Mount Elgon Constituency: A Comprehensive Overview of Kenya's Border Region.

Mount Elgon Constituency, located in Western Kenya’s Bungoma County, represents one of Kenya’s most ecologically and culturally significant border regions. This report provides a detailed analysis of the constituency’s geographical features, demographics, land and housing markets, and recent infrastructure developments, offering insights into an area where traditional practices and modern development efforts converge against the backdrop of remarkable biodiversity.

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Geographical and Administrative Context.

Mount Elgon Constituency is situated on the southeastern slopes of its namesake mountain, which straddles the Kenya-Uganda border. The constituency covers approximately 956.6 square kilometers and is administratively divided into three sub-counties: Mt. Elgon (headquartered at Kapsokwony), Cheptais (headquartered at Cheptais Township), and Kopsiro (headquartered at Kopsiro Centre). Established for the 1963 elections, it remains one of the original constituencies created at Kenya’s independence that has never been subdivided, despite local campaigns such as “ELEXIT” (Elgon Exit from Bungoma County) that sought greater representation.

The constituency borders Uganda to the north and west, Trans Nzoia County to the east, and the constituencies of Kimilili, Kabuchai, and Sirisia to the south. The area is governed through six electoral wards, each represented by a Member of County Assembly (MCA) in the Bungoma County Assembly. These wards include Cheptais, Chepyuk, and Chesikak, among others.

The region’s ecological significance cannot be overstated. Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano rising over 4,000 meters above sea level, serves as a critical water tower for both Kenya and Uganda, feeding major rivers including the Nzoia, Turkwel, and Malakisi. The mountain’s ecosystems range from wet montane bamboo forests to afro-alpine moorlands, supporting remarkable biodiversity including elephants, leopards, buffalo, and over 300 bird species, some of which are endangered.

Demographic Profile.

According to the 2019 census, Mount Elgon Constituency has a population of 218,873 people, representing significant growth from the 135,033 recorded in the 1999 census. The constituency is primarily inhabited by the Sabaot community, with minority populations of Bukusu and Teso people.

The region has experienced historical ethnic tensions, particularly between the Soy and Mosop subgroups of the Sabaot community over land allocation disputes. These tensions escalated into violence in 2006-2007, leading to significant displacement and casualties. Understanding this historical context is essential when analyzing current land use and housing development patterns in the constituency.

The constituency’s climate is favorable for agricultural and livestock production, which accounts for approximately 90% of economic activities in the region. This agricultural focus directly influences land valuation and development priorities throughout the area.

Property in Elgon View for Rent & Sale-Land and Property Market Analysis.

Elgon View Property for Sale-Land Prices.

Land prices in the Mount Elgon region vary significantly depending on location, accessibility, and intended use. In Chesikaki, part of Mt. Elgon Constituency, a 1,200 square meter plot was recently advertised at KSh 1,591,900 (discounted from KSh 1,691,900)8.

For comparative context, land in the Elgon View neighborhood of Eldoret (named after Mount Elgon but located in neighboring Uasin Gishu County) commands substantially higher prices:

1/4 acre plots: KSh 2,100,000 to 3,500,000.
1/2 acre plots: KSh 8,300,000 to 20,000,000.
1 acre plots: KSh 24,000,000 to 29,000,000.

These price differentials reflect the varying levels of development, infrastructure, and amenities between rural Mt. Elgon Constituency and the more urbanized Eldoret area.

Houses for Sale Elgon View-Housing Market and Accommodation.

Housing in Mt. Elgon Constituency ranges from traditional rural dwellings to modern constructions. A notable development in the area is the Mt. Elgon Housing project, a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Kenya and Mt. Elgon Trust. This initiative aimed to provide 120 decent and affordable housing units for farm workers, with 94 houses completed thus far. Each house features 2-3 bedrooms, constructed using environmentally friendly Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSB) technology.

For visitors and tourists, accommodation options include:

Mount Elgon Guest House in Cherubei village, offering:
- Deluxe King, Deluxe Family, and Deluxe Twin rooms at KSh 4,000 per night.
- Amenities including en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and dining facilities.
- Connection to the Mount Elgon Trust, which supports community health care, education, and employment.
Koitoboss Guesthouse in Mt. Elgon National Park:
- Pricing at KSh 10,000 per night for residents and KSh 27,720 for non-residents.
- Three bedrooms with double beds accommodating up to six people.
- Facilities include hot water showers, a furnished sitting area, kitchen equipment, and barbecue area.

These accommodations serve both local administrative functions and the growing tourism sector focused on Mount Elgon’s natural attractions.

Recent Infrastructure Developments.

The constituency has seen several significant infrastructure initiatives in recent years, focusing primarily on water resources, conservation, and housing:

Water Infrastructure.

The most substantial planned infrastructure project is the Mt. Elgon-Bungoma-Busia Gravity System, designed to serve parts of Busia and Bungoma Counties. This ambitious KSh 17 billion project includes:

Construction of a dam along Malakisi River.
Water treatment works with a capacity of 82,000m³/day.
Transmission mains to Busia and Bungoma.
Detailed designs have been completed, with funding currently being sourced by the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency.

The 2024-2025 Bungoma County Annual Development Plan also includes protection of Mt. Elgon water towers and construction of three dams (Namasanda, Mt. Elgon, and Nabuyole), highlighting the critical importance of water infrastructure to the region’s development.

Conservation Infrastructure.

A landmark development for the region is the establishment of Mount Elgon as Africa’s second Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, formalized through a memorandum of understanding between Kenya and Uganda signed in 2023 and designated by UNESCO in June 2023. This initiative provides a framework for:

Joint management of the critical water tower and biodiversity resources.
Enhanced biodiversity conservation through increased enforcement against illegal logging and poaching.
Development of eco-friendly lodges and guided trails.
Community-based natural resource management approaches.
Cross-border tourism development.
Integrated water resource management.

Both countries have designated November 7 as “Mount Elgon Day” to raise awareness about conservation initiatives in the region.

Tourism Infrastructure.

With Kenya aiming to increase its annual tourist arrivals to 5 million by 2030, infrastructure development to support tourism in the Mount Elgon region is receiving increased attention. The Kenya Wildlife Service has emphasized the need for improved infrastructure to accommodate the projected growth in tourism following the biosphere reserve designation.

Current tourism activities in the area include hiking, climbing, caving, bird watching, and horse riding, with guided walks available to attractions such as Kitum Cave, Ngwarisha, Chepnyalil, and Makingeni Cave Trails.

Conclusion.

Mount Elgon Constituency represents a region of significant ecological importance and development potential. Its position as a transboundary area between Kenya and Uganda places it at the center of important conservation initiatives, while its agricultural base and emerging tourism sector provide economic foundations for future growth.

The land and housing markets in the constituency reflect both its rural character and the influence of nearby urban centers. Recent and planned infrastructure developments, particularly in water resources and conservation, demonstrate a growing recognition of the area’s importance to regional sustainability and economic development.

As Kenya and Uganda continue to implement their joint management framework for the Mount Elgon ecosystem, the constituency stands to benefit from increased investment, tourism, and sustainable development initiatives that balance economic growth with the preservation of its unique natural and cultural heritage.

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

4.Are there any upcoming real estate projects in Chesikaki?

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