Nyeri County

Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments in Nyeri County

Geography of Nyeri County

The main physical features of the Nyeri County are Mount Kenya (5,199 ms) in the east and the Aberdare Range (3,999 ms) in the west. The western part of Nyeri County is generally 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. Nyeri County has two forest eco-systems: Aberdare and Mt. Kenya. The county also has other isolated forested hills like Karima, Nyeri and Tumu Tumu all gazetted as forest reserves.

Land Use in Nyeri County

Nyeri 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. Over 85 % of farmers have title deeds as adjudication started early after independence, 1963.

Highlights in Nyeri County

Mt. Kenya National Park located in the upper region of Nyeri County boasts of thick indigenous forests with plenty of wildlife and cottages providing a serene environment for both domestic and foreign tourists. It also hosts the Aberdare National Park. Nyeri has 19 tourist class hotels and lodges and three airstrips to facilitate transportation of travellers. There is great opportunity to increase the number of tourist class hotels, since the county is on a major tourist circuit to Mt. Kenya and the northern region. Other tourist attractions include the Paxtu House Museum, Mau Mau Caves found at Mount Kenya, and Aberdare N. Park.

View of an Old Clock Tower within the Consolata Mathari Hospital. Photo Courtesy — Old Clock Tower at Consolata Mathari. Image Courtesy of Kenyan Backpacker

Population in Nyeri County

The population density for Nyeri County was about 280 people / km2 in 2009, projected to reach about 285 in 2013 and 291 by the year 2017. Majority of the population live in the high potential areas of Mathira, Othaya, Nyeri and parts of Mukurwe-ini. The highest populated town in Nyeri County is at Nyeri Town.

Airports in Nyeri County

Nyeri County has three airstrips.

Roads in Nyeri County

Nyeri County has 3,092 kms road system with 450 kms of bitumen, 1390 kms gravel and 1252 kms of earth surface. Many earth surface roads are impassable during the rainy season. All the major towns are linked with bitumenized roads.

Climate in Nyeri County

Long rains in Nyeri County occur between March and May while the short rains occur between October and December but occasionally this pattern is disrupted by abrupt and adverse rainfall. Monthly mean temperature ranging from 12.8º C to 23º Degrees C, with January and February being the hottest driest months.