era. The county is inhabited mainly by, and is considered the birthplace of the Gikuyu, the largest ethnic group in Kenya.[1] The county had a population of 1,056,640 as of the 2019 census.[2]

History

File:Muranga county.jpg
Tea farming in Muranga County.
File:River Maragua Railway Bridge, Murang'a Kenya.jpg
Railway bridge crossing Maragua river.

When missionaries first came to Kenya, they found the Coast Region already inhabited by Portuguese who had taken the coast strategically for trade from Arab powers in the 16th century. The missionaries ventured into Kenya's rugged interior and Murang'a was one of the first places they settled.

One of the main highlights of Murang'a's history, however, is the Mau Mau uprising that was led by the Agikuyu community who consider Murang'a their ancestral origin. Murang'a is thus considered, at least by some, the birthplace of the Kenyan independence movement.

Missionaries had initially been welcomed by Karuri Wagakure who was the chief of Tuthu. They set up the first mission church in Kenya at Murang'a.

Murang'a is also the source of Rivers Maragua, which originates from the heart of the Aberdare Range, Mathioya, Kayahwe, Irati and Muriurio among others.

Additionally, Murang'a is known for its fertile soil and good climate, which are good for farming. Among the food crops grown in this county include maize, beans, sweet potatoes, arrow roots, pumpkins, and bananas.

Tea and coffee are the county's main cash crops.[3]

County government

The Constitution of Kenya (2010) created 47 regional governments with the formerly larger Murang'a district as a county. The County Government has two arms, and these are; the County Assembly and the County Executive.[4]

.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". The county uses the code 021 on the national coding scheme and locals famously refer to the county as Metumi.

Executive

From 2013 to 2022, the Executive arm was headed by Hon. Mwangi wa Iria, who was deputized by Hon Gakure Monyo during his first term and Hon Maina Kamau in his second term. In his last term, Mwangi wa Iria was assisted by a team of ministerial members referred to as County Executive Committee (CEC), which had ten other members. The individuals and their portfolios included:

CEC member Portfolio
Hon. Githirwa M. Macharia Environment & Natural Resources
Hon. Muiruri Maina Edward Youth,Sports,Gender,Culture,social services Co-operatives & special Programmes.
Hon. George M. Kamau Finance,IT & Economic Planning
Hon. Nyambura Macharia Public Service
Hon. Albert Mwaniki Agriculture, Livestock & Irrigation
Hon. Eng. Amos Njoroge Energy Transport & Infrastructure Development
Hon. David W. Waweru Commerce,Trade, Industry & Investment
Hon. Dr. Susan Muthoni Magada Health, water & sanitation
Hon. Gerishon Nyagia Education & Technical Training
Hon. Sarah Masaki Lands, Housing & Planning

Following the end of the two terms of governorship by Mwangi wa Iria as stipulated by the Kenyan Law, Murang'a County voters voted in Dr. Francis Irungu Kang’ata as their second Governor in August 2022 general elections. Governor Francis Irungu took Oath of Office on 25 August 2022,[5] together with his deputy Stephen Mburu Munania, who became the third Deputy Governor of Murang'a County.[6]

County Assembly

Murang’a County Assembly is located in Murang’a town along Kiria-ini Road. The Assembly is housed in the building formerly occupied by the Municipal Council of Murang’a.

Murang’a County has 35 MCAs, a speaker and 16 nominated members. The position of the Speaker of the Assembly was formerly held by Hon. Leonard Nduati, deputized by Hon. Moses Gachui. Johnson Mukuha was voted in as the new Speaker in September 2022 by the majority of Members of County Assembly (MCAs).[7] The Assembly is administratively managed by Clerk to the Assembly, a post formerly occupied by Peter Ndegwa Mbue. The current Clerk to the Assembly is Mr. Kuria Thuita.[8]

MEMBERS OF MURANG'A COUNTY ASSEMBLY(2022–2027)

  1. Speaker - Johnson Mukuha - UDA
  2. Deputy speaker - Moses Gachui Mungai - UDA
  3. Majority Leader - Francis Kibe Kamau - UDA

Elected Members of County Assembly.

Name Political Party Ward
Alex Ndunda Makau PNU Ithanga
Alex Wanyoike Wainaina UDA Mugumo-ini
Benard Ruiru Njeri UDA Mbiri
Boniface Nga’ng’a Mbau IND Muthithi
Caroline Wairimu Njoroge UDA Kigumo
Elizabeth Wambui Mwangi UDA Kimorori Wempa
Gerald Wambugu Mwangi IND Kamacharia
Hilary Muigai Muchoki UDA Ichagaki
James Karanja Kabera IND Kamahuha
Jeremiah Clement Gichobe Mbatia UDA Kariara
John Kamwaga Mwangi UDA Mugoiri
John Kibaiya Ngugi UDA Gatanga
John Munyua UDA Gaichanjiru
John Mwangi Kamau UDA Nginda
Karina Charles Machigo UDA Township
Laban Chomba Njaramba UDA Kambiti
Liz Muthoni Mbugua UDA Kinyona
Margaret Wanjiku Gichia ANC Wangu
Morris Thuku Gathoni UDA Kiru
Moses Macharia Mirara UDA Kangari
Naomi Nyambura Maina UDA Ruchu
Njeri Gathee IND Gaturi
Njoroge Chefman Isaac UDA Kahumbu
Peter Munga Njuguna IND Murarandia
Peter Murigi Ngugi UDA Muruka
Mwangi Wa Kuria UDA Kagundi-ini
Simon Mwaura Wamwea UDA Ng’araria
Steven Muigai Kimani UDA Kakuzi Mitumburi
Thomas Muteti Mwaura UDA Makuyu

