Matapato South Ward: A Comprehensive Analysis of Kajiado Central's Developing Region.

Matapato South Ward stands as one of the key administrative divisions within Kajiado Central Constituency, representing an area undergoing significant transformation in Kenya’s Rift Valley region. This report examines the ward’s geographic context, economic indicators, property market trends, and ongoing development initiatives to provide a comprehensive understanding of this evolving area.

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Geographic and Administrative Context.

Matapato South Ward is one of the five wards within Kajiado Central Constituency, which itself is one of five constituencies making up Kajiado County. The ward is bordered by Matapato North to the north and forms part of the larger administrative structure of Kajiado County government. According to county administrative data, Matapato South encompasses approximately 1,311.4 square kilometers of land, making it a sizable administrative unit within the constituency.

Kajiado County, where the ward is situated, occupies a strategic position in Kenya’s geography, bordered by Narok County to the west, Nakuru, Kiambu, and Nairobi counties to the north, Machakos, Makueni, and Taita-Taveta counties to the east, and Tanzania to the south. This position grants Matapato South Ward significant potential for growth as part of the greater Kajiado economic zone.

The ward falls under the representation of the current Member of Parliament for Kajiado Central, Elijah Memusi of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, who was elected in 2017 following a by-election win in 2015. At the county assembly level, Matapato South has its own elected Member of County Assembly (MCA) who represents the ward’s interests in the Kajiado County Assembly.

Political Representation and Governance.

Kajiado Central Constituency has been represented by several Members of Parliament since its establishment in 1988. The current MP, Elijah Memusi, represents the constituency in the National Assembly. Political representation at the ward level is through the MCA who participates in county legislative processes that directly impact Matapato South.

In terms of governance approval ratings, CountyTrak Index data from 2020 indicated that Kajiado Central Constituency’s MP had an approval rating of 50.9%, showing moderate satisfaction with leadership in the area. This places Kajiado Central in the middle range of constituent satisfaction among the county’s five constituencies.

Land Market Analysis: Plots for Sale in Matapato South Ward, Kajiado Central - Current Land Prices and Trends.

Land prices in Matapato South Ward reflect the broader patterns observed across Kajiado County, with certain variations based on specific location factors and proximity to infrastructure. While precise data specifically for Matapato South is limited, nearby comparable areas provide useful reference points for understanding the local land market.

In Matapato North, which shares similar characteristics with Matapato South, land parcels have been advertised for sale at varying price points. For instance, ten acres of land at Ilbisil in the Matapato area has been advertised at KSh 200,000, suggesting an approximate value of KSh 20,000 per acre for certain rural parcels. This represents the lower end of the market, likely for undeveloped agricultural land.

Across the broader Kajiado Central area, land prices demonstrate significant variability:

Plots with strategic locations in Kajiado Central are being offered at premium prices, with some properties of approximately 883 square meters (approximately 1/5 acre) listed at KSh 2,122,000 after discounts14.
Larger parcels of approximately 1,420 square meters are priced around KSh 3,367,000, while 2-acre plots may fetch up to KSh 3,032,32014.
Premium plots of nearly 12,690 square meters (approximately 3 acres) can command prices up to KSh 3,776,50014.

These price points reflect the gradually increasing value of land in the region as infrastructure development continues and population growth drives demand.

Land for Sale in Matapato South Ward, Kajiado Central: Factors Influencing Land Prices.

Several key factors influence land prices in Matapato South Ward:

Proximity to urban centers: Land closer to developed areas like Kajiado Town commands higher prices than remote rural locations.
Infrastructure access: Parcels with access to recently developed roads, electricity, and water supply systems attract premium prices.
Intended land use: Land designated for commercial purposes typically sells at higher rates than agricultural land.
Population growth: Increasing migration from Nairobi has driven demand for residential plots in Kajiado County’s more accessible areas.

According to market analysis for the broader Kajiado region, land prices range significantly based on location and development status:

Areas near Nairobi’s borders, such as Ngong, Ongata Rongai, and Kitengela, command the highest prices (KSh 1.5M to KSh 20M for 1/8 to 1/4 acre plots)10.
Mid-range areas like Kiserian and Kisaju see prices between KSh 1.5M and KSh 4.5M for 1/8 acre plots10.

Rural areas like Matapato South typically have more affordable land prices, often ranging from KSh 500K to KSh 2.5M per acre depending on specific location attributes10.

Housing Market Overview: House Pricing Patterns.

The housing market in Matapato South Ward is relatively underdeveloped compared to more urbanized areas of Kajiado County. Limited data is available on formal housing prices specifically for the ward, with market reports indicating insufficient transaction volume to establish reliable pricing trends.

