A section of Kiambu County legislators is calling for autonomy from the wider Mt Kenya political bloc, citing population size, urbanization, and development needs as justification for the split.
The MPs argue that Kiambu’s massive voter population, estimated at 1.5 million, is equal to the combined votes of Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Laikipia counties.
“We don’t want the President saying he has been to Kiambu when he visits Mt Kenya. Kiambu is a stand-alone region. We want our own development plans, ministers, PSs and our own money,” said Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia.
The lawmakers spoke during a public engagement forum held in Karatu village. They insisted that Kiambu’s rapid urbanization and infrastructure demands set it apart from neighbouring counties.
“Kiambu is cosmopolitan just like Nairobi. A lot of people have moved here. In Ruiru alone, we have eight wards, which is like five counties elsewhere,” said Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha. “After Nairobi, Kiambu has the highest number of voters.”
Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe led the charge, saying that current policies fail to reflect the county’s growing needs.
“The same way Nairobi receives more funds due to its high population, Kiambu should follow as second,” Kagombe noted. “We need more roads, water supply systems, and power substations.”
Other leaders supporting the push include Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), and Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete).
The conversation mirrors the controversial “one man, one vote, one shilling” debate, which calls for a population-based revenue sharing formula. Proponents argue it aligns with Article 81 of the Constitution, which upholds equality in representation and resource distribution.
As public pressure mounts, the call for Kiambu’s political and economic autonomy is gaining ground, potentially reshaping future political alignments within the Mt Kenya region.
