Murang'a County

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title: "Murang'a County" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["murang'a-county", "mount-kenya-region", "counties-of-kenya", "kikuyu"] topic_path: "general/murang-a-county" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murang'a_County" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

FieldValue
nameMurang'a County
image_skylineKenya09-Murang'a-contesto-COSV.jpg
image_captionMurang’a County Landscape
image_flagFlag of Murang'a County.gif
flag_size150px
image_shieldCoat of Arms of Muranga County.png
shield_size150px
image_mapMurang’a County in Kenya.svg
map_captionLocation in Kenya
settlement_typeCounty
subdivision_typeCountry
subdivision_nameKenya
seat_typeCapital
seatMurang'a
established_titleFormed
established_date4 March 2013
leader_titleGovernor
leader_nameIrungu Kang'ata
timezoneEAT
utc_offset+3
area_total_km22,325.8
population_as_of2019
population_total1,056,640
population_density_km2auto
website
::

|name = Murang'a County |image_skyline = Kenya09-Murang'a-contesto-COSV.jpg |image_size = |image_caption = Murang’a County Landscape |image_flag = Flag of Murang'a County.gif |flag_size = 150px |image_shield = Coat of Arms of Muranga County.png |shield_size = 150px |image_map = Murang’a County in Kenya.svg |map_caption = Location in Kenya |settlement_type = County |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = Kenya |coordinates = |seat_type = Capital |seat = Murang'a |established_title = Formed |established_date = 4 March 2013 |leader_title = Governor |leader_name = Irungu Kang'ata |timezone = EAT |utc_offset = +3 |area_total_km2 = 2,325.8 |area_land_km2 = |area_water_km2 = |population_as_of = 2019 |population_total = 1,056,640 |population_density_km2 = auto |elevation_m = |blank_name = |blank_info = |website = |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, the largest ethnic group in Kenya. The county had a population of 1,056,640 as of the 2019 census.

History

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Muranga_county.jpg" caption="Tea farming in Muranga County."] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/River_Maragua_Railway_Bridge,_Murang'a_Kenya.jpg" caption="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.

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.

. 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: ::data[format=table]

CEC memberPortfolio
Hon. Githirwa M. MachariaEnvironment & Natural Resources
Hon. Muiruri Maina EdwardYouth,Sports,Gender,Culture,social services Co-operatives & special Programmes.
Hon. George M. KamauFinance,IT & Economic Planning
Hon. Nyambura MachariaPublic Service
Hon. Albert MwanikiAgriculture, Livestock & Irrigation
Hon. Eng. Amos NjorogeEnergy Transport & Infrastructure Development
Hon. David W. WaweruCommerce,Trade, Industry & Investment
Hon. Dr. Susan Muthoni MagadaHealth, water & sanitation
Hon. Gerishon NyagiaEducation & Technical Training
Hon. Sarah MasakiLands, 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, together with his deputy Stephen Mburu Munania, who became the third Deputy Governor of Murang'a County.

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). 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.

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. ::data[format=table title=""] | 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

| 1979 | 648,333 | 1989 | 858,063 | 1999 | 736,273 | 2009 | 942,581 | 2019 | 1,056,640 |align = none | footnote = source:

Religion

Religion in Murang'a County

::data[format=table]

Religion (2019 Census)Number
Protestant415,159
Catholicismy259,936
Evangelical Churches207,410
African instituted Churches103,788
Orthodox5,119
Other Cristian36,738
Islam3,640
Hindu59
Traditionists1,000
Other7,704
No ReligionAtheists11.496
Don't Know910
Not Stated100
::

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, 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.

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

::data[format=table]

Sub-CountyPopulationHeadquarters
Kiharu185,600Murang’a Town
Kangema82,401Kangema Town
Mathioya110,139Kiria-ini Town
Maragua196,170Maragua Town
Kigumo136,921Kigumo Town
Kandara180,098Kandara Town
Gatanga202, 023Mabanda Div Hq.
Total1,093,352
::

Electrol Constituencies in Murang'a County:

Urban Centers in Murang'a County:

Central Kenya Region

Urbanisation

| float = center | title = Urbanisation in Central Kenya | table_width = 70 | bar_width = 50 | data_max = 100 | label_type = County | data_type = | label1 = Kiambu County | data1 = 60.8 | label2 = Nyeri County | data2 = 24.5 | label3 = Nyandarua County | data3 = 18.5 | label4 = Murang’a County | data4 = 16.3 | label5 = Kirinyaga County | data5 = 15.8 | label6 = Kenya Average | data6 = 32.3 | caption =

Wealth/Poverty Level

| float = center | title = Wealth/Poverty Level in Central Kenya | table_width = 70 | bar_width = 50 | data_max = 100 | label_type = County | data_type = | label1 = Kirinyaga County | data1 = 25.2 | label2 = Murang’a County | data2 = 28.5 | label3 = Kiambu County | data3 = 28.9 | label4 = Nyeri County | data4 = 32.7 | label5 = Nyandarua County | data5 = 46.6 | label6 = Kenya Average | data6 = 45.9 | caption =

Notable people

References

References

References

  1. "Kikuyu People".
  2. "2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume I: Population by County and Sub-County".
  3. (2015-12-23). "Murang'a County: A haven for Coffee Investments".
  4. "County Government {{!}} AHADI toolkit".
  5. "governor of muranga sworn in – Google Search".
  6. "The Governor – Muranga County Government".
  7. (2022-09-20). "Johnson Mukuha elected Murang'a County Assembly Speaker".
  8. Assembly, Murang'a County. "Clerk of the County Assembly".
  9. "Kenya: Administrative Division (Provinces and Counties) – Population Statistics, Charts and Map".
  10. "2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume IV: Distribution of Population by Socio-Economic Characteristics".
  11. Kamau, Peter. (2025-07-15). "KTDA Farmers Earn KSh 17.8 Billion in 2024".
  12. "Kakuzi Support Programs".
  13. "County Urbanization: Nairobi | Open Kenya | Transparent Africa".
  14. "Poverty Rate, by District | Open Kenya | Transparent Africa".
  15. "Kenya | Data".
  16. Business Daily Africa. (September 23, 2025). "Billionaire Kibunga Kimani takes 11pc stake in Centum". [[Business Daily Africa]].
  17. . (September 17, 2025). ["The Billionaires of Kenya: John Kibunga Kimani, from Squatter's Son to NSE's Richest Top Six"](https://thekenyatimes.com/featured/john-kibunga-kimani-nse/). *[[The Kenya Times]]*.
  18. Business Daily Africa. (September 23, 2025). "Billionaire Kibunga Kimani takes 11pc stake in Centum". [[Business Daily Africa]].
  19. . (September 17, 2025). ["The Billionaires of Kenya: John Kibunga Kimani, from Squatter's Son to NSE's Richest Top Six"](https://thekenyatimes.com/featured/john-kibunga-kimani-nse/). *[[The Kenya Times]]*.
  20. "Kigumo Town Overview".
  21. (2019). "2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume I".
  22. "Kenya: Counties and Sub-Counties".

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murang'a-countymount-kenya-regioncounties-of-kenyakikuyu