NYERI COUNTY INTERGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2018- 2022 · 2018. 1. 26. · REPUBLIC OF KENYA NYERI COUNTY INTERGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2018- 2022 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

NYERI COUNTY INTERGRATED

DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2018- 2022

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING

JANUARY, 2018

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COUNTY VISION AND MI SSION

COUNTY VISION

A wealthy county with happy, healthy and secure people.

COUNTY MISSION

CORE VALUES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COUNTY VISION AND MI SSION ........................................................................................................................... 2

COUNTY VISION .............................................................................................................................................. 2

COUNTY MISSION .................................................................................................................................................... 2

CORE VALUES .......................................................................................................................................................... 2

LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................................ 9

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVI ATIONS .................................................................................................................. 10

CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................................................ 12

COUNTY GENERAL INFOR MATION ................................................................................................................. 12

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 13

1.1 COUNTY OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................... 13 1.1 POSITION AND SIZE ............................................................................................................................ 14 1.2 PHYSIOGRAPHIC AND NATURAL CONDITIONS .................................................................................... 15

1.2.1 Physical and Topographic Features ...................................................................................................... 15 1.2.2 Ecological Conditions............................................................................................................................ 15 1.2.3 Climatic Conditions ............................................................................................................................... 15

1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS .................................................................................................................... 15 1.3.1 Administrative Subdivisions ................................................................................................................... 15

1.4 POLITICAL UNITS ............................................................................................................................... 17 1.4.1 Eligible and Registered Voters by Constituency .................................................................................... 17

1.5 DEMOGRAPHIC FEATURES ................................................................................................................. 18 1.5.1 Population Size and Composition .......................................................................................................... 18 1.5.2 Urban Population .................................................................................................................................. 20 1.5.3 Population Density and Distribution ..................................................................................................... 20 1.5.4 Population of persons with disabilities .................................................................................................. 21 1.5.5 Demographic Dividend .......................................................................................................................... 22

1.6 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT APPROACH ................................................................................................... 22 1.6.1 Human Development Index .................................................................................................................... 23

1.7 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................................... 24 1.7.1 Road, Rail Network, Airports and Airstrips ........................................................................................... 24 1.7.2 Information Communication and Technology ....................................................................................... 24 1.7.3 Energy access ........................................................................................................................................ 25 1.7.4 Housing .................................................................................................................................................. 25

1.8 LAND AND LAND USE ......................................................................................................................... 25 1.8.1 Land ownership categories/ classifications ........................................................................................... 25 1.8.2 Mean holding size .................................................................................................................................. 25 1.8.3 Percentage of Land with Title Deeds ..................................................................................................... 25 1.8.4 Incidences of Landlessness .................................................................................................................... 26 1.8.5 Settlement Patterns ................................................................................................................................ 26 1.8.6 Type and Size of Land ............................................................................................................................ 26

1.9 EMPLOYMENT .................................................................................................................................... 26 1.9.1 Wage earners ......................................................................................................................................... 26 1.9.2 Self-employed ......................................................................................................................................... 26 1.9.3 Labour force .......................................................................................................................................... 27

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1.9.4 Unemployment levels ............................................................................................................................. 27 1.10 IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND SCHEMES .................................................................................... 27

1.10.1 Irrigation potential ............................................................................................................................ 27 1.10.2 Irrigation schemes (small/ large scales) ........................................................................................... 27

1.11 CROP, LIVESTOCK, FISH PRODUCTION AND VALUE ADDITION ........................................................... 27 1.11.1 Main crops produced ......................................................................................................................... 27 1.11.2 Acreage under food and cash crops .................................................................................................. 28 1.11.3 Average farm sizes ............................................................................................................................. 28 1.11.4 Main storage facilities ....................................................................................................................... 28 1.11.5 Agriculture extension, training, research and information services ................................................. 28 1.11.6 Main livestock breeds and facilities .................................................................................................. 28 1.11.7 Ranching ............................................................................................................................................ 29 1.11.8 Main fishing activities, types of fish produced, landing sites ............................................................ 29 1.11.9 Apiculture (bee keeping).................................................................................................................... 29

1.12 OIL AND OTHER M INERAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 29 1.12.1 Mineral potential ............................................................................................................................... 29 1.12.2 Ongoing mining and extraction activities (Quarry, sand harvesting, cement etc.) ........................... 30

1.13 TOURISM AND WILDLIFE .................................................................................................................... 30 1.13.1 Main tourist attractions and activities ............................................................................................... 30 1.13.2 Classified / major hotels .................................................................................................................... 30 1.13.3 Main wildlife ..................................................................................................................................... 30 1.13.4 Wildlife conservation areas (game parks, reserves, conservancies, game ranches) ......................... 30 1.13.5 Total number of tourists .................................................................................................................... 31

1.14 INDUSTRY AND TRADE ....................................................................................................................... 31 1.14.1 Markets .............................................................................................................................................. 31 1.14.2 Industrial parks ( including jua kali sheds) ....................................................................................... 31 1.14.3 Major industries ................................................................................................................................ 31 1.14.4 Types and number of businesses ........................................................................................................ 31 1.14.5 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) ................................................................................. 32

1.15 THE BLUE ECONOMY ......................................................................................................................... 32 1.15.1 Main fishing activities, types of fish produced and landing sites ...................................................... 32

1.16 FORESTRY, AGRO FORESTRY AND VALUE ADDITION ......................................................................... 32 1.16.1 Main Forest types and size of forests ................................................................................................ 32 1.16.2 Main Forest products ........................................................................................................................ 32 1.16.3 Agro-forestry ..................................................................................................................................... 33 1.16.4 Value chain development of forestry products .................................................................................. 33

1.17 FINANCIAL SERVICES ......................................................................................................................... 33 1.17.1 Number of banks, Micro finance institutions, mobile money agents and SACCOs with FOSAs ....... 33 1.17.2 Distribution /coverage of financial services by sub-county ............................................................... 34

1.18 ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE ............................................................................................. 34 1.18.1 Major degraded areas / hotspots and major contributions to environmental degradation ............... 34 1.18.2 Environmental threats ....................................................................................................................... 35 1.18.3 High spatial and temporal variability of rainfall .............................................................................. 37 1.18.4 Change in water levels or glacier...................................................................................................... 37 1.18.5 Solid waste management facilities ..................................................................................................... 37

1.19 WATER AND SANITATION .................................................................................................................. 38 1.19.1 Water resources ................................................................................................................................. 38 1.19.2 Water supply schemes ....................................................................................................................... 38 1.19.3 Water sources and access .................................................................................................................. 39

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1.19.4 Water management ............................................................................................................................ 39 1.19.5 Sanitation .......................................................................................................................................... 39

1.20 HEALTH ACCESS AND NUTRITION...................................................................................................... 39 1.20.1 Health Access .................................................................................................................................... 39 1.20.2 Morbidity ........................................................................................................................................... 40 1.20.3 Nutritional status ............................................................................................................................... 40 1.20.4 Immunization coverage ..................................................................................................................... 40 1.20.5 Maternal health care ......................................................................................................................... 41 1.20.6 Access to family planning services/Contraceptive prevalence .......................................................... 41 1.20.7 HIV/Aids prevalence rates and related services ................................................................................ 41

