Discover Land for Sale in Jibana, Rabai Constituency – Ideal for Development.
Jibana is one of the areas within Kilifi County with historical and cultural ties to Rabai Constituency. This report looks into the geographical, demographic, economic and development aspects of this region, with focus on housing and land prices and recent infrastructure developments.
Geographical and Administrative Overview.
Rabai Constituency is one of the seven constituencies in Kilifi County, Kenya, formed after the bigger Kaloleni Constituency was split into two constituencies: Rabai and Kaloleni. It borders Kaloleni, Kilifi South, Kisauni, Jomvu and Kinango Constituencies. The constituency is administratively divided into four County Assembly Wards: Rabai Ward, Ruruma Ward, Mwawesa Ward and Kambe/Ribe Ward.
Jibana was one of the locations in Kaloleni Constituency before the split and still has strong cultural and economic ties with the Rabai area. The Rabai sub-county covers an area of 207.8 square kilometers with a population density of 581 persons per km².
Demographics and Cultural Landscape.
Rabai Constituency is predominantly inhabited by the wa Rabai, wa Kambe, wa Ribe, wa Giriama and other Kenyan tribes. The Jibana or Dzihana people are an ethnic subgroup of the Mijikenda with an estimated population of 38,466 all speaking Kijibana. The Rabai sub-county has a population of approximately 120,813 people, with the Rabai community being 96,650 and the rest being Jibana and Ribe communities.
The area has a rich cultural heritage including sacred Kaya forests that have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These forests are not only culturally significant but also a source of valuable medicinal plants and central to the identity of the Jibana people expressed through oral traditions and performing arts.
Economic Activities.
About 71% of the people in Rabai live below the poverty line, the main economic activities are:
- Mixed farming (both crop and animal husbandry).
- Small scale businesses.
- Some industrial activity.
The area receives moderate rainfall of about 1,300 mm per year, suitable for growing traditional crops such as coconut, maize, cassava, cowpeas, bananas and sweet potatoes. Cash crops include cashew nuts, beans, vegetables and grafted improved fruit varieties such as mangoes, oranges and avocados.
Livestock keeping is also significant with residents keeping poultry, goats, sheep, cattle, donkeys and other animals. Apiculture (beekeeping) is also an economic activity although recent droughts have affected honey production.
Land and Housing Market: Land for Sale in Jibana, Rabai - Land Prices.
Land prices in the Rabai-Jibana area vary greatly depending on location, amenities and proximity to main roads:
- In Rabai, a 1/4 acre plot in Mazeras Mwele (Ribe area) with title deed, access to water, electricity and biodigester sewage is priced at Ksh 4,500,000.
- Land prices in the broader Kilifi County range:
- Land in Malindi is priced between Ksh 4,500,000 for half an acre to Ksh 15,000,000 for premium plots.
- Beach plots and premium land command higher prices, some beachfront properties in Kikambala, Kilifi South are priced at Ksh 120,000,000 or more.
- Agricultural land in Kikambala is priced at Ksh 3,800,000.
Historical land value information shows significant appreciation over time. Land that was worth Ksh 2,900 in 1971 was valued at Ksh 40,000 in 1977 for an 8-9 acre plot in the Jibana area.
House for Sale in Jibana, Rabai - Housing Market.
Specific housing pricing data for Jibana is limited but there are some indicators:
- A 3 bedroom bungalow in Mazeras Center, Rabai was listed for rent at Ksh 7,000,000 per month, this seems high and may be an error in the listing.
- Jibana Building Construction Company, mentioned in the search results, builds different categories of houses for different economic classes:
- Low class houses.
- Middle class houses.
- High class houses.
- Their business model is affordability for people from all walks of life.
Recent Infrastructure Development.
Infrastructure development in Rabai-Jibana area is ongoing, some of the notable projects:
Electrical Infrastructure.
A STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) project at Rabai 220kV/132kV Substation is a major electrical infrastructure development in the area. Engineering considerations have taken into account the coastal environment, high humidity and salty air which can affect metal structures, hence corrosion resistant materials were used for the project.
Transportation Network.
The area is connected to the existing road network, Rabai Substation is 25 km northwest of Mombasa town and 1 km off C111 Kabieni road. A cabro road links Rabai Sub Station to the main road.
Health Facilities.
Health facilities in the area include Ribe dispensary, Kwajuaje dispensary and Rabai sub-county hospital providing medical services to the community.
NGCDF Projects.
National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) has funded projects in Rabai:
- As of March 2021, 30 projects worth Ksh 73,759,033 were completed and in use.
- Four projects worth Ksh 16,498,241 were in progress as of the same period.
Some of the projects:
- Construction of the Assistant Chief’s office at Waresa Kisurutini-Mweri (Ksh 1,700,000).
- Construction of Twin Laboratory at Rev. Canon Kuri (Ksh 7,000,000).
However an audit raised concerns on the implementation of 8 projects worth Ksh 28,300,000.
Conservation and Cultural Heritage Initiatives.
There are efforts to establish a Biocultural Heritage Territory in Rabai Cultural Landscape to prevent land sales and support conservation and sustainable livelihoods. This is a step in balancing development and conservation.
Conclusion.
Jibana and the entire Rabai Constituency is an area rich in cultural heritage with developing infrastructure and real estate market. Land prices have appreciated over the years but are still affordable compared to prime coastal areas. The area is developing through various government projects, especially through NGCDF while preserving its cultural identity through conservation of sacred forests and traditional practices.
Agriculture is the main activity in the area hence rural in character, but proximity to Mombasa and ongoing infrastructure development means there is potential for growth. Future development may need to address the high poverty rates while preserving the area’s biocultural heritage.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Ruruma?
2. How has the infrastructure development in Mwawesa impacted property values?
3.Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects in Rabai/Kisurutuni?
4. What are the average land prices in Kaloleni?
5. How diverse is the population in Mwanamwinga?
Related
1. What are the current house prices in Ruruma?
2. How has the infrastructure development in Mwawesa impacted property values?
3. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects in Rabai/Kisurutuni?
4. What are the average land prices in Kaloleni?
5. How diverse is the population in Mwanamwinga?