Kenya’s Local Towns Gain Momentum in Urbanisation Push

Urban centres across Kirinyaga County, including Sagana, Kagio, Kutus, Kerugoya, Kianyaga, Kagumo, and Ngurubani, have undergone major upgrades in infrastructure and economic activity, transforming into thriving commercial zones.

The transformation follows the rollout of the Mountain Cities Blueprint in 2017, a flagship programme under Governor Anne Waiguru’s Vision 2032 agenda. As part of the plan, the county was reorganised into four thematic zones: Kirinyaga Central as a Health City, Gichugu as a Resort City, Mwea as an Agri-Green City, and Ndia as an Organic-Industrial City. 

Sagana, situated along a key highway linking Nairobi to Murang’a and Nyeri, was prioritised for industrial development due to its strategic location. Significant infrastructure improvements have driven the urban renewal. A 66,000-square-metre cabro-paving project has replaced flood-prone roads with durable, pedestrian-friendly surfaces.

Street lighting installations have extended business hours, while the expansion of the Kenol–Marua dual carriageway has increased Sagana’s attractiveness to manufacturers and logistics firms. These developments have improved mobility, safety, and investor confidence.

The economic impact is reflected in rising county revenue. Kirinyaga’s own-source income grew from Sh373 million in the 2021/2022 financial year to Sh651 million in 2022/2023, and reached Sh850 million in 2024/2025. The growth is attributed to increased business activity and higher levels of private investment. 

The establishment of technical training institutes and the expansion of Kirinyaga University have further contributed to economic growth by boosting demand for housing and services. Residents and business owners have reported direct benefits. Traders in Kutus and Kerugoya note cleaner surroundings and higher foot traffic, while transport operators report lower maintenance costs due to improved road conditions. 

In Ngurubani, a rise in commercial developments, including banks, supermarkets, flour mills and hotels, has supported a 24-hour economy along the Nairobi–Embu–Meru corridor. Industrial firms such as Nice Millers have also set up operations in the area, citing favourable conditions and a promising business environment.

Despite these gains, challenges remain. 

Communities in areas like Kimbimbi and Togonye have raised concerns over irregular waste collection, despite the presence of waste disposal equipment.