1.21 EDUCATION, SKILLS , LITERACY AND INFRASTRUCTURE .................................................................... 41 1.21.1 Pre- School Education (Early Childhood Development Education) ................................................. 41 1.21.2 Primary Education ............................................................................................................................ 41 1.21.3 Non formal Education ....................................................................................................................... 41 1.21.4 Youth polytechnics ............................................................................................................................. 42 1.21.5 Secondary Education ......................................................................................................................... 42 1.21.6 Tertiary Education ............................................................................................................................ 42 1.21.7 Adult and continuing Education ........................................................................................................ 42 1.21.8 Technical, Vocational Education and Training ................................................................................. 42

1.22 SPORTS, CULTURE AND CREATIVE ARTS ........................................................................................... 42 1.22.1 Museums, Heritage and Cultural sites .............................................................................................. 42 1.22.2 Talent Academies .............................................................................................................................. 43 1.22.3 Sports facilities .................................................................................................................................. 43 1.22.4 Information and Documentation Centres/ Citizen service centres .................................................... 43 1.22.5 Registered traditional herbalists and medicinemen ......................................................................... 43

1.23 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS/NON-STATE ACTORS ......................................................................... 43 1.23.1 Cooperative Societies ........................................................................................................................ 44 1.23.2 Public Benefits Organizations (PBOs) .............................................................................................. 44 1.23.3 Development partners ....................................................................................................................... 45

1.24 SECURITY, LAW AND ORDER ............................................................................................................. 45 1.24.1 Number of police stations and posts by Sub County .......................................................................... 45 1.24.2 Types, trends and crime prone areas ................................................................................................. 45 1.24.3 Types and number of courts .............................................................................................................. 46 1.24.4 Prisons and probation services ......................................................................................................... 46 1.24.5 Number of public prosecution offices ................................................................................................ 46 1.24.6 Number of prosecutions ..................................................................................................................... 46 1.24.7 Immigration facilities ........................................................................................................................ 47

1.25 SOCIAL PROTECTION .......................................................................................................................... 47 1.25.1 Number of Orphans and Vulnerable children (OVCs) ...................................................................... 47 1.25.2 Cases of Street children ..................................................................................................................... 47 1.25.3 Child care facilities and Institutions by sub-county .......................................................................... 47 1.25.4 Social net programmes ...................................................................................................................... 47

CHAPTER TWO ....................................................................................................................................................... 48

LINKAGE WITH VISION 2030 AND OTHER PLANS ....................................................................................... 48

2.1 OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................... 49 2.2 LINKAGE OF THE CIDP WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA, 2010................................................... 49 2.3 LINKAGE OF THE CIDP WITH THE KENYA V ISION 2030 ..................................................................... 49

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2.4 LINKAGE OF THE CIDP WITH THE MEDIUM TERM PLANS .................................................................. 50 2.5 LEGISLATION ON INTEGRATED PLANNING IN KENYA ......................................................................... 50

2.5.1 The County Government Act, 2012 ........................................................................................................ 51 2.5.2 Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2012 ................................................................................... 51 2.5.3 Urban Areas and Cities Act, 2011 ......................................................................................................... 52

2.6 INTEGRATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) INTO THE CIDP ....................... 52 2.7 LINKAGE OF THE CIDP AND THE IG FOUR PLAN FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ......................... 55

CHAPTER THREE: ................................................................................................................................................. 57

REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTA TION OF THE PREVIOUS CIDP ....................................................................... 57

3.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 58 3.2 STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PREVIOUS CIDP ..................................................................... 58

3.2.1 Analysis of the County Revenue Streams ............................................................................................... 58 3.2.2 County Expenditure Analysis ................................................................................................................. 61

3.3 SUMMARY OF KEY ACHIEVEMENTS VERSUS PLANNED TARGETS FOCUSING ON OUTCOMES ................ 62 3.4 CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN . ...................................................................... 64 3.5 LESSONS LEARNT. ............................................................................................................................. 66

CHAPTER FOUR ..................................................................................................................................................... 67

COUNTY DEVELOPMENT P RIORITIES AND STRATE GIES ....................................................................... 67

4.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 68 4.2 SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK .............................................................................................. 68 4.3 NATURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................. 70 4.4 DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES ............................................................................................ 70

4.4.1 Office of the Governor ...................................................................................................................... 70 4.4.2 Finance and Economic Planning ............................................................................................................. 72 4.4.3 Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urbanization ........................................................................... 74 4.4.4 Health and Sanitation ............................................................................................................................... 77 4.2.5 Gender and Social Services ................................................................................................................... 83 4.2.6 County Public Service, Administration and Youth Affairs ..................................................................... 85 4.2.7 Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development ............................................................................... 87 4.4.8 Trade, Culture, Tourism and Cooperative Development ......................................................................... 90 4 4.9 Education, Science and Technology ........................................................................................................ 95 4.2.8 Water, Environment and Natural Resources ....................................................................................... 105 4.2.9 County Public Service Board ............................................................................................................... 111 4.2.10 Transport, Public Works, Infrastructure and Communication ........................................................ 113

4.3 COUNTY FLAGSHIP PROJECTS .......................................................................................................... 116

ACHIEVE BETTER UTILI ZATION OF LAND IN TH E DILAPIDATED SETTLEMENTS ....................... 116

CHAPTER FIVE ..................................................................................................................................................... 121

IMPLEMENTATION FRAME WORK ................................................................................................................ 121

5.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 122 5.2 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................... 122

5.2.1 County Government functions.............................................................................................................. 122 5.2.2 County structure .................................................................................................................................. 123

5.3 STAKEHOLDERS IN THE COUNTY...................................................................................................... 126 5.4 RESOURCE REQUIREMENT BY SECTOR ............................................................................................. 127

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5.5 RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FRAMEWORK ......................................................................................... 127 5.5.1 Source of Revenues .............................................................................................................................. 127 5.5.2 County Government Expenditure ......................................................................................................... 128 5.5.3 Assets and Financial Management ...................................................................................................... 128 5.5.4 Management of County Finances ........................................................................................................ 128 5.5.5 Debt management ................................................................................................................................ 129 5.5.6 Capital financing and accountability. .................................................................................................. 129

5.6 RESOURCE GAP AND MEASURES TO ADDRESS ............................................................................... 130

CHAPTER SIX ........................................................................................................................................................ 131

MONITORING AND E VALUATION FRAMEWORK ...................................................................................... 131

6.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 132 6.2 RATIONALE FOR COUNTY MONITORING AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORK ....................................... 132 6.3 LEGAL BASIS FOR THE COUNTY MONITORING AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORK .............................. 132 6.4 MONITORING AND EVALU ATION OUTCOME INDICATORS ................................................................ 133

ANNEX 1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 143

SECTOR PROJECTS DERIVED FROM PROGRAMMES .............................................................................. 143

7.1 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR .............................................................................................................. 144 7.1.1 Ongoing projects ................................................................................................................................. 144 7.1.2 New project proposals ......................................................................................................................... 144

7.2 FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING ............................................................................................... 144 7.2.1 On-going projects ................................................................................................................................ 144 7.2.2 New Project Proposals ........................................................................................................................ 144

7.3 LANDS, HOUSING AND URBANISATION ............................................................................................ 145 7.3.1 On-going projects ................................................................................................................................ 145 7.3.2 New Project Proposals ........................................................................................................................ 145

7.4 HEALTH AND SANITATION ............................................................................................................... 147 7.4.1 On-going Projects ................................................................................................................................ 147 7.4.2 New project proposals ......................................................................................................................... 148 7.4.3 Stalled projects .................................................................................................................................... 166

7.5 GENDER, SOCIAL SERVICES AND SPORTS ......................................................................................... 166 7.5.1 On-going projects ................................................................................................................................ 166 7.5.2 New Project Proposals ........................................................................................................................ 166 7.5.3 Stalled Projects .................................................................................................................................... 173

