Kirinyaga County

Kirinyaga County is located in central Kenya on the southern slopes of Mount Kenya, an area defined by rich volcanic soils, high elevations, cool temperatures, and dependable rainfall. These natural conditions create an ideal environment for agriculture, allowing crops to mature slowly and develop depth and complexity. The county’s landscape ranges from mountainous highlands to lower plains, supporting diverse farming systems and sustaining rural livelihoods.

The county is internationally renowned for its exceptional coffee, which is considered among the finest in Kenya and the world. Coffee in Kirinyaga is predominantly grown at altitudes of 1,500–1,800 meters above sea level, where cooler climates enhance bean density and quality. Most farms are smallholder-operated and organized into cooperative societies, with coffee typically wet-processed (washed) to preserve clarity and brightness. As a result, Kirinyaga coffees are celebrated for their vibrant acidity, rich body, and complex flavor profiles, often featuring blackcurrant, citrus, stone fruit, and floral notes. Prominent coffee-growing areas such as Gichugu, Ndia, and Mwea are especially respected in specialty coffee markets for their consistent quality and traceability.

Beyond coffee, agriculture is the backbone of Kirinyaga’s economy. The county is a major producer of tea, particularly in the cooler highland zones, and is nationally significant for rice cultivation through the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya’s largest rice-growing project. Farmers also grow maize, beans, fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural crops, supplying both local markets and urban centers. Together, these agricultural activities support food security, employment, and income generation, making Kirinyaga one of Kenya’s most productive and agriculturally important counties.