Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has unveiled an ambitious plan to position the county as one of Kenya’s leading tourism destinations, describing it as a rising magnet for adventure, culture and conferencing.
Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Wang’uru Girls Senior School, Waiguru announced the proposed Kirinyaga County Local Tourism Bill, 2025, which will establish a legal framework to promote local tourism.
She explained that the bill aims to commercialise cultural heritage, strengthen sports tourism, regulate tourism enterprises and attract private investment.
Waiguru urged the County Assembly to fast-track its passage, saying it would mark a new chapter in which Kirinyaga takes full ownership of its tourism narrative.
The governor stressed that Kirinyaga is no longer a transit zone but an emerging frontier in Kenya’s hospitality sector.
“As the country reflects on the hard-won freedom secured by heroes such as General Kassam Njogu, General Chui wa Mararo, General Magoto, Muthoni Nyanjiru and Nahashon Ngare Rukenya, true independence must now be felt through economic opportunities, including harnessing our rich tourism assets,” she observed.
Waiguru noted that tourism is now central to the county’s economic future, aligning with this year’s national theme: Tourism, Wildlife and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
She described Kirinyaga as a naturally gifted destination with sweeping landscapes, powerful rivers, lush forests and the iconic Mt. Kenya, a combination she believes positions the county among the region’s most promising tourism hotspots.
Highlighting the rapidly expanding adventure hub along the Sagana River, known for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, zip-lining and archery, Waiguru explained that Kirinyaga is steadily drawing thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
She listed waterfalls such as Kamweti, Gatitika, Rwamuthambi, Karumandi and Njine Kabia as part of the county’s growing attractions.
She also pointed out the mystic Ndaraca ya Ngai, scenic forest trails like Kaweti, and cycling routes stretching across Kerugoya, Kagio, Sagana, Wang’uru and the Sagana–Kangocho–Karatina climb, noting that these sites are increasingly appealing to both local and international adventurers.
The governor further highlighted the Thingira Cultural Centre and the panoramic Murinduko Hill as strong cultural and scenic complements to the county’s natural beauty.
With over 160 hotels and resorts, improved road networks and expanding conferencing facilities, Waiguru affirmed that Kirinyaga is well-positioned to grow road trips, weekend getaways, eco-tourism circuits and the lucrative MICE market.
She linked tourism growth to the county’s broader development agenda, referencing ongoing efforts to rehabilitate roads, modernise towns, enhance water supply and strengthen the health system — initiatives she argued enhance Kirinyaga’s appeal as a reliable and attractive destination.
Waiguru also noted that the Sagana Industrial City, which includes an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the nearly complete County Aggregation and Industrial Park, will create over 10,000 direct jobs and 170,000 indirect jobs, stimulating opportunities in hospitality, logistics and agro-tourism.
The governor invited Kenyans to sample Kirinyaga’s unique charm this festive season.
“Come and taste our aromatic Pishori rice, sip our world-class coffee, raft the roaring Sagana River, chase our majestic waterfalls and experience our warm hospitality,” she appealed.
She also assured residents that title deeds for the expansive South Ngariama land will soon be issued, noting that President William Ruto will personally present them to the rightful owners.
Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, who attended the celebrations, remarked that the county has achieved significant development gains due to its solid support for the government of the day.
County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi pledged that consideration of the tourism bill will be the Assembly’s first priority when sittings resume after the Christmas recess.
