Karatina is a town in Nyeri County, Kenya which hosts a municipal council and serves as the headquarters of Mathira East district. Karatina municipality has a total population of 6,852, all classified as urban (1999 census[1]). It has six electoral wards, all in the Mathira Constituency; the remaining five wards of Mathira constituency represent Nyeri County Council.[2]

Geography

Karatina is on the Nairobi – Nyeri highway, 25 kilometres southeast of Nyeri town and south of Mount Kenya. It is at an elevation of 1,868 metres (6,129 ft).

History

Karatina was a popular open air market before colonial period, barter trade took place under a muratina tree, hence the name Karatina. During World War II a dried vegetable factory was built in Karatina, providing the people with dried fruits.[3] other people think the town's name came from the English name ' quarantine ' that locals pronounced as 'karantina'.

Health

There are two major hospitals in Karatina, the government-funded Karatina General Hospital and the private Jamii Hospital. In addition, PCEA TumuTumu Hospital is a few miles west of Karatina.

Economy

Karatina town hosts the largest open air market in Kenya and the People living in Karatina are known to be very active with most economic operations beginning at 4am and ending at 10pm. More than 90% are Kikuyus which form the largest tribe in Kenya. There are many auxiliary services and the town is rich in agricultural products are well. There is an ideal mix of urban and rural life. The town also host major banks and sacco's showing the economic undertone of the town. The banks include Absa, Equity bank, NCBA, Family bank, DTB, KWFT,National bank and many more.

In 2017 one of the Uchumi Supermarkets branch got shut down in Karatina.[4]

In 2018, Maguna brand of supermarkets opened 2 Supermarkets within the town. The town also plays host to another supermarket; Maathai Supermarket. There is huge potential for agricultural based industries which is yet to be exploited.

With the resumption of railway transport and the completion of Kenol-Marua super highway many investors are lining up to relocate to Karatina.[citation needed]

Schools and universities

References

  1. ^ Kenya National Bureau of Statistics: the town sits on land whose owner before the colonial period was Maina "kicuma" Wamwirua. Population of local authorities[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ Electoral Commission of Kenya: Registration centres by electoral area and constituency Archived 28 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Karatina: economic changes and their impact on the economic activities of Mathira Division, Nyeri District, Kenya, 1902-1963". University of Nairobi. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  4. ^ Mwiti, Lee (18 December 2017). "Uchumi Supermarkets announces closure Karatina branch". The Standard. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  5. ^ "Student striped naked by police awarded Sh4m". The Standard. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  6. ^ "Karatina University profile". Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  7. ^ "Kirigu Primary School". Kenya Primary Schools. Kenya Primary Schools. Retrieved 18 May 2019.

0°28′54″S 37°07′30″E / 0.4817°S 37.1251°E / -0.4817; 37.1251

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