Marama South Ward: A Comprehensive Profile of Butere Constituency.

Marama South Ward is one of the five electoral subdivisions within Butere Constituency, offering a blend of rural charm and developing infrastructure. This report examines the geographical characteristics, economic profile, property market, and recent infrastructure developments in this western Kenya locale.

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Geographic and Demographic Profile.

Marama South is one of the five wards that make up Butere Constituency in Kakamega County, alongside Marama West, Marama Central, Marama North, and Marenyo-Shianda. According to current data, Marama South has an approximate population of 19,952 residents and covers an area of 33.5 square kilometers. This makes it the least populated ward in Butere Constituency, which has a total population of approximately 159,492 spread across 210.1 square kilometers, yielding a population density of 759 people per square kilometer.

Butere Constituency is strategically positioned, bordered by Lurambi to the East, Khwisero and Gem to the South, and Mumias West and Mumias East to the North. The constituency’s administrative center, Butere town, serves as a hub for commercial and governmental activities. The town previously served as the capital of the former Butere/Mumias District until administrative changes in 2010.

Economic Activities.

The economic landscape of Marama South, like much of Butere Constituency, is primarily agricultural. Historically, sugarcane cultivation has been the dominant agricultural activity, providing the economic foundation for many households in the region. However, recent years have witnessed a shift as farmers diversify away from sugar production due to feasibility concerns.

Current agricultural activities include:

Maize and soybean cultivation (increasingly replacing sugarcane)
Small-scale cattle rearing
Apiculture (beekeeping)
Aquaculture

Traditional farming in the region has included sorghum, millet, and various vegetables, alongside fishing activities connected to Lake Victoria resources. The commercial sector in Butere-Sabatia town primarily consists of retail shops, butcheries, posho mills, and bars, with only a few metal fabrication workshops representing the limited industrial presence.

Property Market Analysis: Land for Sale in Maram South, Butere - Land Prices.

The real estate market in Marama South offers relatively affordable land options compared to urban centers in Kenya. Current listings showcase a 50 by 100 feet plot (approximately an eighth of an acre) in Marama South priced at KSh 750,000, positioned approximately 200 meters from Butere Technical’s main gate, making it an ideal location for residential development.

For context, land values in neighboring wards and areas within Butere Constituency show similar pricing patterns:

In Marama North, a 1.8-acre parcel in Ebushitinji located 3 kilometers from Butere-Sigalagala Road is listed at KSh 1,800,000 (negotiable). This property features electricity access and a stream at its border, with current pine tree coverage.
In Marama West, plots near Inaya Secondary School in Bukura are available for KSh 400,000 per plot.

The affordability of land in Butere Constituency makes it attractive for both residential development and agricultural investment, with prices significantly lower than those in major urban centers like Nairobi.

House for Sale in Maram South, Butere - Housing Market.

The housing market in Marama South specifically is still developing, with limited formal listings. However, the broader Kakamega County real estate market provides some context for housing values:

5-bedroom houses in Butsotso Central are priced around KSh 8,350,000
2-bedroom houses in Koyonzo can reach KSh 15,000,000
3-bedroom family homes on acre-sized plots in areas like Ikonyero, Sheywe command prices of approximately KSh 16,000,000
Commercial-residential mixed properties in locations like Mayoni are available for around KSh 3,000,000

The residential property market in Marama South is characterized by mostly traditional homesteads with a growing trend toward modern housing construction as infrastructure improves and urbanization advances.

Recent Infrastructure Development: Road Network Improvements.

The most significant recent infrastructure development in Butere Constituency is the ongoing road maintenance and improvement project. As of February 2025, over ten roads are undergoing maintenance to enhance connectivity throughout the sub-county, sponsored by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

Key road projects include:

Nyenyesi-Imanga road (already under construction)
Shiatsala-Shibembe road
Masaba-Mahondo road
Ekumira-Shiyiro-Mukhongolo road
Eshiyanza-Khuqueen road
Butere Lower Market-Milambo road
Shianda Primary-Khutinga road
Emukangu-Muyundi road
Bukura-Lukoye-Khwisero road
Emunuku-Elwamini road
Emulole-Imanga road
Mushitoyi-Shiasa road
Manya-Butere road
Eshikangu-Imanga road
Manyala-Lana road

These road improvements are expected to enhance trade and commerce in the region, making transportation of agricultural produce and goods more efficient. According to area MP Tindi Mwale, “The type of business that you can engage in is dependent on the road system available in the area,” highlighting the economic significance of these infrastructure projects.

Transportation Connectivity.

In addition to the local road network, Butere is connected by road to Mumias to the north and Kisumu in the southeast. The area also benefits from a branch railway line from Kisumu that terminates in Butere, though passenger services had not resumed as of early 2025.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure Needs.

The Urban Sustainability Review for Butere has identified several infrastructure priorities that will affect Marama South and the broader constituency:

Development of a shared sewerage system
Improvement of stormwater drainage services
Provision of additional public toilets
Enhancement of water supply systems
Designation of solid waste dumping sites
Installation of litter bins in urban areas
Urban greening through tree planting initiatives

The Kakamega County Government has recognized the need to develop satellite towns like Butere-Sabatia to reduce pressure on Kakamega town, establishing administrative offices in all sub-counties to decentralize services.

Conclusion.

Marama South Ward in Butere Constituency presents a region in transition, with its primarily agricultural economy gradually diversifying and infrastructure steadily improving. The area offers affordable land prices compared to urban centers, making it attractive for residential and agricultural investment. The ongoing road infrastructure projects are expected to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the region.

For potential investors or residents, Marama South provides an opportunity to acquire property in a developing area with improving infrastructure and a strategic location within Western Kenya. The continuation of infrastructure development, particularly in road networks, water supply, and waste management, will be crucial for realizing the area’s full potential for sustainable urban and rural development.

1. What are the current house prices in Marama West?

2. How much does land cost per acre in Marama Central?

3. What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Marenyo-Shianda?

4. Are there any upcoming real estate projects in Butsotso East?

5. How does the cost of living in Maram North compare to other areas in Butere Constituency?