Tongaren Constituency: A Comprehensive Profile of Kenya's Rural Development Hub.
Tongaren Constituency in Kenya’s Bungoma County represents a fascinating case study of rural development, land economics, and infrastructure improvements in Western Kenya. This expansive region has undergone significant transformation since its creation in 2012, with ongoing development initiatives reshaping its landscape and economy.
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Geographic and Demographic Profile.
Tongaren Constituency came into political existence in 2012 when it was carved from the then-larger Kimilili Constituency prior to the 2013 general elections. Covering an expansive area of approximately 378.30 square kilometers (146.06 square miles), it stands as one of 290 constituencies in Kenya and one of nine constituencies within Bungoma County.
The constituency’s population reached 187,478 residents as of 2020, with voter registration at 84,952 for the August 9th, 2022 general election. This area falls within the Lake Victoria Basin region of Kenya, characterized by varying altitudes and unique geographical features that influence its climate and agricultural potential.
Tongaren is administratively divided into six county assembly wards:
- Mbakalo Ward (Population: ~32,229, Area: 50.20 km²).
- Naitiri/Kabuyefwe Ward (Population: ~38,023, Area: 42.10 km²).
- Milima Ward (Population: ~33,352, Area: 64.60 km²).
- Ndalu Ward (Population: ~21,148, Area: 58.90 km²).
- Tongaren Ward (Population: ~33,907, Area: 74.10 km²).
- Soysambu/Mitua Ward (Population: ~28,819, Area: 53.10 km²).
Educational infrastructure in the constituency is substantial with 108 public primary schools and 53 public secondary schools registered, though infrastructure quality remains a significant challenge despite this numerical presence. The constituency faces high poverty levels despite being a multi-ethnic settlement scheme area, creating unique development challenges for local leadership.
Political Leadership and Governance.
The current Member of Parliament for Tongaren is John Murumba Chikati of the FORD-Kenya party, who won the seat in the 2022 elections by garnering 20,689 votes against former longtime representative Dr. Eseli Simiyu of DAP-K, who received 9,563 votes. This marked a significant political transition, as Dr. Simiyu had represented the constituency since 2013.
The constituency’s representation history shows consistent FORD-Kenya dominance:
- 2007-2013: David Eseli Simiyu (FORD-Kenya).
- 2013-2017: David Eseli Simiyu (FORD-Kenya).
- 2017-2022: David Eseli Simiyu (FORD-Kenya).
- 2022-present: John Murumba Chikati (FORD-Kenya).
Chikati previously worked in the Office of the President as a secretary for strategy before transitioning to parliamentary representation.
Land and Property Market Analysis.
Land & Plots for Sale in Tongaren -Land Prices.
The land market in Tongaren Constituency shows considerable variation based on location, accessibility, and development potential. Current pricing trends reveal a dynamic rural land market:
- Premium Agricultural Land:
- One acre in Tongaren with utilities (water and electricity): KSh 1,900,000 to 2,100,000.
- Mitua area: 2 acres priced at KSh 1.7 million per acre.
- Maliki: 5 acres and 2 acres both priced at KSh 1.7 million per acre.
- Mid-Range Properties:
- Naitiri area: 0.2 hectares at KSh 750,000.
- Lungai: 0.2 hectares at KSh 700,000.
- Ndalu: 0.4 hectares at KSh 1.4 million.
- Namunyiri: 1.5 acres at KSh 1.3-1.8 million per acre.
- Large Tracts of Land:
- Ndalu (near Catholic church): 5 acres at KSh 1.5 million per acre.
- Sikhendu: 3 acres at KSh 1.5 million per acre.
- Bunambo: 3 acres at KSh 1.4 million per acre.
- Smaller Plots:
- Maisha Mapya Ndalu: 0.5 acres at KSh 160,000.
- Malala within Lukhuna: 0.4 acres at KSh 140,000 per plot.
- Malala center: 0.2 acres at KSh 140,000 per plot.
Overall, land prices in the broader Bungoma County generally range from KSh 950,000 to KSh 1.8 million per acre, with Tongaren prices generally falling within this range. The consistent demand for agricultural land indicates the region’s continued economic reliance on farming activities.
Property in Tongaren for Rent & Sale-Housing and Rental Market.