7.6 COUNTY PUBLIC SERVICE, ADMINISTRATION AND YOUTH AFFAIRS ............................................... 173 7.6.1 On-going Projects ................................................................................................................................ 173 7.6.2 New Project Proposals ........................................................................................................................ 173

7.7 AGRICULTURE LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ............................................................. 175 7.7.1 On- going Projects ............................................................................................................................... 175 7.7.2 New Project Proposals ........................................................................................................................ 176 7.7.3 Stalled Projects .................................................................................................................................... 187

7.8 TRADE, CULTURE, TOURISM AND COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT .................................................... 187 7.8.1 On-going projects ................................................................................................................................ 187 7.8.2 New project proposals ......................................................................................................................... 188 7.8.3 Stalled Projects .................................................................................................................................... 197

7.9 EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ....................................................................................... 197 7.9.1 On-going projects ................................................................................................................................ 197

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7.9.2 New Project Proposals ........................................................................................................................ 198 7.9.3 Stalled Projects .................................................................................................................................... 215

7.10 WATER, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ....................................................................... 215 7.10.1 On-going projects ............................................................................................................................ 215 7.10.2 New Project Proposals .................................................................................................................... 226

7.11 COUNTY PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD ................................................................................................... 242 7.11.1 New Project Proposals .................................................................................................................... 242

7.12 TRANSPORT, PUBLIC WORKS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNICATION ......................................... 243 7.12.1 New project proposals ..................................................................................................................... 243

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LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Area of the County by Administrative Sub-Counties .................................................................................... 16 Table 2: County Electoral Wards by Constituency ...................................................................................................... 17 Table 3: Registered Vs. Eligible Voters by Constituency ........................................................................................... 17 Table 4 : Population Projections by Age Cohort ......................................................................................................... 18 Table 5: Population Projection for Selected Age Group.............................................................................................. 18 Table 6: Population Projections by Urban Centre ....................................................................................................... 20 Table 7: Population Distribution and Density by Sub- Counties ................................................................................. 20 Table 8: Population Projections by Sub County .......................................................................................................... 21 Table 9: People living with disabilities by type, sex and age. ..................................................................................... 21 Table 10: County Demographic Dividend Potential .................................................................................................... 22 Table 11: Ke ........................................................................... 23 Table 12: Category of Road Surface by Type ............................................................................................................. 24 Table 13: Electricity connectivity within the county ................................................................................................... 25 Table 14: Electricity connectivity within the county ................................................................................................... 58 Table 15: Budget allocation and expenditure 2013-2017 ............................................................................................ 61 Table 16: County Spatial Development Strategies by Thematic Areas ....................................................................... 69 Table 17: Natural Resource Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 70 Table 18: Summary of Proposed Budget by Sector ................................................................................................... 127 Table 19: Revenue Projections .................................................................................................................................. 129 Table 20: Summary of Monitoring and Evaluation ................................................................................................... 133

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Location of the County in Kenya ................................................................................................................. 14 Figure 2: Nyeri County Administrative Boundaries .................................................................................................... 15

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVI ATIONS

ABT Alternative Building Technologies

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

ANS Age Not Stated

AMS Agriculture Mechanization Services

ATC Agricultural Training Centre

BPO Business Process Outsourcing

CCTV Closed Circuit Television

CFCs Chlorofluorocarbons

CH4 Methane

CRH County Referral Hospital

CIDP County Integrated Development Plan

CIMES County Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

CRA County Revenue Allocation

DDP Demographic Dividend Potential

DHIS District Health Information Software

DRM Disaster Risk Management

ECDE Early Childhood Development Education

EDE Ending Drought Emergencies

EIA Environment Impact Assessment

ESBP Electronic Single Business permit

FBO Faith Based Organizations

FOSA Front Office Services Activities

GHG Greenhouse Gases

GII Gender Inequality Index

GIS Geographic Information Systems

GNI Gross National Income

HDI Human Development Index

HDR Human Development Report

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HMS Health Management System

ICIPE International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

ICT Information Communication and Technology

IEBC Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission

INGOs International Non-Governmental Organization

IP Irrigation Potential

ISUDP Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan

KARLO Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

KCC Kenya Cooperative Creameries

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KDHS Kenya Demographic Household Survey

KEFRI Kenya Forestry Research Institute

KEMRI Kenya Medical Research Institute

KMA Kenya Marine Authority

KNATCOM Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics

KTBH Kenya Top Bar Hive

LAN Local Area Network

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MSME Micro Small and Medium Enterprise

MTEF Medium Term Expenditure Framework

MTP Medium Term Plan

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

N2O Nitrous Oxide

NMK National Museum of Kenya

NCPB National Cereals and Produce Board

NEMA National Environment Management Authority

NHIF National Health Insurance Fund

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

OVC Orphans and Vulnerable Children

OVOP One Village One Product

PFM Public Finance Management

PHC Primary Health care

PPP Public Private Partnership

PPP Purchasing Power Parity

RHSP Rural Housing Stability Assistance Programme

SACCO Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization

SDGS Sustainable Development Goals

SO2 Sulphur Dioxide

SYPT Subsidized Youth Polytechnic Tuition

TBA Traditional Birth Attendant

TWSB Tana Water Services Board

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization

UTNaRP Upper Tana Natural Resources Project

VTC Vocational Training Centres

WASREB Water Service and Regulatory Board

WRUA Water River Users Association

YP Youth Polytechnic

CHAPTER ONE

COUNTY GENERAL INFOR MATION

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter gives the background information on the socio-economic and infrastructural aspects

that has a bearing on the development of the county. The chapter provides a description of the

county in terms of the location, size, physiographic and natural conditions, demographic profiles

as well as the administrative and political units. In addition, it provides information on human

development approach;infrastructural development; land and land use;employment; irrigation

infrastructure and schemes; crop, livestock, fish production and value addition; mineral resources;

tourism and wildlife; industry and trade; financial services; forestry, agro-forestry and value

addition; environment and climate change; water and sanitation; health access and nutrition;

education skills, literacy and infrastructure;sports, culture and creative arts; community

organizations/non-state actors; security, law and order and blue economy.

1.1 County Overview

Nyeri County is home to 845,863 people (male - 49% and female - 51%), according to the

projections by KNBS, 2018. Majority of the people living in Nyeri County are Kikuyus most of

whom are predominantly farmers growing tea and coffee as cash crops alongside food crops such

as maize, beans, assorted vegetables and sweet potatoes. Other communities living in the county

include Luo, Meru, Kamba, Embu, Borana, Somali and virtually all Kenyan communities who are

mostly engaged in own businesses or employed by the government.

Kikuyus traditionally believed in one god, called Ngai (the provider), living at the top of Mount

Kenya. However, most of them have today abandoned their traditional beliefs for Christianity.

Notable among Christian faiths are the Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic, Anglicans, Pentecostals

and Akorino

who ascribe to Islam and Hindu religions.

The County lies between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare ranges with Agriculture as the main

economic activity. The County is also renowned for horticultural farming. Other agricultural

activities which act as a source of income include dairy farming and fish keeping. There are also

a number of light industries, tea and coffee factories providing a market and employment to the

locals. The County headquarter is located in Nyeri Town which is easily accessible from all the

eight sub counties.

Some of the famous people who hail from Nyeri County include former President Mwai Kibaki,

Nobel Peace Prize laureate the late Prof. Wangari Maathai and renowned Olympic (Boston and

Chicago) marathon medalist Catherine Ndereba.

