The question of which county Nyahururu town belongs to continues to spark debate, with political and administrative complications making its reclamation by Nyandarua increasingly difficult. Section 188 of Kenya’s Constitution stipulates that altering county boundaries requires at least a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament—a high threshold that political analysts say could stall any change for years. In the case of Nyahururu, the dynamics are further complicated by party politics: both Nyandarua and Laikipia counties are strongholds of the ruling Jubilee party, creating competing interests within the same political alignment.
According to reports, Nyandarua legislators have been publicly lobbying for the town’s return, citing historical ties and administrative considerations. Meanwhile, Laikipia representatives, whose constituency includes Nyahururu West, are quietly mobilizing to retain the town. Strategic moves include shifting the administrative oversight of some schools in Nyahururu—such as Nyahururu Boys and Nyandarua Boarding—into Laikipia West sub-county. Additionally, the Laikipia county government has heavily invested in infrastructure and public services in Nyahururu, a factor officials argue reinforces the town’s integration into Laikipia.
Political observers note that the tug-of-war over Nyahururu mirrors other protracted territorial disputes in Kenya, including the high-profile case of Migingo Island. Ownership of Nyahururu will likely remain pending for some time, says one analyst familiar with county boundary issues. The dispute underscores the challenges inherent in Kenya’s devolved governance system, where constitutional procedures intersect with local politics, party loyalty, and resource allocation.
For residents, the impasse has practical implications. Investments, development planning, and service delivery are all tied to county administration, making the town’s uncertain status a source of concern for businesses, schools, and community groups. Unless legislators and county governments reach a political consensus—and secure the constitutional threshold in Parliament—Nyahururu’s affiliation is expected to remain in limbo, highlighting the complex interplay between law, politics, and local interests in Kenya’s devolved system.