Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments in Kitui County

Geography of Kitui County

Kitui County has a low-lying topography with arid and semi-arid climates. The general landscape of Kitui is flat with a plain that gently rolls down towards the east and northeast, where altitudes dip as low as 400 ms. Altitude in the county ranges between 400 to 1,800 ms. The central part of Kitui County is marked by hilly ridges separated by wide low lying areas and has slightly lower elevation of between 600 and 900 ms asl to the eastern side of the county. To the western side of Kitui County, the main relief feature is the Yatta Plateau, which stretches from the north to the south of the county and lies between Rivers Athi and Tiva. Yatta Plateau is marked by a plain wide shallow spaced valley. Other highland parts around Kitui County include Migwani, Mumoni, Kitui, Nuu and Mui Hills.

Land Use in Kitui County

6,369 km2 of Kitui County land consists of the Tsavo East National Park and is not available for agriculture, while 14,137 km2 is arable agricultural land and 6,364 km2 arid non-arable land. Over 85% of Kitui County’s population live in the vast rural areas. The farm types in Kitui County are either Mixed or mono culture farming. Small scale farming is practised in the entire county while large scale farming in sorghum and green grams is done in Mwingi North, Kitui Rural and Kitui South, Kitui East and Kitui West where the average large scale farm size is estimated to be 60 acres. 87% derive livelihoods from directly from agricultural practices.

Highlights in Kitui County

Kitui has a number of potential touring attractions which have, for many years, remained unexploited. The main attractions in Kitui County include Nzambani Rock, Ikoo Valley, Ngomeni Rock Catchment and Conservancy, Tsavo East National Park and its two national reserves: South Kitui and Mwingi. Although it doesn’t have any classified tourist hotels, there are many good hotels in Kitui.

Population in Kitui County

Kitui County’s population was 1,012,709 according to the population and household census report of 2009. The population growth rate of Kitui was 2.1% and slightly lower than the national average rate of 2.6%. Climatic conditions influence the settlement patterns and the majority of people live in scattered settlements, with only 5% living in an urban environment. The most densely populated area is Kitui Central with 208 people / km2 and the lowest is Kitui East with 25 people / km2; that averages 44 people / km2. With the exception of the areas bordering the Tana River County, which experience cattle rustling and banditry, the rest of Kitui County does not have any major human conflicts.

Airports in Kitui County

Kitui County has three airstrips at Ithookwe, Tseikuru and Mutomo, of which only one airstrip is operational (Ithookwe). A fourth airstrip is proposed to be constructed in Mwingi seeing that coal mining is set to begin at the Mui Basin.

Roads in Kitui County

Kitui County has about 225 kms of bitumen roads, 278 kms of gravel surface and 2,598.7 kms of earth roads. It has one Class feeder and connecting routes in Kitui are in poor condition and rendered impassable during the rainy season.

Climate in Kitui County

The climate within Kitui is generally hot and dry with unreliable rainfall. The climate falls under two climatic zones i.e. arid and semi-arid with most it being classified as arid. It experiences high temperatures year-round, ranging from 14°C-34°C. The hotter months are September, October, January and February.

National Monuments in Kitui County

  • Nzambani Rock
  • Ukasi Hill

Kitui County is a hidden gem for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and nature. With better infrastructure and marketing, it could become a key destination in Kenya’s tourism map. Known for its arid and semi-arid landscapes, rich Kamba culture, and untapped tourism potential, it is home to many unique attractions, hillscapes, scenic rock formations and valleys ideal for hiking and photography.

You Are Here: Kitui County

Where to Next?

Explore Destinations in Kitui County

A Guide to Kitui County

A Summa Digest of Kitui

About Kitui Way Back When

33 Destinations in Kitui County , arranged as one would visit these - north to south - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Revelation Recreational Park , Kanyonyoo Wildlife Conservancy , B2 Yatta Ranch , Ukasi Hill , Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve , Muvaroa Forest Reserve , Gai (Muruu) Rock , Kiambere Dam , Mwingi National Reserve , Adamson Bridge , Ngomeni Rock , Kitui War Monument , Kitui Villa , Kalundu Public Park , Kitui Hills , Nzambani Rock , Ikoo Viewpoint , Mutito Hills, Mui Basin , Nuu Hills , Mutomo Hill Sanctuary , Mutomo Reptile Park , South Kitui National Reserve , AIC Ikutha , Tsavo East National Park , Athi-Galana River , Kanderi Swamp , Yatta Plateau , Ithumba Camp , Ithumba Hill Camp , The Man-eaters Bridge , Man-eaters Camp

Know More About Kitui County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Lay Of The Land in C.15?

Kitui County has a low-lying topography with arid and semi-arid climates. The general landscape of Kitui is flat with a plain that gently rolls down towards the east.

What’s The Air Like In Kitui?

Climate in Kitui is generally hot and dry with little rainfall. Temperatures are high year-round, ranging between 14°C-34°C. The hotter months are September, October, January.

Know More About Kitui County…