The county is easily accessible by road from Nairobi and other neighbouring towns. It takes about

two hours to travel to Nyeri from Nairobi (150km), two hours from Nakuru (167km), 45 minutes

from Nanyuki (60km) and one and a half hours from Nyahururu (100km).There is no regular

http://www.kenya-information-guide.com/kikuyu-tribe.html

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transport by air to Nyeri although there are three airstrips namely Mweiga on the Nyeri-Nyahururu

highway, Nyaribo on the Nanyuki-Nairobi highway about 15km from Nyeri town and the Nanyuki

near Nanyuki Town.

1.1 Position and Size Nyeri County is one of the 47 counties in Kenya and is located in the central region of the country.

It covers an area of 3,337.2 Km2 and is situated between longitudes 360 0

and between the equator and latitude 00 380 south. It borders Laikipia County to the north,

Meru County to the northeast.

Figure 1: Location of the County in Kenya

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1.2 Physiographic and Natural Conditions

1.2.1 Physical and Topographic Features

The main physical features of the county are Mount Kenya (5,199m) to the east and the Aberdare

ranges (3,999m) to the west. The western part of the county is flat, whereas further southwards,

the topography is characterized by steep ridges and valleys, with a few hills such as Karima, Nyeri

and Tumutumu. These hills affect the pattern of rainfall, thus influencing the mode of agricultural

production in some localized areas.

The major rivers found in the county are Sagana, Ragati, Chania, Gura and Nairobi. If well tapped,

these rivers and the numerous streams can make the county to be self-sufficient in surface and sub-

surface water resources for domestic, agriculture and industrial development.

1.2.2 Ecological Conditions

The county has two forest eco-systems, namely Aberdare and Mt. Kenya. The county also has

other isolated forested hills under the management of County Government such as Karima and

Tumutumu. Apart from being a source of traditional forest products such as timber, fuel, fodder,

herbal medicine among others, these forests play vital roles which include; maintenance of water

cycle, wildlife habitat and are also repository of a wide range of biodiversity. Since soil conditions

in the county are almost similar, agricultural productivity is influenced by rainfall intensity and

temperature conditions.

1.2.3 Climatic Conditions

The county experiences equatorial rainfall due to its location within the highland zone of Kenya.

The long rains occur from March to May while the short rains come in October to December, but

occasionally this pattern is disrupted by abrupt and adverse changes in climatic conditions.

The annual rainfall ranges between 1,200mm-1,600mm during the long rains and 500mm-

1,500mm during the short rains. In terms of altitude, the county lies between 3,076 meters and

5,199 meters above sea level and registers monthly mean temperature ranging from 12.8ºC to

20.8ºC.

1.3 Administrative Units Nyeri County is divided into various administrative units. The administrative units are crucial for

the management and service delivery to the public.

1.3.1 Administrative Subdivisions

Nyeri County is divided into various administrative units. These units are the sub-counties,

divisions, locations and sub-locations. This is illustrated by figure 2 and the table below.

Figure 2: Nyeri County Administrative Boundaries

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Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2010

The county is divided into eight administrative sub counties that includes; Kieni East, Kieni West,

Mathira East, Mathira West, Nyeri Central, Mukurweini, Tetu and Nyeri South.

The Table 1 shows the area of the county by sub-counties. The county is further subdivided into

21 divisions, 69 locations and 256 sub-locations

Table 1: Area of the County by Administrative Sub-Counties

Sub County Area (Km2) Divisions Locations Sub-locations

Mathira East 131 4 13 44

Mathira West 165.6 3 8 31

Kieni West 623.3 2 6 26

Kieni East 817.1 2 12 33

Tetu 217.5 2 8 35

Mukurwe-ini 178.6 4 7 32

Nyeri Town/Nyeri Central 167.8 1 4 26

Othaya/Nyeri South 174.5 3 11 29

TOTAL *2,475.5 21 69 256

Nyeri, 2017

*The total area excludes Mt. Kenya and Aberdare Forests (861.7 Km2)

Kieni East Sub County is the largest with a land size of 817.1 Km2 while Mathira East is the

smallest with an area of 131 Km2. Mathira East has got the highest number of locations and sub

locations while Nyeri Central, being a town, has got the least.

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1.4 Political units The Political units are represented by elected persons such as the members of national and county

assembly. Table 2 shows political units in the county divided into constituencies and electoral

wards. It further shows the distribution of electoral wards by constituency.

Table 2: County Electoral Wards by Constituency

Constituency Electoral

wards

Administrative

Sub county

Ward Names

Mathira 6 Mathira West Ruguru, Kirimukuyu

Mathira East Iriaini, Karatina, Magutu, Konyu

Kieni 8 Kieni East Gakawa, Naromoru/ Kiamathaga, Thegu River

Kieni West Gatarakwa, Mugunda, Endarasha/Mwiyogo, Mweiga

Tetu 3 Tetu Aguthi/Gaaki, Dedan Kimathi, Wamagana,

Mukurwe-ini 4 Mukurwe-ini Rugi, Gikondi, Mukurwe-ini Central, Mukurwe-ini West

Nyeri town 5 Nyeri town Kamakwa/Mukaro, Kiganjo/Mathari, Rware, Ruringu,

Gatitu/Muruguru

Othaya 4 Othaya Chinga, Mahiga, Iriaini, Karima

Total 30

Source: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, 2017

Kieni with eight wards has the highest number while Tetu with three has the lowest. This is

attributed to the fact that Kieni is vast compared to other constituencies in the county.

1.4.1 Eligible and Registered Voters by Constituency

Table 3 below shows the number of eligible and registered voters for the six constituencies in the

county. It provides the figures as per the 2009 population and housing census and the projection

for the year 2012 and 2017.

Table 3: Registered Vs. Eligible Voters by Constituency

Constituency Eligible voters

(2009)

Eligible

voters 2012

Eligible

voters 2017

Number of

registered

voters(2017)

Proportion of

registered voters to the

eligible (2017) (%)

Nyeri Town 55,605 78,857 94,053 82,860 88.1

Tetu 36,513 49,281 58,777 51,716 88.0

Othaya 40,734 53,898 64,284 58,566 91.1

Mukurwe-ini 39,129 51,084 60,928 55,310 90.8

Mathira 69,392 94,565 112,788 99,496 88.2

Kieni 81,963 104,016 124,060 109,001 87.9

County 323,336 431,701 514,890 456,949 88.7

Source: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, 2017

There are a total of 514,890 eligible voters in the county out of whom only 456,949 are registered

representing 88.7 per cent. Kieni and Tetu have the highest and the lowest percentage of registered

voters respectively. There is need to intensify civic education to ensure all the eligible voters are

registered to enable them to actively participate in the democratic process.

18

1.5 Demographic Features

1.5.1 Population Size and Composition

Table 4 provides information on the county population projections by age cohorts with 2009 as

the base year. The figures are given at the interval of two years for ease of analysis and planning

purposes.

