Kenol town, the gateway to the Mt Kenya region from Kiambu and Nairobi counties, was for a long time a small, dusty center with minimal facilities.
This is despite being located along the busy Thika-Nyeri highway and experiencing one of the fastest-growing populations in Murang’a County.
The town has struggled with inadequate water supply and poor urban planning, resulting in congestion and a high prevalence of waterborne diseases.
However, Kenol has recently experienced rapid growth, even surpassing the county headquarters in terms of development and cash flow. This growth is evidenced by the proliferation of businesses and high-end establishments throughout the town.
Unlike Murang’a town—established by colonialists in the early 1900s—Kenol now hosts modern businesses and entertainment outlets not found elsewhere in the county. Murang’a town, originally known as Mbiri, was established by the first colonial governor of Murang’a, Francis Hall, in 1900. Despite its early start, it has lagged behind and remains dotted with colonial-era buildings.
Businesses such as Pizza Inn, as well as popular nyama choma joints, have set up in Kenol, bypassing Murang’a town. These new businesses have attracted residents from neighboring towns, including Murang’a, especially for Kenol’s vibrant nightlife.
Most notably, the town recently welcomed Kilele Mall—the only mall in Murang’a County. The high-end business complex has attracted nightclubs and commercial outlets, further boosting the local economy.
The mall’s proprietor, Simon Wachira, who also owns Magunas Supermarkets and Nokras Hotels, has been lauded for investing heavily in the county. Unlike many prominent local investors who prefer investing elsewhere, Wachira has chosen to support development at home.
The mall is expected to create thousands of job opportunities for local youth, significantly reducing unemployment in the area.
Despite this progress, residents continue to appeal to the county government for consistent and clean water supply. Currently, locals receive water only once a week and are forced to rely on private vendors.
Peter Kamau, a resident, recalled that a few years ago, Kenol was just a small center with a handful of shops and poor security at night.
“The opening of major businesses like the mall will boost property values and increase cash flow in the town. More people should be encouraged to invest,” Kamau said.
He urged both the county and national governments to offer incentives to investors, noting that new eateries and clubs provide markets for local farmers’ produce, thereby improving their earnings.
“Such developments strengthen the local economy and create opportunities for both youth and farmers,” he added.
Area MP Mary Waithera praised the impact of Kilele Mall, urging other business owners in Kenol to repaint and upgrade their premises to keep up with the town’s rapid transformation.
She commended the mall’s proprietor for having the vision to invest locally.
“If we all go to Nairobi to invest, who will grow our towns? Kenol used to be just a dusty center, and now look at it,” she said.
However, she also challenged the county government to improve urban planning to reduce congestion. Currently, hawkers operate in random spots, and cars are parked haphazardly along roads, creating traffic chaos.
She claimed that some areas designated for markets and public amenities were illegally grabbed. Additionally, the town faces serious sanitation issues due to uncollected garbage.
“We have many unemployed people who can be hired to clean the town. We’ll hold the county leadership accountable. Residents have complained about sanitation for far too long,” she said.
Senator Joe Nyutu highlighted that Kenol’s transformation has reshaped how people perceive Murang’a County, especially since it sits at the entry point from Nairobi into Mt Kenya and Northeastern Kenya.
Deputy Governor Stephen Munania announced that the county will begin constructing a Level 5 hospital in Makenji, along the Thika-Kenol highway, starting January. The project is pending approval of a supplementary budget by the county assembly.
Additionally, 50 acres have been set aside in the same area for the national government’s affordable housing project.
“We’re working closely with the national government. We also plan to tarmac 10 kilometers of roads in Kenol to create a better business environment and attract more investors,” Munania said.
He assured residents that garbage collection is being addressed, noting that 80 truckloads of waste were collected in Kenol just last week.
“Now that Kenol has been gazetted as a municipality, an extra garbage truck will be dispatched. With the new status, we expect major infrastructural development, including improved sewerage and drainage systems.”
Munania also revealed that the county is ready to establish economic zones in Kenol to attract investors and create more jobs for locals.
