Tarakwa Ward in Kesses Constituency: A Comprehensive Area Profile

Tarakwa is a significant ward within Kesses Constituency of Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This highland area offers a blend of agricultural potential, developing infrastructure, and investment opportunities in real estate. This report explores the geographical features, demographic data, property prices, and recent development initiatives in this growing region.

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Geographic Profile and Administrative Structure

Tarakwa Ward is one of the four administrative units within Kesses Constituency, alongside Racecourse, Cheptiret/Kipchamo, and Tulwet/Chuiyat wards. Located in the fertile highlands of Uasin Gishu County, Tarakwa sits at an impressive elevation of 2,317 meters (7,602 feet) above sea level. Geographically, it is positioned at approximately 0° 16′ 10″ north latitude and 35° 23′ 42″ east longitude.

Kesses Constituency, where Tarakwa is situated, occupies a significant area of 731.0 km², making it the second largest Sub-County in Uasin Gishu after Moiben. The constituency forms part of the larger Uasin Gishu County, which covers a total area of 3,345.2 square kilometers. This region enjoys a strategic location, with Kesses Constituency bordering Turbo Constituency to the north, Kapsaret to the west, Ainabkoi to the east, and Eldama Ravine on the southern side.

The physical landscape of Tarakwa and the broader Kesses area is characterized by a plateau in the Rift Valley with relatively level terrain interspersed with medium gradient hills. The region benefits from a cool and temperate climate that supports its agricultural activities. Nearby localities include Greystones (approximately 3 km northwest) and Sambul (about 4 km west).

Demographic and Social Context

According to the 2019 Population Census, Tarakwa Ward had a population of 19,202 residents. The ward had 18,117 registered voters as recorded in recent electoral data. This makes it one of the most politically significant wards in the constituency.

Kesses Constituency as a whole had a population of 148,798 people according to the 2019 census. The constituency is part of the cosmopolitan Uasin Gishu County, which is primarily inhabited by Kalenjins along with other ethnic groups including Kikuyus, Luhyas, Luos, and Kisiis.

The constituency has faced political tensions related to representation. Historical records indicate that Tarakwa has produced more members of parliament than other parts of the constituency, leading to some regional political disagreements about equitable leadership opportunities. There have been concerns raised about development disparities within different regions of the constituency.

Property Market: Land and Housing: Land for Sale in Tarakwa, Kesses - Land Prices

The land market in Uasin Gishu County, which encompasses Tarakwa, shows considerable variation in pricing. The average price for land in the county stands at approximately 5.4 million Kenyan Shillings. The price range is quite broad:

Entry-level plots start from around 650,000 Kenyan Shillings
Premium properties can reach as high as 125 million Kenyan Shillings
Properties featuring parking facilities command higher prices, averaging around 25 million Kenyan Shillings.

Most available plots in the region average around 1 acre in size, though the market offers options ranging from 0.1 acres to expansive 25-acre parcels. This diversity in land availability caters to different investment needs, from residential development to commercial ventures and agricultural activities.

Housing Market

While specific data on house prices within Tarakwa itself is limited, there is evidence of an active real estate market. The housing options in Uasin Gishu County include:

Single-bedroom houses in Tarakwa available for purchase
A range of residential options throughout the county, including bungalows (87 listings), duplexes (10 listings), and apartment blocks
Properties ranging from 1-bedroom to 10-bedroom houses, catering to various family sizes and investment purposes

The residential property market in the area reflects the growing demand for housing as the region develops, with options spanning from affordable dwellings to more luxurious properties.

Infrastructure and Development Initiatives

Recent years have seen significant infrastructure development in Uasin Gishu County that directly or indirectly benefits Tarakwa and the broader Kesses Constituency. A major initiative is the 2 billion Kenyan Shilling road construction project in Eldoret aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving business access.

The infrastructure improvements include:

Opening up drainage systems to control stormwater, addressing a long-standing challenge for businesses and residents.
Road maintenance projects in various estates including Mwanzo, Shauri, Maili Nne, and Kipkaren.
Plans to establish an asphalt plant to accelerate infrastructure development across the county.

The county government has set ambitious targets for road development, including:

Graveling 300 kilometers of inter-ward roads annually
Tarmacking at least one kilometer in every urban setup each financial year
Expanding walkways along major roads to improve pedestrian safety, which also benefits the region’s athletes.

These infrastructure projects are aligned with the county’s “Nguzo Kumi” development pillars, specifically focusing on improved mobility and accessibility for residents and farmers transporting produce to markets.

Economic Activities

Tarakwa, like the rest of Kesses Constituency, benefits from the fertile agricultural conditions of Uasin Gishu County. The county is renowned for its agricultural prowess, earning the nickname “the bread basket” due to its substantial production of wheat, maize, and milk.

The region also contributes to Kenya’s athletic achievements, with Uasin Gishu County being referred to as the “County of Champions” due to its reputation as an athletics epicenter. This sporting heritage adds to the cultural significance of areas like Tarakwa.

Conclusion

Tarakwa Ward represents a microcosm of the development potential within Kesses Constituency and the broader Uasin Gishu County. With its strategic location, fertile lands, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, the area offers numerous opportunities for both agricultural activities and real estate investment. The relatively diverse property market provides options for various budget levels, while government initiatives continue to enhance the region’s accessibility and economic potential.

As infrastructure development progresses and urbanization continues, property values in Tarakwa may experience appreciation, making it a potentially attractive location for long-term investment. However, balanced development across all regions of the constituency remains an important consideration for fostering inclusive growth and addressing historical concerns about regional disparities.

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5. How does the cost of living in Tulwet/Chuiyat compare to other areas in Uasin Gishu County?