Table 4 : Population Projections by Age Cohort

Age

Cohort

2009 (Census) 2018 (Projections) 2020(Projections) 2022 (projections)

M F T M F T M F T M F T

0-4 39174 37164 76338 47,777 45,325 93,102 49,931 47,369 97,300 52,180 49,502 101,682

5-9 39807 38908 78715 48,549 47,452 96,001 50,738 49,592 100,330 53,023 51,825 104,848

10- 14 39815 39395 79210 48,558 48,046 96,605 50,748 50,213 100,961 53,034 52,474 105,508

15- 19 34581 32312 66893 42,175 39,408 81,583 44,077 41,185 85,262 46,062 43,040 89,101

20-24 29966 30840 60806 36,547 37,612 74,159 38,195 39,309 77,503 39,915 41,079 80,994

25-29 27677 30205 57882 33,755 36,838 70,593 35,277 38,499 73,776 36,866 40,233 77,099

30-34 24971 26275 51246 30,455 32,045 62,500 31,828 33,490 65,318 33,261 34,998 68,260

35-39 21965 23473 45438 26,789 28,628 55,416 27,997 29,919 57,915 29,257 31,266 60,523

40-44 17890 19926 37816 21,819 24,302 46,120 22,803 25,398 48,200 23,829 26,541 50,371

45-49 16287 17451 33738 19,864 21,283 41,147 20,759 22,243 43,002 21,694 23,245 44,939

50-54 10343 12069 22412 12,614 14,719 27,334 13,183 15,383 28,566 13,777 16,076 29,853

55-59 9029 10054 19083 11,012 12,262 23,274 11,508 12,815 24,323 12,027 13,392 25,419

60-64 9054 9817 18871 11,042 11,973 23,015 11,540 12,513 24,053 12,060 13,076 25,136

65-69 5987 7526 13513 7,302 9,179 16,480 7,631 9,593 17,224 7,975 10,025 17,999

70-74 4961 6077 11038 6,050 7,412 13,462 6,323 7,746 14,069 6,608 8,095 14,703

75-79 3048 4043 7091 3,717 4,931 8,648 3,885 5,153 9,038 4,060 5,385 9,445

80+ 5064 8200 13264 6,176 10,001 16,177 6,455 10,452 16,906 6,745 10,922 17,668

ANS 106 98 204 129 120 249 135 125 260 141 131 272

TOTAL 339725 353833 693558 414,329 431,535 845,863 433,013 450,996 884,009 452,514 471,306 923,819


The population growth rate in the county is estimated at 2.2 per cent against the national average

of 2.6 per cent. The county is estimated to have a population of 845,863 persons comprising of

414,329 males and 431,535 females in 2018 as projected from the 2009 population and housing

census.

The highest and the lowest population for 2018 are the age cohort of 10-14 and 75-79 respectively.

Ages 10-14 represent 11.4 per cent, while 75-79 comprise of just one per cent of the total

population. Over 60 per cent of the population is below 30 years, portraying a youthful population

which is more productive and thus the need to involve them in development activities.

Table 5 shows the population projection for selected age groups; under one year, under five years,

6-13 years, 14-17 years, 15-29 years, 15-49 years and 15-64 years. The figures are from the 2009

census and the projections for the year 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Table 5: Population Projection for Selected Age Group

Age Group 2009 2018 2020 2022

M F T M F T M F T M F T

19

Under 1 7,881 7,587 15,468 9,612 9,253 18,865 10,045 9,670 19,716 10,497 10,106 20,603

Under 5 47,408 45,149 92,557 57,819 55,064 112,883 60,426 57,547 117,973 63,147 60,138 123,286

6- 13 63,834 63,003 126,837 77,852 76,838 154,690 81,363 80,304 161,666 85,027 83,920 168,947

14-17 28,695 27,593 56,288 34,996 33,652 68,649 36,575 35,170 71,745 38,222 36,754 74,976

15-29 92,224 93,357 185,581 112,476 113,858 226,335 117,549 118,993 236,542 122,842 124,352 247,194

15-49 0 180,482 180,482 0 220,116 220,116 0 230,042 230,042 0 240,402 240,402

15-64 201,763 212,422 414,185 246,070 259,070 505,140 257,167 270,753 527,920 268,748 282,946 551,694

Above 65 19,060 25,846 44,906 23,246 31,522 54,767 24,294 32,943 57,237 25,388 34,427 59,815


Under 1: The population below the age of one will be growing at a very low rate increasing

insignificantly from 15,468 in 2009 to 18,865 by 2018, thus pressure on the county to provide for

this age group will be minimal.

Age group 6 13: This is the primary school going age. This group is projected to increase to

154,690 by 2018 and is expected to rise to 168,947 by 2022. This means that the number of pupils

enrolled in primary school will increase and thus there is need to create conducive environment

for learners.

Age group 14 17: This is the secondary school going age. A total population of 68,649 is

estimated to be attending secondary school in 2018 out of which 48.8 per cent are female and 51.2

per cent are male. This number is expected to rise gradually to about 74,976 in 2022. There is

need to provide conducive learning environment in terms of well-equipped libraries, laboratories

and other critical amenities.

Age group 15 49: This group comprises of the female reproductive age which is considered as

critical for planning in the county. The total population of 180,482 in 2009 is projected to rise to

220,116 by 2018 and to 240,402 by 2022. With a total fertility rate of 3.8, which is lower than the

national average of five, which means there is good uptake of family planning services in the

county.

Age group 15 64 (Labour force): This is the productive population of the county. There will

be a projected total labour force of 505,140 persons comprising of 48.8 per cent males and 51.2

per cent females of the total population in 2018. This number is expected to rise to 551,694 in

2022. There are more female than male in this category. There is need for affirmative action in

employment and also increased availability of credit facility and financial literacy for women and

youth to establish micro-enterprises.

A large proportion of this population mainly between 15 24 years consisting of 30.9 per cent of

the labour force is either in secondary schools or at the tertiary level. The bulk of the labour force

is either unskilled or semi skilled and is mainly engaged in agricultural activities and there is

need to equip and employ instructors for the youth polytechnics and other training institutes to

impart the youth with necessary and marketable skills.

20

1.5.2 Urban Population

There is only one town in the county and five major urban centers. Table 6 shows the population

distribution by urban centers as projected from the 2009 census report.

Table 6: Population Projections by Urban Centre

Urban Centre

2009 2018 2020 2022

Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

Nyeri Town 31,885 31,741 63,626 38,887 38,711 77,598 40,641 40,457 81,098 42,471 42,279 84,750

Karatina 3,594 4,634 8,228 4,383 5,652 10,035 4,581 5,906 10,487 4,787 6,172 10,960

Naromoru 2,965 2,840 5,805 3,616 3,464 7,080 3,779 3,620 7,399 3,949 3,783 7,732

Endarasha 1,429 1,620 3,049 1,743 1,976 3,719 1,821 2,065 3,886 1,903 2,158 4,061

Mweiga 1,698 1,885 3,583 2,071 2,299 4,370 2,164 2,403 4,567 2,262 2,511 4,773

Othaya 2,385 2,752 5,137 2,909 3,356 6,265 3,040 3,508 6,548 3,177 3,666 6,842

TOTAL 43,956 45,472 89,428 53,609 55,458 109,066 56,026 57,959 113,985 58,549 60,569 119,118

Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2017.

In Table 6, Nyeri Town has the highest population while Endarasha has the lowest. Karatina urban

has a higher number of people during the day because it has the largest open-air market in the

region and is expected to have a projected population of 10,035 persons by the year 2018. There

is need for involvement of the department of physical planning in planning of urban centres and

enhancement of service delivery especially solid waste management, provision of water and sewer

services. Establishment of farm produce processing plants and cottage industries in other urban

centers will curb migration to the Nyeri Town and other major urban areas.

1.5.3 Population Density and Distribution

Generally, there are two types of settlements in the county; clustered and scattered. Clustered

settlement patterns are mainly found around towns and horticulture producing areas. Scattered

settlement patterns are mainly found in Kieni Sub County which is semi-arid. This is mainly due

to ecological factors since most people usually settle in fertile lands with adequate and reliable

rainfall.

