Mathioya Constituency

Mathioya Constituency is an electoral constituency in Kenya. It is one of seven constituencies of Muranga County. The constituency has four wards comprising Kiharu, Kahuro, Kangema, and Mathioya all electing councillors to the Muranga County council.

Mathioya Constituency has five Locations: Aberdare Forest, Gitugi, Kamacharia, Kiru, Njumbi, and Rwathia. According to the Muranga District’s Statistics Office 2001, Mathioya’s population is 110,139, and is the second largest Constituency after Kiharu with 136.9 sq miles (220.8sq. km). Mathioya however is the most densely populated with 110,139 against the nearest Kahuro Constituency with 92,104.

It prides itself with the great River Mathioya named after the constituency and which is one of the hardest rafting rivers in Kenya with over 137 ft of descent over its 13.7-mile length. It attracts tourists who risk kayaking through the swift meanders. Mathioya Constituency has a steep hilly topography and a climate suitable mainly for tea production, although there are pockets of coffee plantations. The lower parts of Mathioya also grow the macadamia nuts which were introduced in the mid 80’s by the Kenya Nut Company, while the upper part, which is much cooler due to the proximity to Mount Kenya grows pears, plums, and apples.

The following Members of Parliament have represented the constituency.

Members of Parliament

Elections	MP
1997	F. Njakwe Maina	Ford-People
2002	John Joseph Kamotho	NARC
2007	Clement Muchiri Wambugu	PNU

Locations and wards

Locations
Location	Population*
Aberdare Forest	11
Gitugi	26,046
Kamacharia	22,375
Kiru	26,281
Njumbi	28,431
Total	x
1999 census.

Wards
Ward	Registered Voters
Gitugi	12,562
Kamacharia	12,316
Kiru	13,364
Njumbi	9,979
Total	48,221
*September 2005.