Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has outlined a new plan aimed at positioning the county as a major tourism destination in Kenya, saying the region is emerging as a key spot for adventure, culture and conferencing.
Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Wang’uru Girls Senior School, Waiguru announced that the proposed Kirinyaga County Local Tourism Bill, 2025, will provide the legal framework needed to guide the development and regulation of local tourism.
According to the governor, the bill seeks to commercialize cultural heritage, strengthen sports tourism, regulate tourism enterprises and attract private investment into the sector.
Waiguru called on the County Assembly to prioritize the bill once sittings resume, noting that the legislation is intended to give Kirinyaga more control over its tourism development.
The governor said the county is moving beyond its long-held perception as a transit area and is instead working to fully participate in the national tourism economy.
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"As the country reflects on the hard-won freedom secured by our own heroes such as General Kassam Njogu, General Chui wa Mararo, General Magoto, Muthoni Nyanjiru and Nahashon Ngare Rukenya, true independence must now be felt in economic opportunity, including harnessing the county’s rich tourism assets," she said.
Waiguru noted that tourism has become central to the county’s economic outlook in line with this year’s national theme, Tourism, Wildlife and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
She described Kirinyaga as a county with natural resources ranging from forests and rivers to the slopes of Mt. Kenya, which she said give it an advantage in attracting visitors.
"From the rapidly growing adventure hub along the Sagana River, renowned for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, zip-lining and archery, to the magnificent waterfalls of Kamweti, Gatitika, Rwamuthambi, Karumandi and Njine Kabia, the governor said Kirinyaga is steadily drawing thrill seekers and nature lovers alike," she said.
Waiguru also highlighted attractions such as Ndaraca ya Ngai, hiking and cycling trails around Kerugoya, Kagio, Sagana and Wang’uru, as well as new adventure routes including Sagana-Kangocho-Karatina.
She further cited the Thingira Cultural Centre and Murinduko Hill as key cultural and scenic assets.
With more than 160 hospitality establishments, improved roads and expanding conferencing facilities, Waiguru said Kirinyaga has the foundation to grow its appeal for road trips, weekend travel, eco-tourism and MICE tourism.
She linked the county’s broader development projects to the tourism agenda, pointing to ongoing work in road rehabilitation, urban upgrades, water systems and health infrastructure.
Waiguru said the improvements are intended to make the county more competitive and better able to support tourism-related activity.
She also referenced the progress of the Sagana Industrial City, which includes an Export Processing Zone, a Special Economic Zone and the nearly completed County Aggregation and Industrial Park, saying the project is expected to boost the local economy and contribute indirectly to tourism growth through job creation and increased business activity.
Waiguru encouraged Kenyans to visit the county during the festive season.
"Come and taste our aromatic Pishori rice, sip our world-class coffee, raft the roaring Sagana River, chase our majestic waterfalls, and enjoy our hospitality," she said.