Table 7 shows population distribution and density by sub- County. It provides the data for 2009

census and projections up to the year 2022. The density is largely determined by the type of

settlement in a particular sub county.

Table 7: Population Distribution and Density by Sub- Counties

Sub- County

2009 2018 2020 2022

Pop Density

(per Km2)

pop Density

(per Km2)

Pop Density

(per Km2)

Pop Density (per

Km2)

Tetu 78320 360 95,519 439 99,827 459 104,322 480

21

Kieni 175812 122 214,420 149 224,090 156 234,182 163

Mathira 148847 502 181,534 612 189,720 640 198,264 668

Mukurwe-ini 83932 470 102,363 573 106,980 599 111,797 626

Nyeri Town 119273 711 145,465 867 152,025 906 158,872 947

Othaya 87374 501 106,561 611 111,367 638 116,382 667

County 693558 280 845,863 342 884,009 357 923,819 373


As indicated in Table 7, majority of the population is found in the high potential areas of Mathira,

Othaya, Nyeri Town and parts of Mukurwe-ini. This calls for massive investment in the social and

physical infrastructure to support the high population in these areas. The low land areas of Kieni

with low rainfall have lower population densities; the focus here will be on irrigated agriculture to

support food security in the region. The population density for Nyeri County was 280 in 2009 and

is projected to reach 342 in 2018 rising up to 373 by the year 2022. The table 8 below shows the

population projections by Sub- County.

Table 8: Population Projections by Sub County

Sub County 2009 2018 2020 2022

Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

Tetu 37,773 40,547 78,320 46,068 49,451 95,519 48,145 51,681 99,827 50,314 54,009 104,322

Kieni 88,270 87,542 175,812 107,654 106,766 214,420 112,509 111,581 224,090 117,576 116,606 234,182

Mathira 71,851 76,996 148,847 87,629 93,904 181,534 91,581 98,139 189,720 95,706 102,559 198,264

Mukurwe-ini 40,382 43,550 83,932 49,250 53,114 102,363 51,471 55,509 106,980 53,789 58,009 111,797

Nyeri Town 59,753 59,520 119,273 72,875 72,591 145,465 76,161 75,864 152,025 79,591 79,281 158,872

Othaya 41,696 45,678 87,374 50,852 55,709 106,561 53,146 58,221 111,367 55,539 60,843 116,382

Total 339,725 353,833 693,558 414,329 431,535 845,863 433,013 450,996 884,009 452,514 471,306 923,819


Kieni Sub County has the highest population, followed by Mathira Sub County. The Sub County

with the lowest population is Tetu according to 2009 census. In 2018, the expected population for

Kieni is projected to be 214,420 and for Tetu will be 95,519. Across the Sub Counties, the numbers

of females are marginally higher than males. It is projected that the population will be 923,819 by

2022.

1.5.4 Population of persons with disabilities

Table 9: People living with disabilities by type, sex and age.

Particulars 0-14 15-24 25-34 35-54 55+

Type M F M F M F M F M F

Hearing 2 2 2 - 3 1 1 1 4 1

Speech 2 1 - - 1 - - - 1 -

Visual 1 16 2 3 1 2

Mental 141 75 34 18

22

Physical 272 138

Self-care

Other

Source: Kenya National Survey Report for persons with Disability (2008)

1.5.5 Demographic Dividend

Demographic dividend refers to the temporary opportunity to achieve a sustained faster economic

development resulting from a decline in the fertility levels, a huge population of young persons,

and strategic investments in health, education, economic, and governance sectors. This means that

for a county to achieve a demographic dividend, the dependency ratio must decline over time while

the number of workers increases. If the increasing number of workers are healthy, educated,

skilled, and have adequate income and employment opportunities, then a county has the

opportunity to increase its wealth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Table 10: County Demographic Dividend Potential

1.6 Human Development Approach The Human Development Approach focuses on human development for every one now and in

humanity wants to go. Human development progress over the past 25 years has been impressive

on many fronts. But the gains have not been universal. There are imbalances across countries;

socioeconomic, ethnic and racial groups; urban and rural areas; and women and men. Millions of

people are unable to reach their full potential in life because they suffer deprivations in multiple

dimensions of human development.

The approach identifies the national policies and key strategies to ensure that every human being

achieves at least basic human development and to sustain and protect the gains. It addresses the

structural challenges of global institutions and presents options for reform. These policies and key

strategies are compiled into a workable document known as Human Development Report (HDR).

The latest HDR is of 2016 and introduces two experimental dashboards on life course on gender

gap and on sustainable development.

It is important to note that national and international data can differ because international agencies

standardize national data to allow comparability across countries and in some cases may not have

access to the most recent national data. The County and other development stakeholders are

Category 2009* 2017(KNBS) 2018 2022 2030

Population Size 693,558 814,205 829,005 888,205 1,006,605

Population below 15 (%) 33.8% 33.8% 33.8% 33.8% 33.8%

Population 15-64 (%) 53.4% 53.4% 53.4% 53.4% 53.4%

Population above 65 (%) 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5%

Dependency ratio 100:68 100:68 100:68 100:68 100:68

Fertility rate 2.7% 2.7% 2.7% 2.7% 2.7%

23

encouraged to explore the issues raised in the HDR with the most relevant and appropriate data

from national and international sources.

1.6.1 Human Development Index

The HDI is a summary measure for assessing progress in three basic dimensions of human

development: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. A long

and healthy life is measured by life expectancy at birth. Knowledge level is measured by mean

years of education among the adult population, which is the average number of years of education

received in a life-time by people aged 25 years and older; and access to learning and knowledge

by expected years of schooling for children of school-entry age, which is the total number of years

of schooling a child of school-entry age can expect to receive if prevailing patterns of age-specific

enrolment rates stay the same throughout the child's life. The standard of living is measured by

Gross National Income (GNI) per capita expressed in constant 2011 international dollars converted

using purchasing power parity (PPP) conversion rates.

which put the country in the medium human

development categorypositioning it at 146 out of 188 countries and territories. Between 1990

life expectancy at birth increased by 3.4 years, mean years of schooling increased by 2.6 years and

26.0 percent between 1990 and 2015.

Table 11

Year Life expectancy at

birth

Expected years

of schooling

Mean years of

schooling

GNI per

capita(2011

PPP$)

HDI

value

1990 58.8 9.1 3.7 2,287 0.473

1995 54.5 8.7 4.5 2,130 0.459

2000 50.8 8.4 5.3 2,138 0.447

2005 53.6 9.7 5.8 2,267 0.483

2010 58.8 11.1 6.1 2,529 0.53

2011 59.6 11.1 6.2 2,623 0.536

2012 60.3 11.1 6.2 2,662 0.541

2013 61 11.1 6.3 2,733 0.546

2014 61.6 11.1 6.3 2,800 0.55

2015 62.2 11.1 6.3 2,881 0.555

The HDI emphasizes that people and their capabilities should be the ultimate criteria for assessing

the development of a country and not economic growth alone since two countries/regions with the

same level of GNI per capita can end up with such different human development outcomes.

The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 in Article 27 recognizes that measures should be put in place to

encourage affirmative action programmes and policies to address past inequalities. Economic and

social rights to all are also recognized in Article 43. These include the right to health care services,

24

adequate housing and sanitation, adequate food of acceptable quality, clean and safe water and

appropriate social security to vulnerable groups in the society.

