Nakuru County is steadily positioning itself to surpass Kiambu as Kenya’s second-largest contributor to GDP. As of 2023, Nakuru accounted for 5.7% of the national GDP, a notable increase from 5.2% in 2019. This growth trajectory places it ahead of Kiambu, whose contribution declined slightly to 5.5% in 2023 from 5.7% in 2019.
Key to Nakuru’s economic rise is its diverse and robust agricultural sector. The county is a leader in crop production, with significant outputs in tea, maize, vegetables, and potatoes. These activities underpin Nakuru’s strong performance in agriculture, a sector that remains vital to Kenya’s economy. Moreover, Nakuru has embraced industrialization, with its manufacturing and electricity generation sectors playing a pivotal role. These industries have benefited from strategic investments in infrastructure and the county’s central location, which enhances market accessibility.
Nakuru’s service sector is also expanding rapidly, bolstered by urbanization and population growth. These dynamics create demand for commercial services, further contributing to the county’s GDP. In contrast, Kiambu, while maintaining strengths in agriculture, has been slower in diversifying its economic base. Its proximity to Nairobi has historically driven economic activity, but this reliance has limited its comparative growth.
From 2019 to 2023, Nakuru’s GDP grew at an average annual rate of 6.9%, significantly outpacing the national average of 4.6%. This exceptional growth highlights Nakuru’s potential for sustained economic expansion. Factors such as effective resource management and a growing labor force have positioned Nakuru as a rising economic powerhouse.
Kiambu, despite its agricultural prominence, faces challenges in maintaining its share of the national GDP. The county’s slower industrial growth and relatively static service sector hinder its ability to match Nakuru’s pace. Additionally, Nakuru’s strategic investments in emerging sectors give it a competitive edge.
As Nakuru continues to diversify and capitalize on its strengths, it is poised to become Kenya’s second-largest economic contributor. This shift signals not only Nakuru’s economic resilience but also its growing importance as a hub for agriculture, industry, and services. For stakeholders, the county offers a compelling case for investment and policy focus in Kenya’s evolving economic landscape.
