Marakatu/Marakaru Ward: A Comprehensive Profile of Kanduyi Constituency's Developing Region.
Marakatu/Marakaru Ward, located within the vibrant Kanduyi Constituency of Bungoma County, is experiencing significant development amid broader infrastructural improvements across the constituency. Recent data reveals that while property prices remain relatively affordable compared to urban centers, substantial investment in road networks, public facilities, and digital infrastructure is transforming the area’s accessibility and economic potential. The ward, which appears in records under both spellings (Marakatu and Marakaru), forms part of Kenya’s strategic western region that serves as a gateway to Uganda and other East African nations, positioning it for continued growth as regional trade corridors expand and modernize.
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Overview of Kanduyi Constituency and Marakatu/Marakaru Ward.
Kanduyi Constituency stands as one of nine constituencies within Bungoma County, established for the 1988 elections. The constituency covers approximately 318.5-319 square kilometers and is strategically located about 5 kilometers from Bungoma Central Business District. According to the 2019 census, Kanduyi has a general population of 163,568 and an urban population of 38,407 people. More comprehensive demographic data indicates a total population of 229,701, ranking it 54th among Kenya’s 1,008 constituencies, with a population density of 721.1 people per square kilometer.
Marakatu/Marakaru is one of eight wards comprising Kanduyi Constituency, alongside Tuuti, Khalaba, Township, Musikoma, Bukembe West, Bukembe East, West Sang’alo, and East Sang’alo. Available data indicates that Marakaru has a population of approximately 12,455 with 14 polling stations. The constituency as a whole includes 48,361 households with an average household size of 4.75 people.
Kanduyi Constituency is currently represented in Parliament by John Makali of the Ford-K party, elected in 2021. The constituency is noted for containing what is described as “Kenya’s largest slum characterized by high poverty levels”, highlighting the socioeconomic challenges facing parts of the area despite ongoing development.
Administrative Structure and Governance.
The ward is part of the broader governance structure of Kanduyi Constituency, which has seen various representatives since its establishment. The constituency operates under Kenya’s devolved government system, with both national and county government structures influencing development priorities and resource allocation. Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects have historically been implemented in the area, though studies have indicated that citizen participation in identifying, selecting, and implementing these projects has been low due to lack of information.
Property Market in Kanduyi and Marakatu Area. Plots for Sale in Marakaru/Tuuti - Land & Plots for Sale-Land Prices.
Land values in and around Kanduyi show considerable variation based on location, proximity to main roads, and development potential. Current market data reveals several price points relevant to potential investors:
- In Tuuti, a 0.05 hectare plot is priced between KSh 650,000 and KSh 700,000.
- In Kanduyi proper, a 0.05 hectare plot costs approximately KSh 700,000.
- Areas near amenities command premium prices, with land next to Salmond in Kanduyi priced at KSh 750,000 for 0.05 hectares.
- Land adjacent to Shreeji petrol station is valued at KSh 850,000 for 0.05 hectares.
- More substantial land in the Makutano area is available at KSh 700,000 for 0.5 hectares.
- Prime land with highway frontage commands significantly higher prices, with a third of an acre near the Eldoret & Malaba highway priced at KSh 4,500,000.
These price variations reflect the strategic importance of location within the constituency, with proximity to transportation corridors and commercial centers significantly influencing valuation.
Houses & Apartments for Sale in Marakatu-Housing Market.
The residential property market in Kanduyi offers various options across different price points:
- Rental housing in Kanduyi is available at relatively affordable rates, with two-bedroom houses renting for approximately KSh 12,000 per month and three-bedroom houses commanding KSh 30,000 monthly.
- For property investors, a complex comprising six one-bedroom rental units and two shops on a 50 by 100 plot near Ford Kenya offices in Kanduyi is priced at KSh 1,900,000.
- Higher-end residential options include a four-bedroom block-built house in Makutano Kanduyi with perimeter wall and master ensuite, priced at KSh 3.9 million.
