Maragwa Sub-County lies in the eastern part of Murang’a County, stretching toward the lower plains that border Machakos County and parts of Makueni County. Compared to the highland sub-counties, Maragwa is warmer and drier, especially in its eastern sections.
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The sub-county sits along the Nairobi–Nyeri transport corridor, which gives it strong commercial exposure. Maragwa Town serves as the administrative centre, while several other towns act as economic anchors.
List of Sub-counties / Constituencies in Murang’a County
Understanding the wards in Maragwa Sub-County
Maragwa Sub-County has six wards, as defined by IEBC boundaries:
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Kimorori/Wempa Ward
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Makuyu Ward
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Kambiti Ward
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Kamahuha Ward
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Ichagaki Ward
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Nginda Ward
These wards differ sharply in climate, population density, and economic activity. Western and central wards are more settled and commercial. Eastern wards are drier and more agriculture-focused, with irrigation playing a key role.
Kimorori/Wempa Ward: education hubs and mixed farming
Kimorori/Wempa Ward is widely recognised for its education institutions and established settlements.
The ward hosts Kimorori High School, one of the best-known public secondary schools in Murang’a County. Surrounding centres support mixed farming, retail trade, and transport services.
Economic profile:
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Food crop farming
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Dairy and poultry
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Retail trade linked to schools and institutions
Makuyu Ward: lowland farming and river-based livelihoods
Makuyu Ward lies in the lower, warmer part of Maragwa Sub-County. The ward benefits from proximity to River Tana, which supports irrigation and farming along its basin.
Makuyu is known for irrigated agriculture, especially maize, horticulture, and fruit farming. Settlements are more spread out, and water access strongly shapes land use.
Key characteristics:
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River-dependent farming
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Hotter climate compared to western Murang’a
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High potential for irrigation-led agribusiness
Kambiti Ward: industry, markets, and population density
Kambiti Ward is one of the most economically active areas in Maragwa Sub-County. It hosts Kambiti Town, a busy commercial and industrial centre.
A major landmark is Kambiti Tea Factory, which supports thousands of farmers across Maragwa and neighbouring sub-counties. Markets, factories, transport yards, and housing estates create constant movement.
Economic drivers:
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Tea processing and cooperative farming
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Wholesale and retail trade
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Transport and light industry
Kamahuha Ward: healthcare access and agricultural trade
Kamahuha Ward combines farming with service delivery. The ward hosts Kamahuha Health Centre, which serves residents across surrounding areas.
Local centres support food crop farming, dairy activity, and retail trade. Roads connecting Kamahuha to Maragwa and Kambiti towns enable daily movement for services and commerce.
Ichagaki Ward: rivers, farming, and rural settlement
Ichagaki Ward is largely rural and agriculture-driven. The ward lies near River Maragua, which supports small-scale irrigation and farming.
Food crops dominate livelihoods, supported by local markets and cooperative activity. Community institutions such as schools and churches act as focal points for daily life.
Nginda Ward: dryland agriculture and development potential
Nginda Ward lies in the easternmost and driest part of Maragwa Sub-County. Farming here relies heavily on rainfall patterns and water access.
Despite climatic challenges, Nginda has strong development potential, especially in:
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Irrigation schemes
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Drought-resilient crops
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Livestock and agribusiness
The ward remains largely rural, with scattered settlements and growing interest in water and land management projects.
Main learning institutions in Maragwa Sub-County
Maragwa Sub-County hosts a dense network of primary and secondary schools, many of which act as community anchors.
Notable institutions include:
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Kimorori High School (Kimorori/Wempa Ward)
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Public secondary schools in Kambiti, Kamahuha, and Makuyu
Post-secondary training is commonly accessed in Murang’a Town, Thika, and neighbouring sub-counties.
Key economic activities in Maragwa
Maragwa has one of the most diverse economies in Murang’a County:
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Tea farming and processing (especially around Kambiti)
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Irrigated agriculture (Makuyu and Nginda wards)
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Retail and wholesale trade along the highway corridor
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Transport and light industry
This diversity makes Maragwa resilient compared to purely highland farming zones.
Healthcare and public services
Residents access healthcare through dispensaries and health centres across all wards, with Kamahuha acting as a key service point.
For higher-level care, referrals go to Maragwa, Murang’a Town, Thika, and Kandara depending on proximity.
Tourism, landmarks, and local experiences
Maragwa offers emerging local-tourism potential rather than conventional tourism:
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River landscapes along Maragua and Tana rivers
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Agricultural experiences in tea and irrigated farming zones
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Roadside markets and local food culture along the highway
With better infrastructure, eco- and agri-tourism could grow.
Development opportunities in Maragwa Sub-County
Clear opportunities include:
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Irrigation expansion and water management
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Tea value addition and processing support
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Agro-processing for fruits and cereals
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Logistics and warehousing along the transport corridor
Maragwa’s location makes it especially attractive for trade-linked investment.
Frequently searched questions about Maragwa Sub-County
How many wards are in Maragwa Sub-County?
Maragwa Sub-County has six wards: Kimorori/Wempa, Makuyu, Kambiti, Kamahuha, Ichagaki, and Nginda.
What is the main town in Maragwa Sub-County?
Maragwa Town serves as the administrative centre, while Kambiti Town is a major commercial hub.
What makes Maragwa different from other Murang’a sub-counties?
Its warmer climate, irrigation-based farming, and strong highway-linked trade set it apart.
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