The constitution also requires measures to be undertaken to ensure the youth access relevant

education and training, have opportunities to participate in political, social, economic activities,

and access to employment as well as protection from harmful cultural practices. The Gender

Inequality Index (GII) shows the loss in potential human development due to inequality between

female and male achievements in these dimensions. It varies between 0when women and men

fare equally and 1, where one gender fares as poorly as possible in all measured dimensions.

Improving equity in gender issues and reducing gender disparities will benefit all sectors and thus

contribute to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and social injustices.

1.7 Infrastructure Development

1.7.1 Road, Rail Network, Airports and Airstrips

The county currently has 3,092.73 Km of classified roads with 478.25 Km of bitumen, 2,492.85

Km gravel and 121.63 Km earth surface. The table below shows the categories of various roads

by surface type since 2013 to date.

Table 12: Category of Road Surface by Type

Category of Road Surface by Type 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Bitumen 450 450 450 450 478.25

Gravel/Murram 1,390.59 1,619.97 1,871.95 2,332.20 2,492.85

Earth 1,252.14 1,022.76 770.78 310.53 121.63

TOTAL 3,092.73 3,092.73 3,092.73 3,092.73 3092.73

Source: County department of Transport, Public works, Infrastructure and Communication,

2017

In order for the roads to be fully utilized, bridges and culverts have been constructed at various

crossing points. The county has three airstrips that hastens movement and enhances tourism. There

are three railway stations which are not functional at Karatina, Kiganjo and Narumoro.

1.7.2 Information Communication and Technology

The county is fairly developed as a result of the advent of mobile telephony and internet hubs in

the urban centers. The mobile phone coverage stands at 91 per cent and there are 384 cyber cafes.

This has greatly revolutionized the way people communicate and improved efficiency in service

delivery. There exist six Post Offices, 19 sub-post offices and 25 licensed stamp vendors.

However, Post office faces stiff competition from 30 private courier services mainly G4S, Wells

Fargo, 2NK Sacco, 4NTE etc.

The banking industry has enhanced use of ICT where most of the financial institutions are offering

computerized banking services. Many government departments have embraced the use of modern

25

methods of communication through E-Government services by use of E-Mail and mobile phone

technology. The county is expected to grow fast after connection of a fibre optic cable, which will

greatly revolutionize communication and information sharing.

1.7.3 Energy access

The county has a total of 208 trading centers and 214 secondary schools connected with electricity.

There are also 150 health facilities connected with electricity. The table below shows the electricity

connectivity within the county.

Table 13: Electricity connectivity within the county Category 2013 2015 2017

No. trading centres connected with electricity 112 208 208

No. of Health facilities connected with electricity 51 141 150

No. of secondary schools connected with electricity 170 214 214

No. of Primary schools connected with electricity 371 371

No. of Kilometers of street lighting 12 42 57

No. of High mast lighting 15 55 55

No. of households connected with electricity 52,263 86,000

Source: County Department of Energy, 2016

1.7.4 Housing

The main types of houses in the county are individual, national and county government-owned.

The cost of construction is very prohibitive leading to the presence of informal settlements among

the low income earners in the county. There is need to sensitize the public and investors on

alternative and cheap building materials to address the challenges of housing in the county.

1.8 Land and Land use

1.8.1 Land ownership categories/ classifications

Most of the land in the county is owned by individuals as freehold and mainly where subsistence

farming practiced. The gazetted forest cover 26 percent of the county land surface while the county

and national governments own few tracks of land where offices and social facilities and

infrastructure are located.

1.8.2 Mean holding size

The county has a total area of 987.5 Km2 and 758.5 Km2 of arable and non-arable land respectively.

The larger part of the land is used for food crop while the rest is used for cash crop farming,

livestock rearing and farm forestry. The mean holding size is one hectare for majority of the small

holders.

1.8.3 Percentage of Land with Title Deeds

Over 85 per cent of farmers have title deeds for their land as adjudication started early after

independence. The main reason for lack of the title deeds by some farmers is domestic wrangles

26

while other landowners in settlement schemes have not cleared their loans. There are many

colonial villages where the government will continue to plan and issue titles deeds.

1.8.4 Incidences of Landlessness

From the year 2013, the county has embarked planning of colonial villages. Thunguma, Rititi,

Kiamwathi, Miiri, Ihwagi, Gitero, Gikomo / (mweiga), Gitathini, Chorongi, Kiarihiu and Kariki

Villages have been surveyed and the exercise will extend to other areas. The county has also issued

269 title deed for Gatitu, Gitero, Riamukurwe, Muruguru, Kihuyo and Ithenguri to create

ownership and reduce cases of landlessness.

1.8.5 Settlement Patterns

There are two types of settlements in the county; clustered and scattered. Clustered settlement

patterns are mainly found around towns and horticulture producing areas. Scattered settlement

patterns are mainly found in Kieni Sub County which is semi-arid and were formally colonial

settlement area. Apart from the major towns the county has witnessed ribbon type of development

along the major highways which possess a challenge in service delivery especially in waste

management as the centres are poorly planned. Such urban centres include Kiawara, Chaka, and

Nairutia among many others.

1.8.6 Type and Size of Land

The type of land in the County is either freehold in rural areas or lease holding in major urban

centres. The small size land holding size is approximately one hectare, who are the majority, while

the large is about for hectares. The county has a total area of 987.5 Km2 and 758.5 Km2 of arable

and non-arable land respectively. The larger part of the land is used for food crop while the rest is

used for cash crop farming, livestock rearing and farm forestry.

1.9 Employment

1.9.1 Wage earners

In the county, 92,205 persons are wage earners thus contributing 24 per cent of the household

income. They are mainly employed by the national and county governments, learning institutions

and the business community.

1.9.2 Self-employed

Rural self-employed persons in the county are 15,368 contributing 4 per cent of household income

while urban self-employed persons are 4,444 and contribute 13 per cent of the household income.

The wages are higher in urban areas than in the rural areas. The county will need to provide

affordable credit for the establishment of micro enterprises to create more self-employment

opportunities.

27

1.9.3 Labour force

By 2018 the population aged between 15 and 64 years in the county is projected at 505,141

comprising of 259,070 females and 246,072 males. This represents 59.7 per cent of the county

population.

1.9.4 Unemployment levels

The unemployment level in the county is 17.5 per cent since out of the potential labor force of

421,298 persons, only 347,502 are employed. The dependency rate in the county therefore stands

at 51 per cent of the total population. Apart from affordable credit, there is need of establishing

cottage industries to add value on farm produce and hence create more employment.

1.10 Irrigation infrastructure and schemes

1.10.1 Irrigation potential

The current land under irrigation has challenges of water rationing and therefore agricultural

production potential is not realized. To address this, there is a compressive plan to harness run off

water experienced during rainy seasons either by excavating of water pans, constructing dams or

abstracting water from aquaways. Efficient water utilization technologies should be promoted and

more land be put under irrigation.

Total area under irrigation in the county is estimated at 2600 Ha and the total no. of households

practicing irrigation is 10,400. The irrigation potential in the county is 20,620 Ha from 87 irrigation

schemes which will benefit 80,600households.

1.10.2 Irrigation schemes (small/ large scales)

There are 22 No. complete irrigation schemes namely GuraUgaciku, Kamoko, Kiruma Minor,

Kiandego, Gaithuri, Kiirungi, ThihaSagana, Gikondi, Thiha Micro, ThihaKiruka, Njengu,

EreriKiremia, Lamuria, Watuka, Endarasha, NdiritiAguthi, Nairobi, Sagana, Muteithia, Kariithi,

Kihuri and NdathiMbiriri.

The county has been implementing small holder irrigation schemes that are farmer managed,

operated and farmer owned.

