Machakos County

The brief

About Machakos County

Machakos County is located in Kenya's lower eastern region, bordering Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Makueni, Kitui, Murang'a, Embu and Kirinyaga counties. Machakos Town is the county headquarters, while Athi River is a major industrial centre. The county features rolling hills, plains and river valleys with a semi-arid climate moderated by higher elevations. The population is predominantly Kamba alongside many other Kenyan communities. Agriculture, livestock keeping, manufacturing, trade and real estate drive the economy. Major crops include maize, beans, pigeon peas, mangoes, avocados and horticultural produce, while Athi River hosts cement, steel and textile industries. Tourism is supported by attractions such as Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park and Fourteen Falls. Historically, Machakos was among Kenya's earliest colonial administrative centres and has played a major role in the nation's political and economic development.

Population

1,421,932

Area

6,037 km²

Sub-counties

8

Capital

Machakos