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Idakho South, Ikolomani Constituency: A Comprehensive Area Profile.
Idakho South represents one of the four county wards within Ikolomani Constituency, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage, developing infrastructure, and evolving real estate market. This report examines the geographical characteristics, demographic profile, property market trends, and recent infrastructure developments that define this region of western Kenya.
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Geographic and Demographic Overview.
Idakho South is situated within Ikolomani Constituency (also known as Kakamega South Sub County) in western Kenya’s Kakamega County. The ward occupies approximately 24.0 square kilometers of predominantly arable land and hosts a population of approximately 20,917 residents. Ikolomani Constituency as a whole is bordered by Lurambi Constituency to the North, Sabatia and Emuhaya to the South, Shinyalu to the East, and Khwisero to the West.
The constituency is divided into four distinct county wards: Idakho East, Idakho South, Idakho Central, and Idakho North. Administratively, the area is organized into two divisions: Ikolomani South (covering Iguhu, Eregi, and Shikumu locations) and Ikolomani North (encompassing Shirumba, Isulu, and Shisele locations), with a combined total of twenty-two sub-locations.
Cultural and Ethnic Composition.
The predominant inhabitants of Idakho South are the Abidakho, a sub-group of the larger Luhya tribe. The ward’s cultural landscape has been enriched by the presence of other communities who have settled in the area through intermarriages, education, professional appointments, and trade. These include Maragolis, Abanyore, Abawanga, Abamarama, Abashisa, Kamba, Luo, Kikuyu, and Indians.
A significant cultural aspect of Idakho South is the Isukuti dance, a traditional celebratory performance practiced by the Idakho communities. This fast-paced, energetic dance accompanied by drumming and singing plays an integral role in cultural transmission and community cohesion. The UNESCO-recognized dance permeates most life occasions including childbirths, initiations, weddings, funerals, and various public gatherings.
Economic Activities and Livelihoods.
The economy of Idakho South, like the broader Ikolomani Constituency, is primarily characterized by smallholder farming and peasantry activities. The main economic activities include:
Agricultural Practices.
The majority of residents engage in small-scale farming of food crops, with maize being the staple food grown by virtually all households for both sustenance and commercial purposes. While most land is dedicated to food crops, a small portion is used for cash crop farming, primarily tea and sugarcane.
Mining Operations.
The area is known for gold mining, though this is predominantly conducted using traditional methods and crude tools that limit yield maximization. Mining activities attract both local artisanal miners and those from neighboring constituencies.
Small-Scale Commerce.
Commercial activities include shop keeping, trading in cereals and vegetables, and transport services via “matatu” (public minibuses). The area has few industrial establishments beyond small Jua Kali workshops (informal sector artisans) located in market centers.
Real Estate Market: House and Land Prices.
The real estate market in Idakho South presents an interesting picture, characterized by limited specific market data yet influenced by broader regional trends.
House for Sale in Idakho South, Ikolomani – House Prices.
Current market data indicates a scarcity of formal listings and price benchmarks specifically for houses in Idakho South. Multiple property databases report “no market data found” for average prices of houses for sale in the ward. This suggests either limited formal real estate market activity or inadequate documentation of property transactions in the area.
For contextual understanding, houses in the broader Kakamega County exhibit significant price variation. In neighboring areas within Kakamega, a 5-bedroom house in Butsotso Central was listed for KSh 8,350,000, while a 3-bedroom house in Ikonyero (Sheywe area) commanded KSh 16,000,000. The national market also features houses under KSh 3 million, though none specifically identified in Idakho South.
Cheap Land for Sale in Idakho South, Ikolomani – Land Prices.
Land values in Idakho South follow regional patterns while reflecting local economic conditions. While specific pricing data for Idakho South is limited, land in the broader Kakamega region demonstrates the following price trends:
- Small residential plots (approximately 50×100 feet) are priced from KSh 600,000 to KSh 1,200,000.
- Medium-sized parcels of approximately 1/8 acre can fetch around KSh 4,000,000 in more developed areas like Irumbi
- Agricultural land of 2 acres is priced at approximately KSh 1,200,000 per acre in areas like Shivikwa off the Kakamega-Malava highway
These figures provide a reasonable proxy for land values in Idakho South, though actual prices would depend on specific location factors such as road access, proximity to markets, and availability of utilities.
Recent Infrastructure Development.
Idakho South has experienced significant infrastructure development in recent years, enhancing connectivity, water access, education, and healthcare facilities.
Road Network Improvements.
A major infrastructure achievement is the construction of the 9.3-kilometer Bushiangala-Eregi-Lusiola tarmac road, completed at a cost of KSh 300 million. This project has substantially improved transportation efficiency for bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) riders and other road users who previously struggled with impassable roads. The county government had been spending over KSh 7 million in maintaining this road network before its upgrade.
Further development plans include the construction of a strategic bridge at Bushiangala, designed to connect residents of Idakho Central and Idakho South to Chavakali. The Kakamega County governor committed to allocating funds for this bridge construction.
Water Infrastructure Projects.
The “Idakho South Ward Based Water Project” represents a significant investment in improving water access for residents. This initiative aligns with broader county efforts to enhance access to clean and safe water through last-mile connectivity, provision of water infrastructure, development of new water schemes, and rehabilitation of existing systems.
Educational Facilities.
Infrastructure development in the education sector is evidenced by the expansion of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Ikolomani Campus. In February 2024, President William Ruto pledged KSh 27 million from the national exchequer to expedite the completion of this facility, with the goal of having it ready for student intake by September 2024.
This investment reflects a strategic focus on healthcare training to meet both local and international demand for Kenyan healthcare workers, as highlighted by the President’s reference to memoranda of understanding with countries including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Broader County Investments.
The Kakamega County Annual Development Plan for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 outlines a comprehensive strategy for advancing sustainable socio-economic development, with significant infrastructure components including:
- Expanded road network and connectivity through construction and maintenance of bitumen and gravel roads
- Installation of high-mast flood lights at strategic market centers to promote a 24-hour working economy
- Health infrastructure improvements through construction and expansion of facilities
- Development of modern markets and trade kiosks to enhance commercial activities.
Conclusion.
Idakho South in Ikolomani Constituency presents a profile of a traditional community undergoing gradual transformation through targeted infrastructure development. While the area maintains its agricultural economic base and cultural heritage, investments in road networks, water systems, educational facilities, and healthcare infrastructure signal progressive development.
The real estate market, particularly for formal housing, appears to be at a nascent stage with limited documented transactions and price benchmarks. Land prices, while following broader regional patterns, likely reflect the predominantly agricultural nature of the economy and emerging development potential.
Future prospects for Idakho South will depend on continued infrastructure investment, particularly in connecting roads and bridges, coupled with diversification of economic activities beyond traditional farming. The educational investments, especially in healthcare training facilities, suggest potential for human capital development that could eventually transform the socioeconomic landscape of this western Kenya community.
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