From Amboseli's wildlife plains to the booming estates of Kitengela and Ongata Rongai, Kajiado stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. The county is balancing pastoral livelihoods, conservation and rapid urban growth while emerging as one of Kenya's most influential political swing regions ahead of the 2027 elections, where every vote could prove decisive.

Governor Kajiado Joseph Ole Lenku PHOTO | COURTESY/: Kenyan Times

Kajiado County is a key part of Kenya's southern Rift Valley culture and economy. It is renowned for its vast conservation areas, Maasai heritage, and a thriving real estate industry that drives national tourism and metropolitan growth.

Politically, the county has remained a battleground, with Governor Joseph Ole Lenku shifting with the political tide and playing off the major national political coalitions.

Demographics‍‌‍‍‌ Framework

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Area: 21,817.2 square kilometers

2019 Census Population Report: 1,117,840 people

Governor Electoral History

2013 General Election

Winner: David K. Ole Nkedianye (ODM) – 125,563 votes

Runner-up: Daniel Mpute Nina (URP) – 95,526 votes

2017 General Election

Winner: Joseph Ole Lenku (Jubilee Party) – 164,503 votes

Runner-up: David K. Ole Nkedianye (ODM) – 135,771 votes

2022 General Election

Winner: Joseph Ole Lenku (ODM) – 117,600 votes

Runner-up: Katoo Ole Metito (UDA) – 111,725 votes

Third Place: David K. Ole Nkedianye (Jubilee) – 75,337 votes

Senator Electoral History

2013 General Election

Winner: Peter Korinko Mositet (TNA) – 143,703 votes

Runner-up: Simon Peter Ole Nkeri (GNU) – 69,574 votes

2017 General Election

Winner: Philip Mpaayei (Jubilee Party) – 162,112 votes

Runner-up: Daniel Tinaai Ole Tinaai (ODM) – 131,349 votes

2022 General Election

Winner: Samuel Kanar Seki (UDA) – 125,696 votes

Runner-up: Judith Pareno (ODM) – 99,882 votes 

Members of Parliament by Constituency

ConstituencyMember of Parliament (MP)Political Party
Kajiado NorthOnesmus Ngogoyo NguroUDA
Kajiado CentralElijah Memusi KanchoryODM
Kajiado EastHamisi Kakuta MaimaiODM
Kajiado WestGeorge Risa SunkuyiaUDA
Kajiado SouthSamuel Parashina SakimbaODM

Political Dynamics

The exclusively rural Maasai population has a strong interest in land rights, traditional leadership, and livestock policies. On the other hand, urban hubs such as Ngong, Kitengela, and Ongata Rongai have large commuter populations whose voting trends are similar to those of urban citizens nationally. The county is therefore an important swing region, with both the UDA and ODM/Azimio factions having strong bases.

Economy & Social importance

Livestock farming and pastoralism are the mainstays of the economy for rural communities. Because of its proximity to Nairobi, there has been a huge real estate boom in Kajiado North and East. The scenic Ngong Hills, Lake Magadi, and Amboseli National Park contribute significantly to revenue, with the latter being handed over to the Kajiado County Government to benefit residents. Kajiado is beset by structural problems despite its promising economic potential. 

Climate change and extreme seasonal droughts are a major threat to pastoral livelihoods, as these areas are arid and semi-arid (ASAL). In addition, rapid urbanisation in border towns within metropolitan areas has put pressure on infrastructure, resulting in road congestion and waste management problems. There are also issues of land fragmentation and historical group ranching that remain sensitive throughout the county.

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