Kiambu County has emerged as Kenya’s second-highest contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2013 and 2020, according to a new analysis by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA). The report places Kiambu just behind Nairobi, underscoring the county’s strong economic base, diverse industries, and expanding population of over 2.4 million residents. At its peak in 2015, Kiambu accounted for 6.03 per cent of the national GDP—firmly securing its role as a major economic engine in the country.
The report highlights significant improvements in access to essential services across the county during the seven-year period. By 2019, 86 per cent of households had access to safe drinking water, while 91.9 per cent had electricity—figures that outpace many counties nationally. Mobile phone ownership stood at 66 per cent, reflecting growing digital integration among households and businesses. Despite this progress, Kiambu’s own-source revenue (OSR) performance fluctuated; the county collected Sh2.7 billion in 2018-19, before dipping slightly to Sh2.4 billion in 2019-20, partly attributed to economic disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Donor funding and conditional grants remained an important financial supplement, with Kiambu receiving some of the highest national government grants during the period under review.
The CRA report also points to notable investments in health infrastructure, with the construction of new private and public health facilities, including 453 level 2, 96 level 3, and 22 level 4 health facilities since 2015. This expansion contributed to a dramatic increase in hospital delivery rates—from 69.9 per cent to 97.5 per cent—indicating growing trust in the healthcare system. However, health concerns persist, particularly regarding the rise in HIV/AIDS cases. The number of people living with HIV in Kiambu grew from 47,100 in 2012 to 70,971 in 2019, prompting calls for sustained public health interventions.
Looking ahead, the report suggests that Kiambu’s economic potential remains far from fully tapped. While the county has demonstrated strong GDP contributions and service improvements, gaps still exist in revenue mobilisation, ECDE staffing, and health outcomes. With ongoing reforms—including digitised revenue systems and strategic investments—Kiambu is well positioned to strengthen its fiscal performance, expand social services, and maintain its status as one of Kenya’s most economically influential counties.