Kitui County. Where Culture Thrives
Explore our vibrant communities, discover endless possibilities, and chart your own course to success.
More about Kitui County
The name Kitui means ‘a place where iron goods are made’. The Kamba iron-smiths who settled in the county many years before the colonial period are the ones who named the area Kitui.
A large majority of the residents belong to the Kamba, a Bantu people. The Kamba of Kenya speak the Bantu Kamba Language (Kikamba) as a mother tongue. Kitui is also inhabited by several other Kenyan communities like the Luo, Somali, Kikuyu and people from the Coastal Region.
Kitui is widely known in Kenya for producing a majority of the country’s top legal minds. These include former Chief Justices Kitili Maluki Mwendwa (1968–1971) and Dr. Willy Mutunga (2011–2016), State University of New York (SUNY) Distinguished Professor Makau W. Mutua, and former Law Society of Kenya Chairman, Erick Mutua.
Experience the captivating beauty of Kitui
Experience the Tradition, Great and the Natural Beauty of the City.
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.
Our County Ministries
Here’s a glimpse into some of the key ministries working tirelessly to make a difference:
Culture, Youth, ICT, Sports & Social Services
Empowering our youth, bridging the digital divide, promoting cultural heritage, and fostering a vibrant social environment.
Roads, Public Works & Transport
Building and maintaining critical infrastructure to connect our communities and facilitate economic development.
Water, Environment & Natural Resources
Securing clean water supplies, protecting our environment, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
Our County Ministries
Here’s a glimpse into some of the key ministries working tirelessly to make a difference:
Culture, Youth, ICT, Sports & Social Services
Empowering our youth, bridging the digital divide, promoting cultural heritage, and fostering a vibrant social environment.
Roads, Public Works & Transport
Building and maintaining critical infrastructure to connect our communities and facilitate economic development.
