Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments in Nyandarua County
Geography of Nyandarua County
The western limit of Nyandarua County is more or less marked by Nyairoko River, a tributary of the Malewa River, which courses into Nakuru County. It also marks its northern frontier. More precisely, the northern frontier is unofficially marked by the C77 Wanjohi-Ol Kalou-Gilgil Road. To the east, the Aberdare Range traverses its boundary with Nyeri County. The perimeter boundary of Aberdare Range is a whooping great 565 km. Altitude varies from 2,000 ms on eastern forest border to 4,001 ms at the peak of Ol Donyo Lesatima sited along its north-eastern limit.
Land Use in Nyandarua County
Land use in Nyandarua County can be roughly categorized into national parks, forestry, roads, townships, farms, watercourses and water bodies. Much of the land in Nyandarua County has been subdivided, allocated and settled. Most of the land held by farmers is in small scale. there are few large farms that are spread throughout the county. The mean holding size per household is 3.5 ha. With the increasing population and emergence of urban centres, the mean holding sizes are expected to reduce as sub-division and sale of land continues. Nyandarua County is primarily an agri-business hub producing potatoes, wheat, and maize.
Highlights in Nyandarua County
Aberdare Forest Reserve, which is located on the Aberdare Mountains, together with the Kikuyu Escarpment that runs 120 km northwards from Nairobi city, and about 40 km at its widest point, are the prominent features in Nyandarua. Other notable physical features of Nyandarua County include the Kinangop Plateau and Ol Kalou or Ol Joro Orok Plateau which have slopes that are interrupted by low undulating hills, the Great Rift Valley in the west, and Aberdare Ranges in the east. The extensive gentle slopes flatten to plain-like features of marshes and swamps.
Population in Nyandarua County
In 2009, the population in Nyandarua County was 596,268. This comprised of 292,155 males and 304,113 females. In 2013 projected population was 656,348, expected to grow to 688,618 and 722,498 persons in 2015 and 2017. About 43% of the population is below 15 years of age, with close to 69% being below 30 years. Nyandarua County has four urban centres – Mairo-inya, Engineer, Njabini and Ol Kalou. In 2013, the total urban population was 26,655. Population density was 52 persons / km2 in 1969 and increased to 69 persons / km2 in 1979, then to 102 and 145 persons / km2 in 1989 and 1999 respectively. The 2013 populace density grew to 202 persons / km2. Ol Joro Orok town had a density of 240 persons / km2.
Airports in Nyandarua County
Nyandarua County has only one air strip, in Nyandarua West, which is in good condition and is operational, but is hardly-ever used. Its runway is all-weather.
Roads in Nyandarua County
Nyandarua County has a total of 3,400 km of road, of which, 224 km is bitumen, 525 km is gravel surface and 2,651 km is earth surface. The earth and gravel roads are usually impassable over the rainy season. Bitumen roads are in a good state.
Climate in Nyandarua County
Thanks to its elevated altitude, all of Nyandarua County experiences moderate to low temperatures. Highest temperatures are recorded in the month of December that bears an average temperature of 25o Celsius, while the lowest is recorded in the month of July, with a mean average temperature of 12 C. Rainfall in the County peaks between April and May. Kinangop and Ol Kalou Plateaus are located in the rain shadow of the Aberdare and receives lesser rainfall compared to other areas.
National Monuments in Nyandarua County
There are no designated national monuments in Nyandarua County.
Greatly positioned as an agrarian hub, with increased investment in infrastructure, Nyandarua County is also famous for its scenic landscapes and montane climate. Named after the Aberdare Ranges, with an extensive presence, Nyandarua grew as an agribusiness locale but is well making a name for itself as an alpine escape.
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Explore Destinations in Nyandarua County
A Guide to Nyandarua County
A Summa Digest of Nyandarua
About Nyandarua Way Back When
45 Destinations in Nyandarua County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Matches Dam, Gitwe Viewpoint, Mawingu Camp Kenya, Heni Viewpoint, Kijabe Hills, Kinangop Step, Ragia Forest Trail, Sasumua Dam, Sharpe's Longclaw Nature Reserve, Elmer Resort & Spa, Cheese House, Njabini, Elephant Hill, Aberdare Range, Kinangop Plateau, Mount Kipipiri, Mount Kipipiri Golf & Resort, Wanjohi Valley (Happy Valley), Davida Getaway, Wanjohi Falls, Kenungu Falls, Buxton House, Rurimeria Forest Trail, Mount Satima, Table Mountain, Dragon’s Teeth, Cedar Retreat (Log Cabin), Ndaragwa Falls, Ndaragwa Forest, Maverick Camp Rondavels & Farmstay, Malewa Bundu Camp, Plovers Eco Camp, Dundori Forest, Lake Ol Bolossat, Samawati Conservancy, Olrok Farm House, Laikipia Plateau, Tafaria Castle & Center for Arts, The Fairway Residence, Carnegie House (Ngobit Girls School), Knessiah Jewish Synagogue, Thompson Falls
Know More About Nyandarua County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Thanks to its high altitude, all of Nyandarua experiences pleasant to low temperatures. Highest temperatures are in the month of December that bears an average temperature of 25oC: Lowest in July, 14oC.
To the east, the Aberdare Range traverses its border with Nyeri County. End to end, the Aberdare Range, with vast presence in Nyandarua is a whooping great 565 km.