Kabazi in Subukia Constituency: A Comprehensive Profile of Geography, Economy, and Development.

Kabazi, a thriving ward within Subukia Constituency of Nakuru County, represents a microcosm of Kenya’s rural development landscape. This detailed report examines Kabazi’s geographical setting, economic activities, real estate market trends, and recent infrastructure developments that are transforming this area. As one of the key population centers in Subukia Constituency, Kabazi exemplifies the intersection of traditional agricultural practices with modern development initiatives, providing valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of rural Kenya.

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Geographic and Administrative Context.

Location and Physical Features.

Kabazi is strategically positioned in Nakuru County at an elevation of 2,221 meters (7,287 feet) above sea level, placing it in Kenya’s highland region. Precisely located at coordinates -0.07801° latitude and 36.17043° longitude, the village sits within Subukia Constituency along the Nakuru-Nyahururu Highway. This positioning offers Kabazi significant connectivity advantages while maintaining its rural character.

The village is surrounded by several smaller settlements, including Westland, Kabazi Center, Westland Jumatatu, Kihoto Matundaini, and Kihoto Kihuria. Notable landmarks in proximity include Solai Sanctuary (approximately 3 km southwest), the Equator (9 km north), Bahati Open Air Market (9 km south), and Jomo Kenyatta High School (11 km southwest). Solai town lies about 5 km northwest of Kabazi, further enhancing the area’s interconnectedness with neighboring communities.

Administrative Structure.

Kabazi constitutes one of the three wards within Subukia Constituency, alongside Subukia Ward and Waseges Ward. This constituency is one of 11 constituencies in Nakuru County and one of 290 nationwide in Kenya. Subukia Constituency covers a total area of 424.25 square kilometers and shares borders with Rongai Constituency, Laikipia West Constituency, and Bahati Constituency. Currently, the constituency is represented by Honorable Samuel Kinuthia Gachobe.

Based on projections from the 2009 census, Subukia Constituency had an estimated population of 161,965 residents. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics population projections, Nakuru County, in which Kabazi is situated, was expected to experience significant population growth, ranking among the counties with the highest numerical increase in population between 2020 and 2045.

Economic Activities and Livelihood Systems.

Agricultural Production.

The economic foundation of Kabazi and the broader Subukia Constituency is predominantly agricultural, with most residents engaged in small-scale farming and related activities. Agriculture in this region is characterized by a diverse crop portfolio that includes both food crops and cash crops.

Maize cultivation is universal among Subukia residents, serving the dual purpose of household food security and income generation. The area is also known for significant tomato production. Other important crops cultivated in the region include pyrethrum, cabbages, tea, coffee, french beans, wheat, and potatoes. Dairy farming also constitutes an important economic activity for many households in the area.

Recent agricultural innovations are being implemented to boost productivity in traditional crops. For instance, in May 2024, the 3E Organization, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture in Kabazi Ward, introduced the Ruiru grafted coffee variety to replace traditional SL 28 and Batian varieties. This initiative aims to increase yields from the current average of 3kg per tree to a potential 7kg per tree, while also providing greater disease resistance. The program encompasses both the provision of improved seedlings and comprehensive training on sustainable agricultural practices and financial literacy.

Local Industries and Commerce.

Several industries operate within the area, contributing to its economic diversity. The Lasit tea factory in Kabazi location provides both employment opportunities and a market for local tea farmers. Two flower farms—Subati flower farm in Arash location and Mzuri flower farm in Kabazi location—have employed numerous local residents. Additionally, the Suka dairy farm milk processing plant in Subukia East sub-location adds value to local dairy production.

Small-scale trading enterprises complement agricultural activities, including retail shops, trading in cereals and vegetables, and “matatu” transportation services. Artisanal production is represented by several Jua Kali workshops located in market areas throughout the constituency.

Real Estate Market Analysis.

This 1 ACRE PLOT at Nakuru Kabatini, Maili Sita in Kabazi-Land Prices and Trends.

The real estate market in Kabazi and surrounding areas of Subukia Constituency exhibits considerable variation in pricing, reflecting differences in location, land quality, size, and accessibility. Current market data reveals the following price points:

Large agricultural parcels in Kabazi command premium prices, with one notable listing offering 500 acres at KSh 1,700,000 per acre, located approximately 5 km from the Subukia-Nakuru Road. This land is described as flat and arable, with utilities including electric supply, water supply, and rain water drainage systems.

In nearby areas within the constituency, land prices show significant variation:

Farmland in Lower Subukia is available for as low as KSh 280,000 per acre, suitable for growing crops like beans, dragon fruits, maize, and melons.
Mid-range properties include 8 acres in Mbogoini at KSh 700,000 per acre with ready title deeds.
Premium land includes 11 acres in Lower Subukia Limuru at KSh 1,300,000 per acre.

Extraordinary offerings include 170 acres in Subukia West (12 km from Subukia town) at a total price of KSh 650,000, featuring flat land with red soil, a dam, and a borehole.

Demand Trends for Property in Kabazi, Nakuru, Kenya-Residential Property Market.

The residential property market in Kabazi is developing alongside agricultural land sales. A representative residential property listing offers a 3-bedroom house built on 2 acres of land in Lower Subukia for KSh 2,500,000. This suggests an emerging market for ready-built homes in addition to undeveloped land.

For investors seeking smaller plots, residential land parcels are available, such as a quarter-acre plot with title deed in Subukia priced at KSh 2,000,000. Prime plots located just 70 meters from the tarmac in Subukia, approximately 2 km from Subukia center, are listed at KSh 600,000 per plot.

