Airport Ward, Changamwe Constituency: A Comprehensive Overview.
Airport ward, nestled within Changamwe Constituency in Mombasa County, Kenya, serves as a vital component of the region’s urban landscape. This detailed examination explores the ward’s geographical characteristics, demographic profile, property market trends, and recent infrastructure developments shaping its future.
Geographical and Administrative Context.
Airport ward is one of the five wards that make up Changamwe Constituency, alongside Chaani, Kipevu, Changamwe, and Port Reitz wards. Spanning approximately 4 square kilometers, Airport ward comprises part of Portreitz Sub-Location of Mombasa County. The ward’s strategic positioning contributes significantly to its importance within the larger urban context of Mombasa County.
Changamwe Constituency itself holds considerable historical and economic significance within Mombasa County. It was one of the original constituencies in the Mombasa district before the 2010 constitutional changes that led to the creation of additional constituencies like Jomvu and Nyali. The constituency’s strategic importance is underscored by the presence of key infrastructure, including the Moi International Airport and the Port of Mombasa, which are vital to Kenya’s economy and international trade connections.
Demographic Profile.
According to available data, Airport ward has a population of approximately 31,721 residents. This makes it one of the more densely populated wards within Changamwe Constituency, which has a total population of around 132,692 residents distributed across its five wards. The ward’s relatively compact size of 4 square kilometers, combined with its substantial population, creates a dynamic urban environment characterized by diverse socioeconomic activities.
Property Market Analysis.
Prime Land for Sale in Mombasa – Bei Bora Properties: Land Prices.
The land market in Airport ward reflects the area’s strategic importance and proximity to key infrastructure. Available data indicates a range of property values depending on size, location, and development potential:
- A 800 square meter plot is priced at KSh 5,522,200 (discounted from KSh 5,722,200)11
- A larger 2,090 square meter plot is available for KSh 5,015,200 (reduced from KSh 5,315,200)11
- Premium “beach plots” of 2,073 square meters are marketed at KSh 10,131,00011
- Prime land parcels of 2,900 square meters command higher prices at KSh 12,813,50011
- A strategic 100×100 plot near Mombasa Airport is listed at KSh 16,000,000.
These varying price points indicate a diverse market catering to different investment capabilities and development objectives. The premium placed on plots near the airport or with specific advantages (such as beach access) demonstrates how location factors significantly influence property values within the ward.
Property & Houses for Sale in Mombasa-Housing Market.
While specific housing data for Airport ward is limited in the available sources, the broader Changamwe area offers insights into residential property values:
- In nearby Kipevu ward, a 4-bedroom house in Bahari Estate is listed at KSh 28,000,000.
- The neighboring areas feature residential properties of varying sizes and amenities, with a 5-bedroom house available in World Bank Estate, Miritini area of Changamwe.
It’s worth noting that the housing market in Mombasa County, like many urban areas in Kenya, is experiencing steady price growth. Expert projections for the broader Kenyan market suggest continued price increases into 2025, albeit at more moderate rates than the significant jumps seen during the pandemic period.
Recent Infrastructure Developments.
Recent Infrastructure Developments.
A significant infrastructure project planned for Airport ward is the construction of a stand-alone mental hospital in the Portreitz area. This development, budgeted at KSh 4 million by the County Government of Mombasa, is scheduled for completion by June 2025. The project aims to improve access to quality mental healthcare services for residents of Airport ward and surrounding areas, addressing a critical gap in specialized healthcare infrastructure.
Transportation Infrastructure.
While not exclusively limited to Airport ward, broader infrastructure investments in the region include road development projects that may impact connectivity. The 2024/2025 supplementary budget includes allocations for road improvements that could enhance accessibility to and from Airport ward, particularly given its strategic position near Moi International Airport.The government’s Affordable Housing Program has established a significant presence in Ruring’u Ward, with construction of 478 housing units underway. This project, valued at approximately KSh 877 million, forms part of a broader affordable housing initiative that includes a similar development of 460 units at the “Blue Vale” site elsewhere in Nyeri.
Key features of the Ruring’u Affordable Housing Project include:
- Creation of employment opportunities for approximately 150 skilled and semi-skilled workers.
- Development of eleven-story apartment buildings to replace informal settlements.
- Integration of modern amenities and services.
- Implementation of a sustainable payment model where residents’ current rental expenditures will be redirected toward ownership of the new units.
The project has already demonstrated positive economic impacts for local residents, with service providers like food vendors securing consistent income through contracts with the construction site. Additionally, recent graduates have found employment opportunities, as exemplified by Consolata Wanjiku, a Civil Engineering graduate from Dedan Kimathi University who secured full-time employment at the construction site.
Land Use and Development Challenges.
A pressing issue affecting Airport ward and other parts of Changamwe Constituency is the ongoing dispute regarding settlements along Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) wayleaves. As of April 17, 2025, there is significant tension surrounding the imminent eviction of over 400 households from KPC land. The evictions are part of KPC’s nationwide initiative to clear petroleum pipeline wayleaves to enhance safety by removing settlements near aging and corroding pipelines.
Residents of Airport ward, along with those in Portreitz, Chaani, and other Changamwe wards, have been living on this disputed land, many unaware of the associated risks. The local Member of Parliament, Hon. Omar Mwinyi Shimbwa, has publicly opposed these evictions, accusing authorities of sidelining local leaders and using intimidation tactics. This situation highlights the complex interplay between infrastructure safety requirements, land use planning, and community welfare in rapidly developing urban areas.
Conclusion
Airport ward represents a microcosm of the broader urban development dynamics in Mombasa County. Its strategic position near key transportation infrastructure, combined with a sizable population and evolving property market, positions it as an area of significant importance within Changamwe Constituency. The planned healthcare infrastructure investments signal a commitment to improving social services, while the ongoing land use challenges highlight the complexities of urban development in densely populated areas.
As the ward continues to develop, balancing infrastructure improvements with community needs and addressing housing challenges will be critical to ensuring sustainable growth. The resolution of current land disputes and the successful implementation of planned public facilities will significantly shape Airport ward’s development trajectory in the coming years.
Related
1. What are the current house prices in Chaani Ward?
2. How have land prices in Kipevu Ward changed over the past five years?
3. What recent infrastructure developments have been completed in Port Reitz Ward?
4. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for Industrial area(Msa)?
5. How does the cost of living in Magongo Ward compare to other areas in Mombasa County?
Related
1. What are the current house prices in Chaani Ward?
2. How have land prices in Kipevu Ward changed over the past five years?
3. What recent infrastructure developments have been completed in Port Reitz Ward?
4. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for Industrial area(Msa)?
5. How does the cost of living in Magongo Ward compare to other areas in Mombasa County?