Kitui County is one of the 47 counties of Kenya and is the sixth largest in size. It is located in the eastern part of the country, about 160 kilometers from Nairobi. The county is home to the kamba people, who are known for their long-distance trading history. Kitui County is resource-rich, with commercially viable coal reserves, limestone, iron ore, and sand. It is also home to 46% of the Tsavo East National Park, which has great tourism potential. The county has a population of 1,136,187 people and is projected to grow to 1,343,998 in 2027, according to the 2019 population census. The county is about 30,496 square kilometers in size and is bordered by seven other counties: Machakos, Makueni, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Meru. The county’s topography is diverse, with hills, mountains, plains, and plateaus. The rivers and streams in the county are seasonal, and the vegetation is mainly composed of thorny bushes, grasses, and acacia trees.
Experience the captivating beauty of Kitui
Experience the Tradition, Great and the Natural Beauty of the City.
<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">Kitui at a Glance
Education
Major secondary schools around Kitui town include:
St. Ursula Tungutu Girls Secondary School
Chuluni Girls’ Secondary School
Matinyani Secondary School
Kitui School
St. Charles Lwanga High School
Primary schools around Kitui town include:
Central Primary School
Muslim Primary School
Manyenyoni Primary School
Kalawa Primary School
Ngiini Primary School
Kwa Ngindu Primary School
Kitui County is home to several Universities and Colleges, including:
South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU)
Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
Kenyatta University – Kitui Campus:
Health
Kitui County boasts a comprehensive healthcare network with 242 facilities spread across the region. Some Level IV hospitals include:
Mwingi Level IV Hospital
Tseikuru Level IV Hospital
Kyuso Level IV Hospital
Nuu Level IV Hospital
Migwani Level IV Hospital
Kauwi Level IV Hospital
Katulani Level IV Hospital
Kanyangi Level IV Hospital
Ikanga Level IV Hospital
Mutomo Level IV Hospital
Tourism
Explore Kitui’s natural wonders
Nzambani Rock: One of Kenya’s largest rock outcrops, steeped in local myths and legends. Perfect for hiking and rock climbing enthusiasts. (Located near Chuluni Market)
National Reserves:
South Kitui National Reserve
Mwingi National Reserve
Ikoo Valley
Ngomeni Rock Catchment
Climate
The climate is semi-arid; it receives roughly 71 cm (28 inches). A significant point however is that rainfall occurs practically only during the rainy seasons (one long around March & April, and one short, around October,November and December).The terms Long and Short Rains has nothing to do with amount of rainfall received but rather on the length of the rainy season
Minerals
Kitui county has large deposits of coal in Mui Basin, having low energy content/calorific value, meaning it produces less heat when burned. It also has sulphur. The coal could potentially supply the 1,000 MW Lamu Coal Power Station, and the 960-megawatt (MW) Kitui coal plant. Mutomo/Ikutha district contains limestone
Economic activitities
The Akamba people, once hunter-gatherers, became skilled traders thanks to their knowledge of the land and communication. They adapted to farming and herding, trading goods like tools and crafts. Renowned for their medicinal knowledge and artistic talents, the Akamba migrated east due to drought, establishing communities along the Kenyan coast where they remain a vibrant part of the culture and economy.