Population

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Religion

Religion in Murang'a County [9]

Religion (2019 Census) Number
Protestant 415,159
Catholicismy 259,936
Evangelical Churches 207,410
African instituted Churches 103,788
Orthodox 5,119
Other Cristian 36,738
Islam 3,640
Hindu 59
Traditionists 1,000
Other 7,704
No ReligionAtheists 11.496
Don't Know 910
Not Stated 100

Learning Institutions

Currently, there is only one public university in the county, known as Murang’a University of Technology (MUT). MUT was established in September 2011 via Murang’a University College order legal notice No. 129 September 2011 as a constituent College of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. MUT is the successor of Murang’a University College and Murang'a College of Technology. The university currently operates under the provision of the Universities Act 2012 CAP 210 B of the laws of Kenya.

The university is located 1.5 km from Murang'a town, 85 km North East of Nairobi, 70 km South East of Nyeri and 50 km South West of Embu.

There is also Kenya Medical Training College Murang’a Campus (KMTC). This Medical Training College is situated in Murang’a town, approximately 1 km from the town center. Having started in 1950s as a training Centre for Mid-wives, the college morphed into training nurses and gradually started offering Certificate and Diploma Courses in Nursing and Mental Health Psychiatry. Murang'a county also has a teachers training college,Murang'a Teachers college in Makuyu. The college offers training for primary school teachers. Another public institution is the Michuki Technical Training Institute which is located near Karugia Shopping Centre in Kangema subcounty.

In 2022 Murang'a Technical Institute a TVET institute was opened in Maragua Town and offers diplomas and certificates in various trade

Economy

Murang’a County's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, real estate and agro-processing. Tea, coffee, macadamia, avocado and dairy dominate trade—with avocado orchards yielding ~KSh 1.5 M/acre/year and coffee and tea fuelled by contract-farming schemes . There are major agri‑businesses like KTDA tea factories; of which Murang’a County is one of Kenya's top tea producer, earning the highest tea revenue nationally over the years. In 2024, local farmers received over KSh 17.8 billion in earnings, accounting for approximately 20% of KTDA's total earnings, highest of any county,[10] with bonuses exceeding KSh 52 per kilo. The thriving tea sector drives rural livelihoods, trade, and investment in value-added processing and cooperative societies.

Kakuzi Limited PLC grows avocados, macadamia, blueberries, tea, and livestock—supporting 3,000+ smallholder farmers via its Avocado Smallholder Programme—and recently launched a macadamia oil plant, boosting value-addition and employment. Del Monte Kenya with pineapple farms in Murang’a, is a major exporter of canned pineapple and juice concentrates. It partners with Murang’a farmers through out-grower schemes and operates CSR initiatives, value addition, rural employment and infrastructure projects. Kakuzi supports farmers through various programs.[11]

Real estate around Thika Greens, Kenol town and Murang’a town is booming. Thika Greens Golf Resort hosted the Murang’a Investment Forum (June 13–14, 2025), where plans for industrial parks, agro-processing zones, and a 500‑acre export processing zone were unveiled with an aim to catalyze investment. Kenol Town (positioned on the Nairobi–Embu–Meru highway and the new Kenol–Isiolo superhighway) is seeing rising demand for residential and commercial lands. Murang’a town is also experiencing a boom in real estate and infrastructure development.

The synergy between booming real estate, industrialization and agriculture (with expanding orchards and processing zones) is transforming Murang’a into a dynamic commerce hub, catalyzed by policy support, private investment and infrastructure such as dual carriageways and smart-market upgrades.

County subdivisions

Sub-Counties.
Sub-County Population Headquarters
Kiharu 185,600 Murang’a Town
Kangema 82,401 Kangema Town
Mathioya 110,139 Kiria-ini Town
Maragua 196,170 Maragua Town
Kigumo 136,921 Kigumo Town
Kandara 180,098 Kandara Town
Gatanga 202, 023 Mabanda Div Hq.
Total 1,093,352

Electrol Constituencies in Murang'a County:

Urban Centers in Murang'a County:

Central Kenya Region

Urbanisation

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Wealth/Poverty Level

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Notable people

See also

References

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External links

{{Kigumo town serves as the administrative centre of Kigumo Constituency.[1] According to the 2019 census, the population was 92,814.[2] Mathioya had a 2019 population of 92,814 and a projected 2024 population of around 95,200.[3]

References

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