Kajiado South is expansive and had a population of about 137,496 as of 2009. It had a population density of 21 persons per Km2. The sub-county is characterized scattered rural settlements with only concentrated settlements in the urban areas.
The major economic activities in Kajiado South are livestock development, tourism, crop cultivation, and commercial development. In the south-east part (primarily Rombo and Kuku Wards), livestock development is the primary economic activity. The major land use in the area is group ranches where residents rear livestock.
The Amboseli and Chyulu forest ecosystems are significant tourist attraction sites, making tourism a major income-generating activity in the area. Wildlife exists alongside livestock rearing. Wildlife tourism supports the development of multiple hotels and lounges in the area, which also constitute a major economic activity.
Crop cultivation is also a major economic activity in Kajiado South, especially in the areas bordering Mount Kilimanjaro and the northern side bordering Kajiado East. These areas are characterized by heavy rainfall, thus the appropriateness of crop cultivation as a major economic activity. The majority of the crop production in Kajiado County comes from Kajiado South. Farmers engage in large- and small-scale farming for both commercial and subsistence farming.
The last major economic activity is business development, which is largely concentrated in the major towns like Oloitokitok and Kimana and the major transport corridors.
Kajiado South is also developing as an industrial town, an economic activity that can be developed further to improve its viability. Notably, the area around Imbirikani hosts Simba Cement Company (a heavy industry). Land should be set aside in the area for further industrial development.
· Group Ranches; There are 10 group ranches in Kajiado County. Majority of the ranches are located in Kajiado South and Kajiado West Sub-Counties. These ranches will largely influence the structuring of developments within the County. Since the ranches take up large portions of land, they will influence the availability of land and structure of development in the County.
Land use in the county
Rural Development The rural developments comprise of:
a) Agricultural activities, both farming and livestock production
b) Industrial development and primary production such as mining
c) Rural residential developments (homesteads).
d) Conservation and rangeland
Urban Developments The urban developments in the county include:
a) Residential development
b) Industrial developments such as manufacturing
c) Educational/social facilities
d) Recreational
e) Commercial developments
f) Infrastructure
g) Urban agriculture