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Kabula

Kabula Ward, Bumula Constituency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Area Facts, Real Estate Market, and Infrastructure Development.

Kabula ward represents one of the key administrative regions within Bumula Constituency, Bungoma County, Kenya. This analysis examines the geographic, demographic, and economic characteristics of the area while providing detailed insights into the current real estate market and recent infrastructure developments that are shaping its future.

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Geographic and Administrative Context.

Bumula Constituency, home to Kabula Ward, was established for the 1997 elections after being carved out from Kanduyi constituency in 1996. The constituency covers approximately 347.8 square kilometers and falls within Bungoma County in Western Kenya. Administratively, Kabula is one of seven county assembly wards that make up Bumula Constituency, alongside South Bukusu, Bumula, Khasoko, Kimaeti, West Bukusu, and Siboti Wards.

The constituency exists within a broader administrative framework of Bungoma County, which is divided into nine constituencies and numerous sub-counties. According to historical data, Bumula Constituency had a recorded population of approximately 137,299 in 2002, with a population density of 394.7 persons per square kilometer. More recent census data from 2009 showed that Bumula had expanded to a population of 178,897 (86,228 male and 92,669 female) with an increased density of 514 persons per square kilometer.

Kabula Ward’s specific contribution to these demographic figures is not precisely delineated in the available data, though it remains a significant population center within the constituency. The ward has notable landmarks including Sioya Market and Wamunyiri, which have been targeted for recent infrastructure projects.

Socio-Economic Profile: Agricultural Activities.

The economic foundation of Bumula Constituency, including Kabula Ward, is predominantly agricultural, with sugarcane farming constituting the primary commercial activity. The region also supports dairy farming as a secondary economic pillar, though historical challenges have affected this sector. Notably, the decline of the Kitinda dairy milk plant created marketing difficulties for local dairy farmers.

The agricultural potential of the area is influenced by its agro-ecological classification. Bumula falls within the LM3 (Lower Midland) zone, which is particularly suitable for food crops. This classification plays a crucial role in determining the types of agricultural activities that thrive in the region and shapes land valuation patterns.

Educational Infrastructure.

Educational facilities in Kabula include St. Teresa’s Kabula Secondary School, which has produced notable alumni including Moses Wekesa Mwambu Mabonga, who attended the institution for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in 1995 and later became the Member of Parliament for Bumula Constituency. The presence of this educational institution indicates some level of social infrastructure development within the ward.

Real Estate Market Analysis: Land for Sale in Kabula, Bumula - Land Prices.

The land market in Kabula Ward shows consistent pricing patterns that reflect both its agricultural potential and relative proximity to transportation infrastructure. Current market data reveals several notable price points:

  1. Land in Kabula/Sioya is valued at approximately KSh 650,000 per acre for larger parcels (10-acre plots).
  2. Similar pricing structures appear for 8-acre plots in Kabula, also valued at KSh 650,000 per acre.
  3. For land with specific agricultural advantages, pricing may vary. For instance, 5 acres in Kabula located 1 kilometer from the tarmac road, with formal title documentation and fertile farming potential, is priced at KSh 1,750,000 (approximately KSh 350,000 per acre).

These price variations appear to be primarily influenced by:

  • Proximity to paved roads and transportation networks
  • Land fertility and agricultural potential
  • Plot size (with larger plots often commanding lower per-acre rates)
  • Presence of formal title documentation

Housing Market

The formal housing market in Kabula appears to be less developed or documented than the land market. An attempt to analyze the average price of 2-bedroom houses for rent in Kabula, Bungoma yielded no market data. This suggests either limited formal rental market activity or inadequate documentation of housing transactions in the region.

The absence of robust housing market data might indicate that most residents either construct their own homes on purchased land or engage in informal housing arrangements that aren’t captured in standard market analyses. This pattern is common in predominantly agricultural regions where land ownership takes precedence over formal rental housing.

Infrastructure Development: Transportation Infrastructure.

Bungoma County, which encompasses Kabula Ward, has experienced significant transportation infrastructure development in recent years. County-wide initiatives have included:

  • Upgrading of 96.66 kilometers of road to bitumen standards against a target of 300 kilometers
  • Gravelling of 2,192.6 kilometers of roads against a target of 2,750 kilometers
  • Upgrading 6.5 kilometers of urban road to dual carriageway
  • Construction of 62 bridges and box culverts.

While these developments span the broader county region, they contribute to improved connectivity for Kabula Ward and enhance its accessibility and economic potential.

Lighting Infrastructure.

A particularly significant recent development directly affecting Kabula Ward is the proposed installation of two 20-meter grid-powered highmast floodlights at Wamunyiri and Sioya Market within Kabula Ward20. This project, initiated in 2024 by the County Government of Bungoma’s Ministry of Transport Infrastructure and Public Works, represents a targeted infrastructure investment that will improve security, extend business hours, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

The project specifications indicate substantial electrical infrastructure development, with the installation of modern high-mast lighting systems that will illuminate key commercial and public areas within the ward.

Commercial Infrastructure.

While not specifically within Kabula Ward, the recent launch of a KSh 50 million modern market at Mateka in Bumula Constituency represents a significant commercial infrastructure development that will benefit the entire constituency, including Kabula residents. This market project, launched by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, is designed to provide traders with a conducive business environment and is expected to be completed within six months (as of June 2024).

This market development is part of a broader pattern of commercial infrastructure enhancement in the region, with similar market constructions ongoing in neighboring constituencies including Malakisi in Sirisia, Chebukube in Bungoma town, Chwele in Kabuchai, Kamukunywa in Kimilili, and Naitiri in Tongaren.

Development Funding and Governance.

The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) has been an important source of development funding for projects in Bumula Constituency, including Kabula Ward. The 2018/2019 financial year saw allocations for various development initiatives, including educational bursaries, emergency funds, and capacity building.

Politically, Bumula Constituency has been represented by several Members of Parliament over the years:

  • 1997: Lawrence Simiyu Sifuna (Ford-K)
  • 2002-2013: Sylvester Wakoli Bifwoli (Ford-K)
  • 2017: Mwambu Mabonga (IND)
  • 2022-present: Nelson Jack Wamboka (DAP-K)

The current MP, Jack Wamboka, has been actively involved in launching infrastructure projects in the constituency, indicating ongoing political commitment to development initiatives.

Conclusion.

Kabula Ward in Bumula Constituency presents a profile typical of an evolving rural area with an agriculture-based economy that is gradually experiencing infrastructural modernization. Land prices remain the most documented aspect of the real estate market, with values ranging from KSh 350,000 to KSh 650,000 per acre depending on specific location attributes.

Recent infrastructure developments, particularly in lighting, transportation, and commercial facilities, suggest a trajectory toward improved economic conditions and quality of life for residents. While formal housing market data remains limited, the continued investment in basic infrastructure and social services indicates potential for future real estate market development.

The economic future of Kabula Ward appears closely tied to both agricultural activities and the success of regional infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity, electricity access, and commercial opportunities. As these developments progress, they may catalyze further economic diversification and real estate market formalization in this important ward of Bumula Constituency.

Related

1.What are the current house prices in Bumula?

2.How much does land cost per acre in Khasoko?

3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Kimaeti?

4. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for South Bukusu?

5. How has the population growth in Siboti affected property prices?

Related

1.What are the current house prices in Bumula?

2.How much does land cost per acre in Khasoko?

3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Kimaeti?

4.Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for South Bukusu?

5.How has the population growth in Siboti affected property prices?

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