Lumakanda: The Administrative and Economic Hub of Lugari Constituency.

Lumakanda serves as the administrative center of Lugari Constituency, one of the twelve constituencies in Kakamega County, Kenya. This comprehensive analysis explores the demographic profile, economic activities, real estate market trends, and recent infrastructure developments in this rapidly growing area.

Locations > Kakamega > Lugari > Lumakanda

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Geographic and Administrative Context.

Lumakanda town is situated within Lugari Constituency, which spans an area of 367.1 km² in western Kenya. The constituency comprises six County Assembly wards: Lumakanda, Lugari, Mautuma, Lwandeti, Chekalini, and Chevaywa. Strategically positioned, Lugari Constituency borders Uasin Gishu County and Turbo constituency to the east, while its western boundaries connect with Malava Constituency, Likuyani constituency, and Webuye West constituency.

Historically, Lumakanda served as the headquarters of Lugari Division before the 2010 constitutional changes that eliminated Lugari District and incorporated it into Kakamega County. This administrative importance continues to influence its development trajectory.

Demographic Profile.

Lumakanda town itself covers a compact area of 0.327 km² and hosts a population of 4,916 residents according to recent data. The demographic breakdown reveals a nearly balanced gender distribution with 2,423 males (49.3%) and 2,493 females (50.7%). The town has experienced remarkable population growth, increasing by 236.5% between 2000 and 2015.

The age structure skews notably young with a median age of just 15.9 years (15.2 for males and 16.6 for females). This youthful demographic profile is evident in the population distribution, with nearly half the residents under 20 years old. The population density stands at approximately 15,029 people per square kilometer, making Lumakanda significantly more densely populated than surrounding areas.

Cultural and Ethnic Composition.

Lugari Constituency, including Lumakanda, is known for its multicultural character. The area serves as home to various ethnic communities, with the Luhya being predominant. Among the Luhya sub-groups, the Maragoli and Bukusu maintain substantial presence, while Tachoni and Banyala constitute smaller populations. Other significant ethnic communities include Luo, Kikuyu, and Kalenjin, creating a diverse cultural landscape.

Economic Activities and Livelihood.

Agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy, with farming being the primary occupation for most residents. The constituency benefits from favorable rainfall patterns that support cultivation of various food crops. Major agricultural products include:

Maize (primary staple crop).
Beans.
Sugarcane.
Sweet potatoes.

The fertile soil conditions combined with reliable precipitation have positioned the area as an important food production zone, allowing residents not only to meet their subsistence needs but also to generate income through sale of surplus produce.

Real Estate Market Analysis.

Land & Plots for Sale in Lumakanda-Land Prices.

Land values in Lumakanda and surrounding areas vary based on location, proximity to amenities, and plot size. Current market prices indicate:

Lumakanda Town and Immediate Surroundings:
- One acre of land in Lumakanda is priced at approximately KSh 1.4 million.
- Quarter-acre residential plots are available for around KSh 350,000.
- Land at Indoli (on the tarmac road) sells for KSh 1.5 million per acre.
Neighboring Areas in Lugari Constituency:
- Lugari area: One acre available at KSh 1.3 million.
- Mautuma: One acre priced at KSh 1.3 million.
- Luandeti: 0.2 hectares available for KSh 850,000.
Commercial vs. Residential Land:
The quarter-acre plot in Lumakanda town is described as “good for both commercial and residential, good for farming or any project”, highlighting the multifunctional potential of land in the area.

Houses & Apartments for Sale in Lumakanda-Housing Market.

The residential property market in Lumakanda shows varied pricing depending on property type and location:

Rental Properties:
- A 3-bedroom bungalow with its own compound (50×100) is available for KSh 25,000 per month.
Properties for Sale:
While specific listings for houses in Lumakanda itself are limited in the provided data, properties in the broader Kakamega area offer context for the regional market:
- A 50×100 plot with an old 3-bedroom bungalow in Kakamega township is listed at KSh 3.7 million.
- Various residential plots and houses are available through local property agents.

The real estate market in Lumakanda appears to be developing, with increasing demand for both residential and commercial properties driving gradual price appreciation.

Infrastructure Development.

Recent infrastructure initiatives demonstrate significant public investment in Lumakanda and the broader Lugari Constituency:

Road Network Improvements.

The most notable recent development is the March 2025 launch of the Lumakanda-Manyonyi road upgrade project. This 8-kilometer stretch connecting Lumakanda and Lugari wards is being upgraded to bitumen standards, with completion expected within two years. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa emphasized that this project aims to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in both wards.

During the launch ceremony, Governor Barasa reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the county’s road network, pledging that each of the 60 wards in Kakamega County would receive a tarmacked road. Local leaders and residents expressed optimism about the project’s potential to:

Ease movement between communities.
Improve access to markets for agricultural products.
Enhance access to healthcare facilities.
Reduce vehicle maintenance costs, particularly for public transport operators.

Educational Facilities.

The National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has completed several educational infrastructure projects in the area, including:

Lumakanda Township Primary School (completed in 2018-2019).
Marukusi Secondary School (completed in 2019-2020).
Mbajo Secondary School (completed in 2019-2020).
Lukhokho Girls Secondary School (completed in 2019-2020).

Administrative Infrastructure.

Recent public facility improvements include:

Lugari Police Post (completed between 2018-2020).
Chevaywa Chief’s Office (completed in 2019-2020).
Construction of NG-CDF office (completed in 2016-2017).

These developments reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen both educational access and security infrastructure in the constituency.

Challenges and Emerging Issues.

Despite developmental progress, Lumakanda and Lugari Constituency face challenges that warrant attention:

Land-Related Concerns.

A recent alert from April 2025 warns residents about fraudulent schemes related to forest land. The acting Kakamega County Commissioner Ngalia Ndaya cautioned against individuals extorting money while falsely registering residents as potential beneficiaries of government forest land. These activities highlight land pressures and the need for stronger land governance mechanisms in the region.

Infrastructural Needs.

While road improvements are underway, the area still requires additional infrastructure development to match its population growth. The young demographic profile suggests future demand for educational facilities, healthcare services, and employment opportunities.

Conclusion.

Lumakanda represents a growing administrative and commercial center within Lugari Constituency, characterized by rapid population growth, diverse economic activities, and recent infrastructure investments. The real estate market shows steady development with land prices reflecting the area’s increasing importance.

The ongoing road upgrade project signals positive momentum for infrastructure development, potentially catalyzing further economic growth. However, challenges related to land governance and increasing infrastructural demands will require continued attention from county and national authorities.

As Lumakanda continues to develop, its strategic location, agricultural productivity, and young population position it as an area with significant growth potential within Kakamega County.

1. What are the current house prices in Mautuma?

2. How has the population growth in Lugari affected land prices?

3. Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Chekalini?

4. What types of crops are most commonly farmed in Chevaywa?

5. How does the cost of land in Lawandeti compare to other areas in Kakamega County?