Market Context and Future Outlook.

The real estate activity in Kabazi occurs within the broader context of Kenya’s robust growth in the construction and property sectors. As of 2022, Kenya’s construction market was valued at $17.3 billion with projected annual growth exceeding 5% between 2024 and 2027. This growth is supported by several factors, including:

Kenya’s projected GDP expansion of 5.2% on average between 2024 and 2026.
Rapid urbanization creating sustained demand for housing and commercial spaces.
Ongoing infrastructure development enhancing connectivity and property values.
Implementation of new trade agreements boosting economic activity.

The combination of these factors suggests a positive outlook for property values in areas like Kabazi, particularly as infrastructure improvements continue to enhance accessibility and quality of life in the region.

Infrastructure Development Initiatives.

Road Network Improvements.

Kabazi has benefited significantly from road infrastructure improvements in recent years. Major milestones include:

The tarmacking of major roads within Kabazi Township, including the strategic road connecting Riva Petrol Station to Kabazi Hospital, which commenced in April 2021. Additionally, the County Government of Nakuru upgraded 35 kilometers of roads in various localities within Kabazi Ward, including Kona Mbaya, Gichuna, White Rock, Mahinga, Kabazi Centre, Matuto, Maombi, and Kihoto.

The road network expansion also included grading 83 kilometers of roads in Kirima Ndungiri, Solai, and Kabazi areas, complemented by the installation of 240 culverts in Kabazi and Solai areas to improve drainage and road durability. As of December 2023, development continued with projects such as the AIC Maombi Primary School – Kwa Cucu Road.

These local improvements align with Nakuru County’s broader infrastructure achievements, which include grading 1,642.09 km and graveling 1,014.86 km of roads under contracted works, as well as grading 1,675.84 km and graveling 224.33 km under the Imarisha Barabara Programme.

Healthcare Facilities Enhancement.

Healthcare infrastructure in Kabazi has received significant attention from county government initiatives. The Kabazi Level 4 Hospital is undergoing enhancement to improve healthcare service delivery to residents. Most recently, in March 2025, county officials conducted a tour of Kabazi Level 4 Hospital to inspect the construction of a new oxygen plant. This addition will significantly boost the hospital’s capacity to provide critical care, especially for patients requiring oxygen support.

Water Infrastructure Projects.

Water security remains a priority for development in Kabazi Ward. Current initiatives include:

Drilling of boreholes in various locations, including Kihoto and Mwireri.
Discussions between Governor Susan Kihika and President William Ruto regarding the construction of Tetu Dam, which would provide a sustainable solution to long-standing water challenges in the area.

These water projects are particularly important given the agricultural foundation of the local economy and the need for reliable water sources for both domestic and productive uses.

Youth and Community Facilities.

Recent development initiatives extend beyond basic infrastructure to include facilities aimed at human capital development:

The revival of the Kabazi Youth Centre is being prioritized to equip young people with essential skills for personal growth and community engagement.
Plans for wifi installation at Wakulima Market to enhance digital connectivity.
Increased educational support through expanded bursaries for the area, with a commitment to raise the allocation to KSh 5 million.

Future Development Projections.

County Government Plans.

According to Nakuru County’s Infrastructure Sub-Sector Report for the MTEF period 2025/26-2027/28, significant infrastructure investments are planned throughout the county, which will likely benefit Kabazi and surrounding areas. These plans include:

Tarmacking 21 km of new road networks across the county.
Grading 1,300 km and graveling 940 km of additional roads.
Constructing 21 footbridges to enhance connectivity.
Developing 55 km of new drainage networks while maintaining 42 km of existing drainages.
Rehabilitating 7 bus parks and constructing 6 new ones.
Installing 60 boda boda sheds to support the transportation sector.
Increasing the proportion of solar streetlights by 25%.

Economic Development Initiatives.

Beyond physical infrastructure, several economic development initiatives are underway that could transform Kabazi’s economic landscape:

Governor Susan Kihika has announced collaboration with partners to construct a tea factory in Subukia, which would add value to local tea production and potentially create employment opportunities.
The introduction of innovative agricultural practices, such as the Ruiru grafted coffee initiative, suggests a focus on agricultural modernization to increase productivity and farmer incomes.
Plans for a school feeding program in Nakuru County would support educational outcomes while creating markets for local agricultural produce.

Conclusion

Kabazi Ward in Subukia Constituency represents a dynamic rural area experiencing significant transformation through targeted infrastructure development and economic diversification initiatives. The area maintains its agricultural foundation while embracing modernization through improved road networks, enhanced healthcare facilities, and innovative agricultural practices.

The real estate market reflects this development trajectory, with land prices showing considerable variation based on location, size, and intended use. The relatively high prices for prime agricultural land (up to KSh 1.7 million per acre) indicate investor confidence in the area’s productive potential and future development.

As infrastructure improvements continue and new economic initiatives take root, Kabazi is positioned for continued growth. The planned water projects, particularly the proposed Tetu Dam, could significantly enhance agricultural productivity and economic resilience in the area. Similarly, investments in youth empowerment and digital connectivity promise to equip the next generation with skills needed for a diversifying economy.

For residents, investors, and policymakers alike, Kabazi exemplifies the potential of targeted infrastructure investments to catalyze broader economic and social development in rural Kenya, creating new opportunities while preserving the agricultural heritage that remains central to the area’s identity and economy.

Kabazi