Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi has issued a directive to guide land use following a surge in demand across the county. In a notice dated June 6, 2025, the governor highlighted that rapid urbanization has caused confusion over land ownership and stressed the need to balance urban development with agricultural preservation to ensure sustainable land use and food security.
The County Government noted that Kiambu’s proximity to Nairobi and its growing economy have accelerated urban expansion, resulting in the unsustainable conversion of fertile agricultural land. This has led to food insecurity, environmental degradation, and uneconomical land parcels due to unregulated subdivisions. To address this, the county plans to implement new planning frameworks and regulations that promote sustainable development while safeguarding its vital agricultural sector.
Agriculture remains the mainstay for a large portion of Kiambu’s population, contributing significantly to household incomes and Kenya’s GDP. The county is a leading producer of staple crops like maize, beans, and potatoes, horticultural crops such as bananas, vegetables, and fruits, as well as industrial crops including coffee, tea, and macadamia. The directive aims to guide future land use in a way that balances the pressures of urban growth with the need for continued agricultural productivity.