Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi has revealed the immense economic strength of the Mt. Kenya region, stating that its combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is bigger than that of 38 African nations.
Speaking on Monday, September 22, 2025, Muriithi noted that the 10 Mt. Kenya counties collectively generate a GDP of Ksh4.2 trillion, compared to Kenya’s overall GDP of Ksh16.5 trillion. He compared this regional economy to Botswana (Ksh2.94 trillion), Mauritius (Ksh2.66 trillion), and Rwanda (Ksh2.03 trillion), all of which fall behind Mt. Kenya’s economic size.
“From Tharaka to Nakuru, the economy of these counties is 28 billion dollars bigger than the economies of 38 African countries,” Muriithi explained.
Call for Development Beyond Politics
The KRA chairman criticised political infighting in the region, warning that constant disputes distract leaders from harnessing local resources. Instead, he urged county governments to channel their efforts into manufacturing, trade, and job creation, stressing that symbolic conferences are not enough.
“Instead of wasting all our time insulting one another, why can’t we focus on this economy?” he asked, calling for practical action over empty rhetoric.
Push for Regional Cooperation
Muriithi further highlighted the importance of inter-county collaboration. He pointed to the Lake Region bloc, which is exploring a regional development bank, as an example Mt. Kenya could emulate.
He emphasised that counties should not wait for directives from the national government but instead take charge of growth through local revenue mobilisation and intra-county trade.
Unlocking Mt. Kenya’s Potential
While acknowledging that progress has been made, Muriithi insisted more must be done. He argued that a stronger focus on practical measures would ensure Mt. Kenya’s economic strength translates into tangible benefits for residents, especially youth seeking employment.
By leveraging its resources strategically, the Mt. Kenya region could become a model of balanced development, reducing dependency on the national government and driving sustainable growth.