However, in the broader Kajiado Central context, housing development is gradually increasing, with particular growth in areas closer to main transportation corridors. While formal market data is scarce, the housing sector in Matapato South appears to be characterized by:

Traditional homesteads: Many residents maintain traditional Maasai homesteads rather than formal housing structures.
Emerging modern housing: Gradual introduction of modern residential units, particularly near trading centers and along improved road networks.
Rental market: Limited formal rental market, with most rental properties concentrated in larger urban centers within Kajiado Central.

The county government has undertaken initiatives to rehabilitate existing county houses, with reports indicating that 10 county houses were recently rehabilitated as part of broader infrastructure development efforts. This reflects a growing focus on improving housing conditions across Kajiado County, including in wards like Matapato South.

Housing Demand Factors.

Several factors influence housing demand in Matapato South:

Urbanization trends: Gradual population shift toward semi-urban settlements within the ward.
Economic diversification: Movement beyond traditional pastoralism toward mixed economic activities.
Infrastructure improvements: New road networks making the area more accessible for commuters and increasing residential appeal.

While systematic market data for housing in Matapato South specifically remains limited, the ongoing infrastructure development suggests potential for housing market growth in the coming years.

Recent Infrastructure Development: Road Infrastructure.

Matapato South Ward has recently benefited from significant road infrastructure investments. The County Government of Kajiado has issued tenders for several major road projects within the ward, including:

Ellim-Lemowuo & Maili Tisa-Noosikitok Roads: Comprehensive works including grading, gravelling, culvert installation, and other improvements to enhance connectivity between settlements.
Nairabala-Oloirimirimi Road, Endonyo-Sere Road: Similar upgrading works to improve the ward’s internal road network.
Kiluani Bridge Repair: Structural improvements to maintain connectivity across water bodies within the ward.

These road projects represent part of the county’s broader strategy to enhance rural connectivity and stimulate economic growth by improving market access for local products.

Healthcare Facilities.

Healthcare infrastructure in Matapato South has also received attention in recent development initiatives. Key projects include:

Megumi Dispensary: The County Government has allocated funds for the completion of this vital healthcare facility serving Matapato South residents.
Inkiito Dispensary: Fencing works to improve security and functionality of this existing healthcare facility.

These healthcare developments align with the county’s goal of improving access to essential services for rural populations and reducing the distance residents must travel to receive medical care.

Educational Infrastructure.

Educational infrastructure development is evident through various projects within and near Matapato South Ward:

Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Classrooms: Construction of educational facilities in neighboring Matapato North Ward indicates similar focus on education infrastructure across the region.
School Fencing Projects: Security improvements for educational institutions to create safer learning environments.

The county government appears to be prioritizing educational infrastructure as part of its broader development agenda for rural wards like Matapato South.

Economic Activities and Potential: Current Economic Base.

Matapato South Ward’s economy is predominantly based on pastoralism, which remains the mainstay of Kajiado County’s rural areas. Traditional livestock keeping, primarily cattle, sheep, and goats, provides both nutrition and income for many households.

The ward’s economy also features:

Livestock trading: Sale of animals and animal products (beef, milk, hides, and skins) provides livelihood opportunities.
Small-scale agriculture: Limited crop farming, particularly in areas with access to water sources.
Small trading centers: Commerce concentrated in small market centers serving the local population.

Development Potential.

Matapato South shows promising development potential based on several factors:

Strategic location: Situated within Kajiado County’s sphere of economic influence and relatively accessible to major urban centers.
Infrastructure improvements: Ongoing road network enhancements are opening up the area for increased economic activities.
County development focus: Inclusion in the Kajiado County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027, which outlines strategic priorities including “Modulated Pastoralism” aimed at investing in social, technological, and infrastructural programs to help pastoralists adapt to changing economic and environmental conditions.

The county’s development framework identifies “Livable Towns” as another priority area, aiming to enhance quality of life for residents by improving access to basic services such as water, sanitation, infrastructure, and healthcare. These priorities suggest that Matapato South may see continued infrastructure investment in the coming years.

Conclusion

Matapato South Ward in Kajiado Central Constituency represents an area in transition, balancing traditional pastoral activities with emerging development opportunities. While still predominantly rural, the ward is benefiting from strategic infrastructure investments that are gradually improving connectivity, healthcare access, and educational facilities.

The land market in Matapato South remains more affordable than areas closer to Nairobi, offering potential for both residential and agricultural investment at lower entry points than the county’s more urbanized regions. However, housing market development remains in early stages, with limited formal market data available.

For potential investors or residents, Matapato South presents an opportunity to engage with an area on a development trajectory, supported by county government initiatives to enhance infrastructure and service delivery. As road networks improve and basic services expand, the ward is likely to see gradual integration into the broader economic landscape of Kajiado County, potentially driving property value appreciation in the medium to long term.

Future development will likely be shaped by the implementation of the county’s integrated development plan, climate change adaptation strategies, and the evolution of the traditional pastoral economy toward more diversified livelihood options.

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