The housing market appears to cater to various segments, from affordable rental options to more substantial family homes and investment properties, reflecting the diverse socioeconomic profile of the area.
Recent Infrastructure Development.
Kanduyi Constituency and the broader Bungoma County region have benefited from significant infrastructure investment in recent years, enhancing connectivity and potentially increasing property values.
Road Networks Expansion.
The road infrastructure in and around Kanduyi has received substantial investment, positioning the area as an increasingly important transportation hub:
- The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has upgraded 21 kilometers of urban road network at a total cost of KSh 1.8 billion.
- Major projects include the Bungoma-Mateka-Samoia-Muslim Primary C33 spanning 6.3 kilometers (KSh 638,460,000) and the Mateka-Mwanda-Siritanyi A104 measuring 8.4 kilometers (KSh 851,280,000).
- Additional road improvements totaling 6.5 kilometers were implemented at a cost of KSh 385 million, including Stadium Roads, Wamalwa-Kijana High School Road, Elegant Road, Kanduyi DEB-Lusaka, West FM Loop Road, and Khetias Back Street Road.
- The Kanduyi-Makutano road has been earmarked for upgrading under the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP), supported by a World Bank grant.
- Plans are underway for the dualling of the strategic Malaba-Kanduyi highway, with implementation expected in the 2024/25 Financial Year.
These improvements significantly enhance mobility within the constituency while strengthening Bungoma’s position as a strategic hub for goods heading to and from Uganda and beyond.
Sports and Public Facilities.
Beyond transportation infrastructure, public facilities development is underway:
- The Masinde Muliro Stadium at Kanduyi is being constructed to international standards under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts.
- The stadium project was targeted for completion by April 2024 to accommodate Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2024.
- The County Government is also developing a bus park at Kanduyi that will include stalls for the business community.
These public facilities are expected to enhance the area’s profile as a regional center and provide improved recreational and commercial opportunities for residents.
Digital Infrastructure.
Digital connectivity is expanding across Bungoma County, including Kanduyi Constituency:
- As part of the National Optic Fiber Cable Backbone Infrastructure project, 83 institutions in Bungoma County have already been connected to fiber optic infrastructure.
- Plans are in place to expand this connectivity to an additional 116 sites in 2025.
This digital infrastructure development positions the area for improved service delivery, educational opportunities, and economic growth through enhanced connectivity.
Economic and Development Outlook.
The confluence of improved road infrastructure, public facility development, and digital connectivity positions Kanduyi Constituency, including Marakatu/Marakaru Ward, for potential economic growth. The area’s strategic location near the Uganda border makes it a natural beneficiary of regional trade enhancement initiatives, particularly with the planned dualling of the Malaba-Kanduyi highway.
The property market appears poised to respond to these infrastructure improvements, with current pricing still relatively accessible compared to major urban centers in Kenya. This presents potential opportunities for both residential homebuyers and property investors seeking growth markets.
Conclusion.
Marakatu/Marakaru Ward in Kanduyi Constituency presents a profile of an area in transition. With substantial infrastructure development underway or recently completed, including major road networks, public facilities, and digital connectivity, the ward and broader constituency are experiencing improved accessibility and enhanced potential for economic growth.
The property market remains relatively affordable compared to Kenya’s major urban centers, with land and housing prices that may represent value for long-term investors. Current land prices ranging from KSh 650,000 for basic plots to several million for prime locations reflect the area’s diverse development profile and varying proximity to amenities.
As regional connectivity continues to improve, particularly with the planned dualling of the Malaba-Kanduyi highway, the area’s strategic position as a gateway to Uganda and other East African nations may further enhance its development trajectory. For potential residents and investors, Marakatu/Marakaru and the broader Kanduyi Constituency merit attention as an emerging growth area in western Kenya.
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1.What are the current house prices in West Sang’alo?
2.How much does land cost per acre in Bukembe West?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Khalaba?
4.Are there any upcoming real estate projects in Tuuti?
5. How has the road infrastructure upgrade impacted property values in Musikoma?