The housing market in Tongaren remains significantly underdeveloped compared to the land market. Data from 2020-2021 shows extremely limited rental inventory:
- Only two apartment properties were listed for rent during August 2020 to January 2021.
- Average apartment rental price: KSh 130,000.
- Price range: KSh 50,000 (minimum) to KSh 210,000 (maximum).
For 3-bedroom apartments specifically, only one property was listed during the same period, with a rental price of KSh 50,000. This limited housing inventory reflects the predominantly rural nature of the constituency, where land ownership for agricultural purposes takes precedence over formal housing development.
Infrastructure Development Initiatives.
Road Infrastructure Projects.
Road infrastructure development has been a significant focus in Tongaren Constituency, with several major projects currently underway:
- County-Sugar Company Partnership: Bungoma County government has partnered with Naitiri Sugar Company on a transformative project to rehabilitate 90 kilometers of roads within Tongaren constituency. Each of the six wards will receive 15 kilometers of upgraded roads, with the county providing machinery and technical expertise while Naitiri Sugar contributes fuel and logistical support.
- Naitiri-Brigadier Road: Governor Kenneth Lusaka announced that this critical road is expected to be completed by February 2026, with the county having already completed two bridges on its section.
- Misikhu-Brigadier Road Reconstruction: This 45-kilometer road, under construction since 2016 at a cost of Sh1.3 billion, is scheduled for completion following President William Ruto’s intervention. The president announced that a new contractor would be appointed after criticizing the previous contractor for substandard work. The road will also be extended from Ndivisi-Lukuki to connect with the Lugulu-Kitale main road, enhancing regional connectivity.
- Additional Road Tenders: The Kenya Rural Roads Authority has issued tenders for additional road construction projects:
- SOKO MOKO–MECHE BRIDGE–TONGAREN MKT Road.
- LUKUSI CB TONGAREN Road.
These infrastructure improvements are expected to significantly enhance transportation efficiency, agricultural market access, and overall economic activity in the constituency.
Educational Infrastructure Development.
The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) has allocated substantial funding for educational infrastructure in the 2022-2023 fiscal year:
- Primary Schools Development:
- Ndalu Primary School: KSh 4,000,000 for completion of a 150-student dining hall.
- Mitua Primary School: KSh 3,000,000 for completion of two 150-pupil capacity dormitories.
- Naitiri Township Primary School: KSh 5,000,000 for construction of four classrooms.
- Multiple other primary schools received funding ranging from KSh 2,500,000 to KSh 5,000,000 for classroom construction.
- Secondary Schools Laboratory Construction:
- Nabingenge Secondary School: KSh 2,500,000 for completion of a 90-student capacity twin laboratory.
- St. Marys Mwikhupo Secondary School: KSh 2,500,000 for laboratory completion.
- Muliro, Kewa, Nakoba, and several other secondary schools: KSh 1,000,000 to KSh 2,500,000 each for laboratory construction and completion.
- Other Educational Facilities:
- Ndalu Secondary School: KSh 2,500,000 for a 150-student capacity dining hall.
- Kakamwe Secondary School: KSh 3,000,000 for renovation of a dining hall/kitchen.
- St. Augustine Girls High School Lukhuna: KSh 1,600,000 for septic tank construction and electrical/plumbing services.
These educational infrastructure investments aim to improve learning environments and address the constituency’s educational challenges.
Conclusion.
Tongaren Constituency presents a complex picture of rural development in Kenya, with a predominantly agricultural economy gradually benefiting from infrastructure improvements. Land prices remain the most reliable economic indicator, showing consistent demand for agricultural property despite the area’s high poverty levels.
The ongoing road development projects and educational infrastructure investments signal positive momentum toward addressing long-standing development challenges. As these infrastructure projects reach completion in the coming months, Tongaren is likely to experience improved connectivity, market access, and educational opportunities – critical factors for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. The constituency’s future development trajectory will depend largely on how effectively these investments translate into improved livelihoods for its nearly 190,000 residents.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Soysambu/Mitua?
2.How has the infrastructure development in Ndalu/Tabani changed over the years?
3.What are the average land prices in Milima?
4.Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects in Naitiri/Kabuyefwe?
5.How does the cost of living in Mbakalo compare to other areas in Bungoma County?