admin Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru is setting a bold vision to transform her county into one of Kenya’s top tourism destinations, positioning it as an emerging hub for adventure, cultural experiences, and high-profile conferencing.
Speaking at the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Wang’uru Girls Senior School, Waiguru introduced the proposed Kirinyaga County Local Tourism Bill, 2025.
This landmark legislation aims to create a robust legal framework for boosting local tourism by commercializing the county’s rich cultural heritage, expanding sports tourism, regulating tourism businesses, and drawing private sector investments.
She called on the County Assembly to fast-track the bill’s passage, emphasizing that it would empower Kirinyaga to own and shape its tourism narrative.
“We are no longer just a transit point,we are a vibrant frontier in Kenya’s hospitality industry,” Waiguru declared.
Tying her remarks to the spirit of independence, she honored local freedom fighters like General Kassam Njogu, General Chui wa Mararo, General Magoto, Muthoni Nyanjiru, and Nahashon Ngare Rukenya.
“True independence means seizing economic opportunities, especially by unlocking our tourism potential,” she stated, aligning the push with this year’s national theme: Tourism, Wildlife, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Waiguru highlighted Kirinyaga’s natural endowments, stunning landscapes, roaring rivers, dense forests, and the towering Mt. Kenya, as key assets making it a prime regional draw. She spotlighted the Sagana River’s adventure hotspot, famous for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, zip-lining, and archery; majestic waterfalls like Kamweti, Gatitika, Rwamuthambi, Karumandi, and Njine Kabia; the sacred Ndaraca ya Ngai; scenic trails at Kaweti; and cycling routes through Kerugoya, Kagio, Sagana, Wang’uru, and the challenging Sagana–Kangocho–Karatina climb.
Cultural gems such as the Thingira Cultural Centre and panoramic Murinduko Hill further enhance these attractions, pulling in local and international visitors.
With over 160 hotels and resorts, upgraded roads, and growing conferencing infrastructure, the county is primed for road trips, weekend escapes, eco-tourism, and the booming MICE sector.
Waiguru linked tourism to wider progress, including road rehabilitations, town modernizations, better water access, and health upgrades, all boosting its allure as a dependable destination.
She also touted the Sagana Industrial City project, featuring an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and nearly finished County Aggregation and Industrial Park—as a game-changer.
Expected to generate over 10,000 direct jobs and 170,000 indirect ones, it will spur growth in hospitality, logistics, and agro-tourism.
Inviting Kenyans to experience Kirinyaga this festive season, Waiguru urged:
“Come taste our fragrant Pishori rice, savor our premium coffee, raft the wild Sagana River, chase our waterfalls, and bask in our warmth.”
She added that title deeds for the vast South Ngariama land would soon be issued, with President Ruto slated to hand them over.
Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, present at the event, credited the county’s development strides to its strong backing of the national government. County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi pledged that the tourism bill would top the agenda when sessions resume after Christmas.