1.11 Crop, Livestock, Fish Production and Value addition

1.11.1 Main crops produced

The main food crops grown in the county are maize, beans, Irish potatoes and vegetables whereas

the major cash crops are coffee, tea, horticulture and cut flowers. Tea is grown in the upper zone

grown in the lower region. Cut flowers

are mainly grown in Kieni Sub County where there are large land holding sizes.

28

1.11.2 Acreage under food and cash crops

Total area under food crop is 80,943 hectares while 18,521 hectares are under cash crop

production. Food crops are mainly produced on small scale, which is due to the smallholding sizes

as a result of population pressure. The area under cash crops is limited since economical production

requires large parcels of land.

1.11.3 Average farm sizes

The average farm size is 0.7 hectares for small-scale farmers and 4 hectares for large-scale farmers.

This is due to high population density though the farms are intensively utilized. Large-scale farms

are mainly found in Kieni.

1.11.4 Main storage facilities

In the county, the main food storage facilities include; National Cereals and Produce Board in

Kiganjo with a storage capacity of 100,000 metric tons; on farm storage granaries and in the

farmers houses. Most farmers store their produce in their houses due to low production as a result

of small parcels of land.

1.11.5 Agriculture extension, training, research and information services

The County has continued to offer extension services using different approaches such as farmer

field schools, field days, group trainings, individual farm visits etc. Capacity building of both

farmers and staff has been a priority and this has been done through residential courses and

exchange tours. To enhance this the department has collaborated with research institutions such as

KARLO Embu and ICIPE on farm trials for best agricultural husbandry practices. Demonstration

plots have also been established for different technologies such as green house and drip irrigation.

To enhance availability of clean planting materials, such as different types of fodders, sweet potato

vines have been established in Kieni East, Kieni West, Mathira West and Wambugu ATC.

1.11.6 Main livestock breeds and facilities

The main livestock enterprise is dairy cattle. Other enterprises include poultry, pigs, goats, sheep

and donkeys. The land carrying capacity (Livestock per hectare) is five. Bee keeping and other

small stock such as rabbits; guinea pigs and quails are also on the increase.

Livestock Breed

Dairy cattle Friesian (53%) Ayrshire (32%), Guernsey (4%), Jersey (1%) and cross-breed 10%

Pigs Large White and Landrace

Sheep Choriadles, Dorper, Small African red Maasai, Merino breeds and Hampshire dawn

Goats Germany alpine, crosses of Saneen and Toggenburg

Poultry Indigenous upgraded Rainbow rooster, Sasso, Kenbro and Kroiler

Livestock facilities

29

Sub

County

Livestock

markets

Holding

grounds

Cattle dips

(operating/

Total

Spray

races

Disease

control

crush

pens

Agro/

veterinary

shops

Hides

and

skins

bandas

Poultry

hatcheries

Artificial

insemination

bull station

Slaughter

slab/house

(0perational/

total)

Nyeri

central

0 0 1/19 1 45 51 7 3 0 4

Tetu 0 0 6/37 0 42 32 6 0 0 12

Mathira

East

1 0 2/26 0 56 48 4 0 0 10

Mathira

West

0 1 7/22 1 60 22 3 0 0 6

Mukutweini 2 (1 is for

poultry)

0 0/39 0 39 38 3 0 0 7

Nyeri south 0 0 3/36 0 48 53 2 0 0 6

Kieni west 0 0 6/35 0 75 45 12 0 1 being

funded by

UTaNRMP

11

Kieni East 0 3 10/22 1 75 65 11 0 0 19

TOTAL 3 4 35/236 3 440 354 48 3 1 75/88

Source: Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development, 2017

1.11.7 Ranching

Given that the land holding per household is generally small, currently there are no ranches

established in the county. However, there is potential to establish ranches in the expansive Kieni

Sub County.

1.11.8 Main fishing activities, types of fish produced, landing sites

The main fisheries activities in the county are pond fish farming, dam and river line fisheries.

There are a total of 2,343 households involved in the subsector with 2,488 fishponds spread across

the county. The main fish species include tilapia, catfish, and trout.

1.11.9 Apiculture (bee keeping)

Bee hives in the county are as per the table below

Type of hive No. of hives No of farmers/groups

KTBH 9,360 5,067 farmers

Langstroth 3,076 1,956 farmers and 32 groups

Log hives 6,580 105 farmers

Others 226 7,128 farmer and 59 groups

1.12 Oil and Other Mineral Resources

1.12.1 Mineral potential

There is no potential for mining activities in the county other than the already existing ones whose

production can be scaled up as their lifespan is more than 20 years. Currently there is a small

ceramic processing plant in Mukurwe-ini sub-county which can be upgraded for optimum

exploitation of the Kaoline deposits found at Rutune. The county should encourage an investor to

setup a factory to exploit the deposit fully.

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1.12.2 Ongoing mining and extraction activities (Quarry, sand harvesting, cement etc.)

In the county, the main mining activities are; clay,sand, aggregate, gravel and natural building

stones mining in Mukurwe-ini ,Nyeri Town, Kieni East, Kieni West, and Mathira West Sub

Counties. Gravel is the highest with 2.3 million tonnes mined per year and employing about 1,431

persons. Clay mining is the lowest at 2,555 tonnes employing 756 people.

1.13 Tourism and Wildlife

1.13.1 Main tourist attractions and activities

Nyeri Cou

county is also endowed with the rich kikuyu culture. The County has increasingly become a

popular destination for tourists to experience: Cultural, Adventure, Agro, Sport, Education,

Business, leisure and Religious tourism.

Mt. Kenya and the Aberdares ecosystems has rich historical heritage and diversity in Flora and

Fauna. Mt. Kenya has perfect topography for viewing Kenya's wildlife and also magnificent

scenic views of inter-locking spurs ideal for film and photography. Heritage sites in the County

include: Paxtu cottage at the Outspan Hotel which also a scout Museum, Baden Powell graves and

Historical Gardens, Kimathi Trench at Kahigaini, MauMau caves in Naromoru, Italian War

Memorial Church, Dedan Kimathi Tree Post Office among other attractions in addition to the rich

kikuyu culture.

1.13.2 Classified / major hotels

There are three 4-star, four 3-star and one 2-star tourist class hotels. Nyeri County also has wide

range of high quality and affordable hotels, lodges, guest houses, homestays and restaurants. The

county is also the home to the treetops lodge (world famous where Queen Elizabeth 11 ascended

The Aberdare as a Princess on 6th February, 1952 and descended as Queen upon the death of her

father King George 1V.

1.13.3 Main wildlife

Aberdares National park and Mt. Kenya has the following animal species: African Elephant, rare

black leopard, spotted hyena, Olive baboon, black and white colombus monkey, sykes monkey,

the cape buffalos, warthogs, common zebra, bushback, reedback and Lions among others.

1.13.4 Wildlife conservation areas (game parks, reserves, conservancies, game ranches)

The County has two National parks which are Mt. Kenya and the Aberdares. Mt. Kenya holds Mt.

Kenya orphanage and Mt. Kenya game reserve. There is only one Wildlife conservancy managed

by Dedan Kimathi University with 9 species of grazing mammals that include: wildbeest,

fauna.

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1.13.5 Total number of tourists

In the year 2013, the county received a total of 79,118 tourists; 20,767 foreigners and 58,351

domestic. This however t

Documents

NYERI COUNTY INTERGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2018- 2022 · 2018. 1. 26. · REPUBLIC OF KENYA NYERI COUNTY INTERGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2018- 2022 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC