Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi has revealed the staggering economic power of the Mt. Kenya region, calling on local leaders to move beyond politics and fully unlock its development potential.
Speaking on September 22, 2025, Muriithi disclosed that the combined GDP of 10 Mt. Kenya counties stands at Ksh. 4.2 trillion, placing it above the GDP of 38 African countries — including Botswana, Mauritius, and Rwanda.
“From Tharaka to Nakuru, the economy of those counties is 28 billion dollars — bigger than the economies of 38 African countries,” Muriithi noted.
For context:
- Botswana: Ksh. 2.94 trillion
- Mauritius: Ksh. 2.66 trillion
- Rwanda: Ksh. 2.03 trillion
Kenya’s total national GDP stands at Ksh. 16.5 trillion.
A Call to Action: Shift from Politics to Development
Muriithi urged county leaders, governors, and local politicians to look beyond political rivalries and focus on economic transformation.
“Instead of wasting all our time insulting one another, why can’t we focus on this economy?” he challenged.
He called for:
- Job creation
- Increased manufacturing
- Enhanced intra-county trade
- Revenue mobilisation at the grassroots
Regional Cooperation: Key to Unlocking Growth
The KRA Chairman stressed the importance of regional economic integration, citing the Lake Region Economic Bloc as a good example with its plans to launch a development bank to fund local infrastructure and industrial projects.
“Individual counties have held investment conferences, but the region needs a unified plan to truly unlock its potential,” Muriithi said.
Mt. Kenya: A Model for Decentralised Development?
Muriithi urged Mt. Kenya counties to take initiative rather than waiting for national government support. By leveraging local resources and improving inter-county coordination, the region could serve as a blueprint for sustainable, balanced development across Kenya.
“The direction is right, but we are not where we should be. We need to do more.”
He concluded by emphasizing that Mt. Kenya’s economic strength must now be translated into tangible benefits — from jobs for youth to improved infrastructure and reduced poverty.
