Gatura, a town in Murang'a County, has been identified as a hub for microfinance banks in the region. The town's strategic location has made it an attractive destination for financial institutions. According to Prof JH Kimura, a native of the area, Gatura has a long history of development, with the first tarmac road in Murang'a built from Thika to Gatura over 60 years ago. This road has stood the test of time, with minimal maintenance required.
The road, built in the 1960s, has been a game-changer for the local economy. Despite being over six decades old, it remains in good condition, with only a few potholes. In contrast, many roads built in recent years have deteriorated quickly. The author of the letter took up the challenge to inspect the road and found that it was still in good condition, with only a small pothole near Rwegetha.
Gatura has a rich cultural heritage, with many local businesses and tea farms. The town is home to Eliper Hotel, which offers affordable tea and snacks. The author stopped at the hotel and enjoyed a cup of tea and a snack, noting that the prices were reasonable. The hotel's elegant atmosphere was a notable improvement over other establishments in the region.
The local economy is primarily driven by subsistence farming, with many residents engaged in small-scale agricultural activities. However, the presence of microfinance banks has provided a boost to the local economy, enabling residents to access credit and other financial services. The author noted that the road had drained off the best brains and energy from the land, but the presence of microfinance banks has helped to revitalize the local economy.
Despite the positive developments, the author notes that a good road is only a necessary but not sufficient condition for growth. The missing link is innovators, more land beyond subsistence, and entrepreneurs to put these factors together. The author suggests that entrepreneurs from Murang'a may be rational in investing in Thika or Nairobi, where returns are higher.
However, the author observed that some resources are returning home, with many new homes being built in the region. This could be a sign of reverse brain drain or retirees going home. The author expressed hope to take a break from Murang'a until 2037 but may return earlier if drawn back by the town's charm.
Gatura is also famous for occult sciences, although Kaharati has become a competitor. The author invites readers to visit their county, neck of the woods, or hamlet and share their experiences. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of accurate and factual reporting, with The Standard investing time, courage, and skills to bring readers impactful stories.
Key points
- Gatura in Murang'a County has a high concentration of microfinance banks.
- The town's economy is primarily driven by subsistence farming.
- A good road is necessary but not sufficient for growth, and innovators and entrepreneurs are needed to drive development.
