Malewa West Ward in Gilgil Constituency: A Comprehensive Analysis.

Malewa West Ward is one of the five County Assembly Wards within Gilgil Constituency, featuring distinct demographic characteristics, evolving land markets, and significant infrastructure developments aimed at addressing persistent challenges in the region. This analysis explores the geographic, demographic, economic, and developmental aspects of this important ward in Nakuru County, with particular emphasis on recent infrastructure projects and property market trends.

Locations > Nakuru > Gilgil > Malawe West

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Geographic and Administrative Context.

Malewa West Ward (officially designated as Ward No. 0847) occupies approximately 274.10 square kilometers within Gilgil Constituency of Nakuru County. The ward has a unique administrative arrangement, as it falls under Naivasha Sub-county administratively, while the other four wards of Gilgil Constituency (Gilgil Ward, Ebburu/Mbaruk Ward, Elementaita Ward, and Murindat Ward) are administered under Gilgil Sub-county. Malewa West Ward comprises parts of Karati, Tarambete, and Gatamayu Sub-Locations of Nakuru County.

The broader Gilgil Constituency, formed in 2013 after being carved out from the larger Naivasha Constituency, borders several other constituencies including Naivasha, Narok North, Njoro, Nakuru Town East, Bahati, Olkalou, and Kipipiri1. The constituency is primarily rural in character, with mixed farming serving as the main economic activity for most residents.

Demographic Profile.

According to the 2019 census data, Malewa West Ward has a population of approximately 21,915 residents. This represents roughly 11.8% of Gilgil Sub-county’s total population of 185,209 people. The ward’s population density is approximately 80 people per square kilometer, making it one of the less densely populated areas within the constituency.

The broader Gilgil Sub-county demographic profile shows near gender parity with 92,955 males, 92,247 females, and 7 intersex persons recorded in the 2019 census. The age distribution reveals a young population with 67,704 residents aged 0-14 years, 109,731 residents aged 15-64 years, and 7,758 residents aged 65 years and above. This demographic composition suggests a high dependency ratio, which has implications for economic development and service provision in the region.

Land and Property Market.

Prime Land for Sale in Gilgil, Nakuru County-Land Prices.

Land prices in Malewa West and surrounding areas of Gilgil Constituency vary significantly based on location, proximity to amenities, and infrastructure access. Current market prices as of April 2025 show the following trends:

Land in Karunga Area (Gilgil) is priced at approximately Ksh 1,000,000 per acre.
In the broader Gilgil area, 50 by 100 plots range from Ksh 250,000 in Gilgil Langa to Ksh 550,000 in Mutaita-Nakuru.
Premium land parcels in Gilgil, such as at Gema at Kuronoi site, command higher prices, with one acre selling for approximately Ksh 10,500,000.
In nearby Kikopey, which falls within Gilgil’s sphere of influence, land prices are approximately Ksh 5,000,000 for larger parcels, while 50/100 plots go for around Ksh 6,500,000.
More affordable options exist in certain areas, with some 50*100 plots available for as low as Ksh 175,000 in specific developments.

Property Development.

The property market in Gilgil is characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Notable property developments include:

Resort facilities, with one example sitting on 4 acres featuring amenities such as conference facilities, accommodations, and recreational areas.
Residential plots in planned developments that include access roads, water infrastructure, and title deed processing within 30 days.

The government’s recent initiative to issue title deeds to residents of New Game Mutukanio area of Elementaita Ward within Gilgil Sub-County is expected to solve long-standing land issues and potentially impact property values in the region. Approximately 1,000 title deeds are slated for issuance by February 2026, ending a three-decade wait for formal land ownership documents.

Infrastructure Development.

Water Projects.

Water access has been a persistent challenge in Gilgil, with studies indicating that 77% of semi-permanent households have difficulty accessing water, being located outside the 30-minute walk time to water sources. Recent infrastructure investments have focused heavily on addressing this issue:

Nyondia Green Valley Borehole Project in Malewa West Ward: This project includes installation of solar panels, a pumping unit, construction of a water kiosk, and laying of pipeline. The project has an allocated budget of Ksh 4,999,310.58 from county government counter funding.
Meli Borehole Project in Elementaita Ward: Completed and operational, this project featured installation of solar panels, a pumping unit, construction of a 30m³ tank, and a 2.1km pipeline at a cost of Ksh 4,998,325.39. It has increased access to safe water for approximately 2,000 households.
Kimamoi Borehole Project: Ongoing with a budget of Ksh 6,138,283, this project includes solar panels, a pumping unit, and construction of a masonry tank and pipeline.
Kiamaji Water Project in Gilgil Ward: Recently announced in March 2025, this project will benefit over 2,500 residents, including learning institutions in the Kikopey area. It includes a 3km pipeline connection from the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway to Kikopey Dispensary.
Projects in Eburru Mbaruk Ward: These include the Ksh 9 million Nderit Water Project (serving 2,000+ residents), Oljorai Water Project (serving 3,500+ residents), Eburru Water Project funded by KENGEN, and improvements to the Kongasis water project (serving 1,200+ households).

These water projects are part of broader climate adaptation strategies under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, which recognizes the region’s vulnerability to drought and water scarcity.

Municipal Development Plans

Gilgil Municipality, which received its charter on July 7, 2022, has established development priorities for the period 2025/26-2027/28:

Urban Infrastructure: Plans include carbon paving of parking spaces, installation and rehabilitation of street lights, tarmacking of roads, and construction of storm-water drainage networks.
Environmental Management: Initiatives include purchase and installation of litter bins, rehabilitation of parks and green spaces, and tree planting for general beautification.
Economic Infrastructure: Construction of markets and Jua Kali shades to improve the business environment.
Social Services: Rehabilitation of social halls to enhance community facilities.

The resource requirements for these municipal development plans are estimated at Ksh 240,492,000 for FY 2025/26, Ksh 264,541,200 for FY 2026/27, and Ksh 290,995,320 for FY 2027/28.

Challenges and Future Outlook.

Despite the ongoing infrastructure investments, Malewa West and the broader Gilgil area face several challenges:

Water Scarcity: Located in arid and semi-arid zones with unreliable rainfall patterns, water access remains a significant challenge for many households..
Infrastructure Gaps: While progress is being made, there are still substantial infrastructure needs, particularly in road networks, electricity distribution, and public facilities.
Land Issues: Long-standing land ownership problems are gradually being addressed through initiatives like the title deed issuance program, but more comprehensive solutions are needed.
Municipal Resource Constraints: Gilgil Municipality faces human resource constraints, limited office space, low budgetary allocations, and security concerns that affect its ability to effectively deliver services.

The future outlook for Malewa West Ward appears cautiously optimistic, with ongoing investments in water infrastructure, plans for urban development, and government initiatives to resolve land issues. The area’s proximity to major transport corridors and natural attractions like Lake Elementaita positions it well for future growth, particularly if infrastructure challenges continue to be addressed systematically.

Conclusion

Malewa West Ward within Gilgil Constituency presents a complex picture of development challenges and opportunities. The area’s rural character, diverse land market, and targeted infrastructure investments reflect broader patterns of development in Kenya’s secondary urban centers and rural areas. As water projects come online and municipal development plans are implemented, property values are likely to respond positively, potentially attracting further investment to the region. However, sustainable development will require continued attention to infrastructure gaps, land issues, and resource constraints facing local government institutions.

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