The Eastern Province (Swahili: Mkoa wa Mashariki) was one of the eight provinces in Kenya. Located in the eastern part of the country, it bordered Ethiopia to the north, the North Eastern Province to the east, and Central Province to the west. The capital of the province was Embu.
Subdivision of Eastern Province
In 2009, the Eastern Province was proposed to be subdivided into three regions: Lower Eastern (with Machakos as its headquarters), Central Eastern (headquartered in Embu), and Upper Eastern (headquartered in Marsabit). However, this subdivision was delayed due to political challenges. By March 2013, after the Kenyan general election, Eastern Province was officially divided into eight counties, which include:
- Marsabit
- Isiolo
- Meru
- Tharaka-Nithi
- Embu
- Kitui
- Machakos
- Makueni
These counties formed the new structure of the region, with Embu continuing to play a central role in its administration.
Geography and Natural Features
The Eastern Province was home to diverse geographic features, from the Chalbi Desert in the north to Mount Kenya, one of the tallest mountains in Africa. The region also contains the eastern half of Lake Turkana. Its climate is generally arid to semi-arid, with most of the region being prone to dry conditions.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River is the primary permanent river that flows through the province, serving as a vital water source for both human and animal populations.
Demographics and Population
In terms of population, Eastern Province had:
- 1979: 2.7 million people
- 1999: 4.63 million people
- 2009: 5.67 million people
This made it one of Kenya’s most populous regions, with a variety of ethnic groups, including the Meru, Embu, and Kamba people, as well as several pastoralist communities.
Cultural and Ethnic Groups
The main ethnic groups in the Eastern Province include:
- Meru: Predominantly located in Meru County, this group is one of Kenya’s major Bantu-speaking communities.
- Kamba: The Kamba people reside mainly in Kitui and Machakos counties, known for their agricultural practices and traditional crafts.
- Embu: The Embu people are primarily based in Embu County, with cultural and linguistic ties to the Kikuyu community.
- Pastoralists: The province also includes pastoralist communities, particularly in Marsabit, Isiolo, and Makueni, who depend on livestock for their livelihood.
Key Urban Centers
The key urban centers in the Eastern Province include:
- Thika: A major town, known for its proximity to Nairobi and its role in the industrial sector.
- Embu: The provincial capital and a hub for agriculture and education.
- Meru: Known for its agricultural economy, Meru also serves as a cultural center for the Meru people.
- Machakos: A rapidly growing town, often considered a gateway between Nairobi and Eastern Kenya.
Conclusion
The Eastern Province played a crucial role in Kenya’s history and development, with its diverse geography, growing population, and rich cultural heritage. Despite its challenges, the region continues to be a significant contributor to Kenya’s national economy and politics.
Villages and settlements
- Beacon Ranch
- Chematu
- Chiakariga
- Chiananda
- Chomboni
- Ekarakara
- El Dera
- Embori Farm
- Gakwegore
- Goriva
- Gatundori
- Gatunga
- Gekuuri
- Gethemu
- Gitare
- Ianzoni
- Igumori
- Iiuni
- Ikarakara
- Ikoo
- Imale
- Inghi Farm
- Inyokoni
- Isuvya
- Itetani
- Ithemboni
- Ithoku
- Itugururu
- Janoni
- Kaathene
- Kakunike
- Kakunio
- Kailembwa
- Kairuri
- Kakalia
- Kakangani
- Kalimbui
- Kalulini
- Kamaende
- Kampi-Ya-Chumvi
- Kambi ya Munyu
- Kampi Ya Juu
- Kamuthwa
- Kaningo
- Kanjuki
- Kanyekine
- Karingare
- Karuamgi
- Karuari
- Karwiro
- Kasafari
- Kasaini
- Kasilia
- Kasiokoni
- Katelembu
- Katene
- Kathangarari
- Kathangari
- Katheka
- Kathenaugi
- Kathugu
- Kathungu
- Katothia
- Katulye
- Kavururi
- Kavyongo
- Kawanjaro
- Kawelu
- Kegaa
- Kenplains
- Kerie
- Kevanda
- Kevote
- Kiamuringa
- Kiangungi
- Kianiai
- Kianiokoma
- Kianjuki
- Kiatineni
- Kibogi
- Kibugwa
- Kijegge
- Kikuu
- Kilawa
- Kimuu
- Kinyata Grazing Area
- Kirimari
- Kiritiri
- Kitandi
- Kithangathini
- Kitheine
- Kithunguri
- Kitoo
- Kitute
- Kivumbu
- Komboyoo
- Kyuso
- Kwakavisi
- Kwandeke
- Kwa Kitau
- Kwa Makuli
- Kwa Ukungu
- Log Logo
- Lolomarik Farm
- Mado Yaka
- Maikuu
- Maiyuni
- Makabete
- Makengi
- Makinya
- Malibani
- Malima
- Malka Mari
- Mandongoi
- Mangelete
- Manoni
- Mapepie
- Masimbani
- Masongoleni
- Mavindu
- Mbevoni
- Mbuvu
- Mitembuka
- Mitungugu
- Mkapuwanzee
- Mubuko
- Muchiene
- Muchumo
- Mulala
- Muringari
- Mushamba
- Musikio
- Mutulia
- Mutune
- Mwangareme
- Mwangini
- Mwambathana
- Mwe
- Mwewe
- Ndooa
- Nembure
- Nchimwani
- Ngandani
- Ngandure
- Ngarira
- Ngathune
- Ngiori
- Ngosini East
- Ngosini West
- Ngovie
- Ngusishi
- Nguu
- Nguuni
- Ngwate
- Saricho
- Skwata
- Syumbungu
- Usueni
