Introduction
Nyandarua County is a high-altitude county in central Kenya, located on the western slopes of the Aberdare Mountain Range. Its capital is Ol Kalou. The county is characterized by a cool and wet climate, which creates a rolling landscape of green hills and fertile plains, making it one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. The name “Nyandarua” is a Kikuyu word for the Aberdares, meaning “the drying hide,” due to the range’s distinctive shape.
Often called one of Kenya’s food baskets, Nyandarua’s economy is overwhelmingly dominated by agriculture. It is the leading producer of potatoes in the country and is also a major supplier of milk, cabbages, carrots, and flowers. The county’s proximity to the Aberdare National Park also gives it significant tourism potential, offering attractions like hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic waterfalls, including the famous Thomson’s Falls in Nyahururu, a town that serves as a major hub for the region.
