Comprehensive Profile of Mahiakalo Ward, Lurambi Constituency.

Mahiakalo ward represents a significant administrative unit within Lurambi Constituency in Kakamega County, Kenya. This detailed analysis examines the geographic context, demographic composition, housing market dynamics, and recent infrastructure developments that characterize this evolving area.

Locations > Kakamega > Lurambi > Mahiakalo

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Geographic Context and Administrative Framework.

Mahiakalo is one of six wards within Lurambi Constituency, which itself is among the twelve constituencies that constitute Kakamega County. Spanning approximately 13.4 square kilometers, Mahiakalo occupies a relatively compact territory in comparison to other wards in the constituency. The ward is strategically situated approximately 1.5 kilometers from Kakamega town, the county headquarters, along the Kakamega-Webuye road. This proximity to the county’s administrative center affords Mahiakalo residents convenient access to services while maintaining a distinct community identity.

Within the larger administrative framework, Mahiakalo is part of the Kakamega Municipality Division and falls under Bukhungu location and Mahiakalo sub-location. The ward’s position within Lurambi Constituency, which was established during Kenya’s 1963 elections, places it within one of the country’s historically significant electoral districts.

Demographic Profile and Population Dynamics.

Demographic data indicates that Mahiakalo has an approximate population of 12,067 residents according to constituency records, though more recent data from InfoTrak Research suggests a somewhat lower figure of 6,815 with 11 representatives. This discrepancy may reflect different census periods or varying administrative boundary definitions.

The ward represents approximately 7.5% of Lurambi Constituency’s total population of approximately 160,229 residents. Historically, Mahiakalo has maintained a modest but significant voter base, with records from 2005 indicating 3,217 registered voters in the ward.

Housing and Real Estate Market.

The real estate landscape in Mahiakalo presents a developing market with limited formal listings but growing potential:

2bdrm House in Mwiyala, Mahiakalo for Rent-Rental Properties.

The rental market in Mahiakalo appears to be in nascent stages with limited formal listings. Available properties include:

One-bedroom Airbnb accommodations in Mwiyala priced at approximately KSh 2,500.
Limited availability of three-bedroom rental houses with insufficient market data to establish reliable average pricing.

Property in Mahiakalo for Rent & Sale-Property Sales.

The market for property sales in Mahiakalo appears underdeveloped in formal listing platforms:

Searches for houses for sale in the area return insufficient results to establish clear pricing patterns.
The limited formal listings suggest either a predominance of informal property transactions or relatively low turnover in property ownership.

For contextual understanding of regional property values, while not specific to Mahiakalo, nearby areas in Kakamega County show varied pricing:

Properties in Sheywe, a neighboring ward, list three-bedroom family houses on one-acre plots for approximately KSh 16 million.
Commercial properties in central Kakamega town command significantly higher prices, with hotels listed between KSh 110-240 million.

Infrastructure Development Initiatives.

Mahiakalo has experienced notable infrastructure developments that signal investment in the ward’s growth:

Transportation Infrastructure.

A significant transportation enhancement was launched on January 12, 2024, when Kakamega County Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa initiated the upgrade of the Mahiakalo Primary junction-Showground-Nyayo Tea Zone-Shikulu Junction road to bitumen standard. This development aims to:

Boost local businesses within Mahiakalo.
Enhance connectivity within Kakamega Municipality.
Support tea farming activities in the vicinity.

Water Resources Development.

Water infrastructure improvements include:

Proposed construction of ward-based water springs in Mahiakalo ward to improve water access.
Implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, including a 30,000-liter tank at Mahiakalo Primary School, addressing previously inconsistent water supply challenges.
Development of sanitation facilities, including EcoSan latrines at educational institutions.

These water infrastructure projects address critical needs highlighted in community assessments, where inconsistent water supply has been documented as a significant challenge for institutions serving over 1,500 pupils.

Public Services and Amenities.

Educational Facilities.

Mahiakalo hosts educational institutions that serve substantial student populations:

Mahiakalo Primary School, established in 1954 by Mill Hill Catholic Missionaries, accommodates 1,522 pupils in primary education and 182 in early childhood education.
The school also maintains a special unit for 68 pupils with mental and physical disabilities.

Accommodation and Hospitality.

The ward features several accommodation options that serve both residents and visitors:

Kakamega Sheywe Hotel, rated 2.8 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.
Lamanis Haven, an apartment-style accommodation offering WiFi and located on Kakamega-Webuye road.
Additional establishments including Milimani Hotel and Hellenis Guest House.

Healthcare Access.

While specific healthcare facilities within Mahiakalo are not detailed in the available data, Kakamega County has invested significantly in healthcare infrastructure, with notable developments including the construction of the Kakamega County General Hospital in Lurambi Sub-County.

Economic Context and Development Potential.

Mahiakalo’s economic landscape appears to blend residential, agricultural, and small business activities. The recent road infrastructure upgrade initiative specifically mentions its intention to “boost local businesses” and facilitate “tea farming in the vicinity,” suggesting these are significant economic activities in the area.

The ward’s proximity to Kakamega town positions it favorably for economic growth as urban expansion continues. The ongoing infrastructure improvements, particularly road upgrades, are likely to enhance property values and stimulate further development in the medium to long term.

Conclusion.

Mahiakalo ward represents a developing area within Lurambi Constituency with strategic advantages stemming from its proximity to Kakamega town. Recent infrastructure investments, particularly in road networks and water systems, signal recognition of the ward’s development potential. While formal real estate market data remains limited, the ongoing infrastructure enhancements suggest a trajectory toward increased property values and development opportunities.

The ward’s relatively compact geographic footprint, combined with its positioning along the Kakamega-Webuye road, provides a foundation for continued integration with broader county development initiatives. Monitoring upcoming county development plans will be essential for understanding Mahiakalo’s evolving role within Kakamega County’s development landscape.

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