Land of rich heritage and endless potential

Kitui County, where culture thrives

Explore our vibrant communities, discover endless possibilities and chart your own course to success.

Rasilimali zetu, Maisha bora

Nzambani Rock rising above green bushland, with a steel stairway up its side — Nzambani Rock, near Chuluni Market

County overview

More about Kitui County

Kitui County is one of the 47 counties of Kenya and the sixth largest by size. It lies in the eastern part of the country, about 160 kilometres from Nairobi, and is home to the Akamba people, known for their long history of long-distance trade.

The county is rich in resources, with commercially viable coal reserves, limestone, iron ore and sand. It also holds 46% of Tsavo East National Park, which gives it great tourism potential.

Kitui covers about 30,496 square kilometres and borders seven counties. Its landscape is varied, with hills, mountains, plains and plateaus. Rivers and streams are seasonal, and the vegetation is mainly thorny bush, grassland and acacia.

Map of Kitui County showing its eight sub-counties and the part of Tsavo East National Park in the south, with an inset locating the county in Kenya — Kitui County sub-counties. The red area in the south is part of Tsavo East National Park.

Where we are

Sub-counties and neighbours

Eight sub-counties

Kitui Central
Kitui East
Kitui Rural
Kitui South
Kitui West
Mwingi Central
Mwingi North
Mwingi West

Seven bordering counties

Machakos
Makueni
Tana River
Taita Taveta
Embu
Tharaka-Nithi
Meru

Uncover the treasures of Kitui

Kitui at a glance

Education

Universities and colleges

South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU)
Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC)
Kenyatta University, Kitui Campus

Major secondary schools around Kitui town

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

Central Primary School
Muslim Primary School
Manyenyoni Primary School
Kalawa Primary School
Ngiini Primary School
Kwa Ngindu Primary School

Health

242health facilities across the county

Level IV hospitals

Mwingi
Tseikuru
Kyuso
Nuu
Migwani
Kauwi
Katulani
Kanyangi
Ikanga
Mutomo

A group of giraffes walking through grassland and acacia — Giraffes in the grasslands of Kitui

Tourism

Explore Kitui’s natural wonders

Nzambani Rock

One of Kenya’s largest rock outcrops, steeped in local myths and legends, and a favourite for hiking and rock climbing. It stands near Chuluni Market.

Reserves and natural sites

South Kitui National Reserve
Mwingi National Reserve
Ikoo Valley
Ngomeni Rock Catchment

Kitui is also home to 46% of Tsavo East National Park.

Visit the tourism website

Land and livelihoods

Climate, minerals and economy

Climate

Kitui is semi-arid and receives roughly 71 cm (28 inches) of rain a year. Almost all of it falls in two rainy seasons: the long rains in March and April, and the short rains from October to December.

January: mostly dry
February: mostly dry
March: Long rains
April: Long rains
May: mostly dry
June: mostly dry
July: mostly dry
August: mostly dry
September: mostly dry
October: Short rains
November: Short rains
December: Short rains

Long rains Short rains

“Long” and “short” describe how long each season lasts, not how much rain falls.

Minerals

Kitui has large deposits of coal in the Mui Basin. The coal has a low energy value, so it gives off less heat when burned, and it also contains sulphur.

It could supply the 1,000 MW Lamu Coal Power Station and the 960 MW Kitui coal plant. The Mutomo and Ikutha area also has limestone.

Economic activities

The Akamba, once hunter-gatherers, became skilled traders through their knowledge of the land and their wide networks. They took up farming and herding and traded goods such as tools and crafts.

Known for their medicinal knowledge and artistry, some Akamba moved east during droughts and settled along the Kenyan coast, where they remain part of the culture and economy.

Your county government

Who serves Kitui

Meet the leadership, find the ministry that handles your request, and follow the projects in your ward.