Mathioya Sub-County lies in the northern part of Murang’a County, along the eastern slopes of the Aberdare ranges. The sub-county sits at high altitude, which gives it cool temperatures, high rainfall, and fertile soils. As a result, Mathioya is one of Murang’a’s most agriculturally productive areas.
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Kiria-ini functions as the main urban and commercial centre. Roads from Kiria-ini link Mathioya to Nyeri, Kangema, Murang’a Town, and the wider central highlands region.
List of Sub-counties / Constituencies in Murang’a County
Understanding the wards in Mathioya Sub-County
Mathioya Sub-County has three wards, as defined by IEBC boundaries:
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Gitugi Ward
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Kiru Ward
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Kamacharia Ward
Although the sub-county has fewer wards than others in Murang’a, these wards are densely settled and closely connected through tea factories, schools, markets, and access roads. Movement between wards is frequent and largely driven by farming, education, and trade.
Gitugi Ward: tea processing and industrial-scale agriculture
Gitugi Ward is one of the most recognisable tea zones in Murang’a County. The ward hosts Gitugi Tea Factory, a major tea processing facility serving thousands of smallholder farmers.
Tea farming dominates the landscape. Villages, shopping centres, and access roads developed around tea buying points and cooperative activity. Because of the factory’s scale, Gitugi plays a central role in Mathioya’s economy.
Economic profile:
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Tea farming and cooperative processing
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Transport and logistics linked to tea delivery
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Small-scale retail around buying centres
Kiru Ward: administration, markets, and dense settlement
Kiru Ward hosts Kiria-ini, the sub-county’s main town and administrative centre. Government offices, markets, schools, and transport services cluster around the town.
The ward is densely settled compared to other rural parts of Murang’a. Many residents combine farming with small businesses and service-sector work in Kiria-ini.
Key characteristics:
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Administrative and service hub
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Retail and market-driven economy
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Strong transport connections
Kamacharia Ward: compact farming communities and social institutions
Kamacharia Ward is among the most densely populated rural areas in Murang’a County. Farms are small, and settlements sit close together.
Tea and food crop farming support most households. Community institutions such as schools, churches, and local markets play a central role in daily life. Because of compact settlement, access to services is generally easier than in more dispersed wards.
Ward identity:
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Smallholder farming
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Strong community networks
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Education- and church-centred settlements
Main learning institutions in Mathioya Sub-County
Mathioya Sub-County has a strong education culture, reflected in the number of primary and secondary schools across all wards.
Well-known institutions include:
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Kiria-ini Girls High School
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Public secondary schools distributed across Gitugi, Kiru, and Kamacharia wards
Schools often serve as both learning institutions and community landmarks.
Key economic activities in Mathioya
Mathioya’s economy is heavily agriculture-based, with tea as the dominant driver:
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Tea farming and processing (anchored by Gitugi Tea Factory)
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Food crop farming for household and local market supply
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Retail trade and services in Kiria-ini town
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Transport and logistics linked to agricultural output
Cooperative systems remain central to income stability and community organisation.
Healthcare and public services
Healthcare access in Mathioya relies on a network of health centres and dispensaries across the wards.
For higher-level care, residents commonly seek services in:
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Murang’a Town
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Nyeri Town
This reflects Mathioya’s strong road links to neighbouring counties.
Tourism, landmarks, and local experiences
Mathioya is not marketed as a conventional tourist destination, but it offers strong local and agri-based appeal:
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Highland scenery and cool climate
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Tea landscapes and cooperative farming systems
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Education landmarks, especially Kiria-ini Girls
These features support potential for educational visits and agri-tourism, especially if packaged carefully.
Development opportunities in Mathioya Sub-County
Clear opportunities include:
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Tea value addition and quality improvement
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Youth-focused agribusiness and skills training
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Housing and rental development in Kiria-ini
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Improved road access to support farm-to-market movement
Mathioya’s climate, skills base, and agricultural experience provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
Frequently searched questions about Mathioya Sub-County
How many wards are in Mathioya Sub-County?
Mathioya Sub-County has three wards: Gitugi, Kiru, and Kamacharia.
What is the main town in Mathioya Sub-County?
Kiria-ini is the main administrative and commercial centre.
What economic activity dominates Mathioya?
Tea farming and cooperative-based agriculture dominate the local economy.
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