Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi has issued a directive regarding land use, following a spike in land demand across the county.
In the notice, dated June 6th 2025, Wamatangi said Kiambu County has faced rapid urbanisation a situation that has caused confusion as far as land ownership is concerned. The County Government of Kiambu outlined plans to balance between urbanisation and agricultural preservation ensuring sustainable land use and food security
According to the governor, Kiambu County is committed to balancing urban development with agricultural sustainability,” read part of the notice.
According to the County Government, Kiambu’s proximity to Nairobi and its thriving economy have driven significant urban expansion, leading to concerns over the unsustainable conversion of fertile agricultural land into non-agricultural uses.
This shift has contributed to food insecurity, environmental degradation, and the creation of uneconomical land parcels due to unregulated subdivisions.
To balance between rapid urbanization and the need to preserve its vital agricultural sector, the County Government is implementing new planning frameworks and regulations to ensure sustainable land development.
Agriculture, which remains the predominant economic activity for a large portion of Kiambu’s population, contributes significantly to household incomes and Kenya’s GDP.
The county is a major producer of food crops like maize, beans, and Irish potatoes; horticultural crops such as bananas, vegetables, fruits, and flowers; and industrial crops including coffee, tea, and macadamia
Written by Julie Wangui