Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments in Kirinyaga County
Geography of Kirinyaga County
Mount Kenya, occupying on the northern half of Kirinyaga County, to a large extent influences both the landscape and climate. The highland area covers the upper areas of Ndia, Gichugu and Kirinyaga North; and the whole of the mountain area. The midland region of Kirinyaga County includes parts of Ndia, Gichugu and Kirinyaga Central. The dryer lowland region, which is typified by gently rolling plains, covers most of Mwea. The frontier of Kirinyaga County lies within 5,380 ms, at the peak of Mount Kenya, to 1,158 ms in the south near the Mwea Plains.
Land Use in Kirinyaga County
Agriculture is the most important activity in Kirinyaga County with 87% of the total population deriving their livelihood from the sector, which accounts for nearly 72% of household income. Most of the land in the upper parts of the Kirinyaga County – Gichugu, Kirinyaga Central and Ndia – is individually owned, while that on the lower region (Mwea Plains) is owned by National Irrigation Board (NIB).
Highlights in Kirinyaga County
Mount Kenya National Park, in the upper region of Kirinyaga County, which boasts of thick indigenous forests and plenty of wildlife, cottages and scenic landscape, is its most outstanding natural spectacle and biggest of its draws. Next to this, is the ramble contiguous natural ever green beauty seen in most of Kirinyaga County, which is primarily an agricultural driven region. The main crops include rice, in the lower zones, and tea, in the upper parts of the county. Coffee is also a major crop grown in the upper and middle zones. Other major crops grown in a sizable scale include bananas, tomatoes, beans, mangoes, maize, and horticultural produce.
Population in Kirinyaga County
Kirinyaga County’s population density was projected at 488 people / km2 in 2012. Based on the Kenya Population and Housing Census 2009 Report, the population of Kirinyaga County was 528,054 people – with an annual growth rate of 1.5%. The most populated town in Kirinyaga County is Wang’uru, formerly known as Mwea, with a population of 18,437, followed by Kerugoya town with a populace of 17,122.
Airports in Kirinyaga County
There is one airstrip located in Mwea, which is underutilized.
Roads in Kirinyaga County
The total road network in Kirinyaga County is about 1,109 km, out of which only 106 km is bitumenized, but expanding, 462 km is gravel, and 540 km is earth surfaced roads. The county has an established primary road network with 7 main roads: Makutano-Embu, Kutus-Karatina Road, Baricho Road, Kiburu Road, Kutus-Sagana Road, Kutus-Kianyaga Road and the Kabare-Kerugoya-Kimunye Road.
Climate in Kirinyaga County
Kirinyaga County has a typical tropical climate with equatorial rainfall pattern. The climate is predominantly influenced by its position along the equator and its great advantage on the windward side of Mount Kenya. Rainfall intensity declines fast southwards, from the peaks of Mount Kenya to Mwea. The average temperatures ranges from a mean of 8 Degrees C in the upper zones to 30 C in the lower zones.
National Monuments in Kirinyaga County
There are no designated national monuments in Kirinyaga County
Known for its agricultural productivity, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural heritage, Kirinyaga is a key contributor to Kenya’s economy. Located at the foot of Mount Kenya, its landscape is characterized by lush green tea and coffee farms, rivers, and rolling hills, and the weather, year-round, is temperate and salubrious.
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About Kirinyaga Way Back When
35 Destinations in Kirinyaga County, arranged as one would visit these - south, west, east then south - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Sagana Getaway Resort, Camp Malta, Tana Station, Thingira Cultural Village, Kwetu Home, Gatitika Falls, River Nyamindi, Mwea Rice Scheme, Mwea Classic Marathon, Ndaraca ya Ngai, Rukenya Islands, Murinduko Hill, Njukiini Forest, Kijani Camp, Timstep Hotel & Campsite, Savage Wilderness, Rapids Camp, Sagana Fisheries, Ruamuthambi Falls, Thiba Falls, Thiba Dam, Kamuruana Hill, Ragati Conservancy, Kiburi Farm & Stay, Thiba Fishing Camp, Outdoorsman Cabins, Kathiri Falls, Castle Forest Lodge, Castle Falls, Mount Kenya, Kamweti Route, Kangere Falls, Gichugu Farms, Karumandi Falls
Know More About Kirinyaga County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with aid of strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Kirinyaga has a true tropical climate with equatorial rainfall pattern. Mean temperature ranges from a low of 8oC in the upper zones to 30oC in the lower zones about Mwea.
Mount Kenya, occupying on the northern half of Kirinyaga, to a large extent influences both the landscape and the climate. The dryer lowland, typified by pleasant rolling plains, covers most of Mwea.