Shirere Ward: A Comprehensive Profile of Lurambi Constituency's Growing Community.

Shirere ward stands as a significant administrative division within Lurambi Constituency of Kakamega County, Kenya. This ward has been experiencing notable development in infrastructure, housing, and community services in recent years. This report examines the geographical features, demographic trends, real estate market, and recent infrastructure developments that characterize Shirere and its position within the broader Lurambi Constituency.

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Geographical and Administrative Context.

Shirere is one of six wards that comprise Lurambi Constituency in Kakamega County, Western Kenya. Lurambi Constituency, established during Kenya’s 1963 elections, is one of twelve constituencies in Kakamega County. The constituency has historical significance in Kenya’s political landscape, having had several prominent representatives over the decades.

Shirere ward covers approximately 17.4 square kilometers of land area, making it a moderately sized administrative unit within the constituency. The ward is strategically positioned with good access to major transportation routes, including the Kakamega-Kisumu Superhighway which serves as an important corridor for local commerce and mobility.

Demographic Profile.

According to recent data, Shirere ward has an approximate population of 33,510 residents. The adult population stands at around 18,926, making it one of the more densely populated wards in Lurambi Constituency. The ward’s relatively high population density (approximately 1,926 people per square kilometer) indicates its urban or peri-urban character within the largely rural Kakamega County.

The current political representation includes Christopher Aseka as the Member of Parliament for Lurambi Constituency, though other sources indicate that Mukhwana Titus Khamala held this position as of 2017 and was still referenced as the MP during the 2023 affordable housing project launch.

Real Estate Market Analysis: Rental House in Shirere, Lurambi - Housing Prices and Availability.

The residential real estate market in Shirere offers various housing options at different price points. A typical one-bedroom house in Shirere commands a monthly rental of approximately KSh 13,000. These properties feature strategic locations near major infrastructure such as the Kakamega-Kisumu Superhighway (approximately 200 meters away), offering residents convenient access to transportation networks.

Housing in Shirere is characterized by:

New constructions with modern amenities
Quiet and secure environments
Good vehicular accessibility
Spacious kitchen layouts
Limited supply (with some developments offering only a few units)

In the broader context, the housing market across Kenya has been experiencing a correction phase. According to the Kenya Bankers Association Housing Price Index, house prices declined by 1.1% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, with a significant year-on-year decrease of 14.28%. This price adjustment creates potential opportunities for homebuyers while presenting challenges for developers and investors.

Land for Sal in Shirere, Lurambi - Land Prices.

Land values in Shirere reflect the area’s growing appeal and development potential:

A standard plot in Shirere that includes a house with utilities (water and electricity) is priced at approximately KSh 3,000,000.
In nearby areas like Musaa, a quarter-acre parcel of land commands approximately KSh 1,500,000.

These prices position Shirere as a moderately priced area within Kakamega County, making it accessible to middle-income earners while still representing a significant investment opportunity.

Recent Infrastructure Developments.

Shirere has been benefiting from several significant infrastructure projects that aim to enhance the quality of life for residents and stimulate economic growth in the area:

Water Supply Infrastructure. (2023)

In November 2023, the Kakamega County Government initiated a water pipeline project specifically for Shirere Ward. This project involved the supply, delivery, excavation, laying, and testing of a new water pipeline system throughout the ward. This infrastructure enhancement aims to improve water accessibility and reliability for residents, addressing one of the fundamental needs of the community.

Lurambi Affordable Housing Program. (2023-2025)

One of the most transformative developments affecting Shirere and the broader Lurambi Constituency is the Affordable Housing Program that was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony led by President William Ruto on August 26, 2023. Key aspects of this program include:

Initial phase comprising 220 housing units with plans to expand to 4,000 units
Project implementation on a 4-acre government-owned parcel of land
Development of 9 apartment blocks featuring a mix of housing types:
- 60 studio units
- 20 one-bedroom units
- 100 two-bedroom units
- 40 three-bedroom units
Total investment of approximately KSh 473 million
Targeted completion date of April 2025
Employment creation for approximately 3,500 youths both directly and indirectly.

The project represents a significant public investment in housing infrastructure and aligns with Kenya’s national affordable housing agenda. It has engaged local contractors and artisans through partnerships with organizations like the Kakamega Engineering and Fabricators Association and KEFINCO Carpenters Association, demonstrating a commitment to community-based economic development.

Informal Settlements Improvement Initiative.

The broader Lurambi area is also benefiting from the Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2), which focuses on enhancing basic infrastructure in selected settlements across Kakamega County. While it’s not explicitly stated whether Shirere is one of the beneficiary settlements, the initiative targets improvements in:

Road infrastructure
Water supply systems
Security enhancement through street lighting
Community engagement in development planning

These improvements aim to enhance the quality of life for residents in informal settlements and integrate these areas more effectively into the urban fabric.

Public Transportation and Mobility Issues.

Recent developments in transportation policy have garnered attention in Shirere. In April 2023, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barrasa held a public forum in Shirere ward specifically addressing concerns regarding proposed motorcycle transport regulations. The governor expressed opposition to Senator Boni Khalwale’s bill aimed at regulating the motorcycle (boda boda) sector, citing potential negative impacts on youth employment. This issue highlights the importance of the motorcycle transport sector as both a mobility solution and economic opportunity for young people in Shirere.

Conclusion.

Shirere ward represents a dynamic and evolving community within Lurambi Constituency, characterized by moderate land and housing prices, strategic location near major transportation corridors, and benefiting from significant public investments in infrastructure. The ongoing affordable housing program, in particular, has the potential to transform the area’s residential landscape while creating substantial employment opportunities.

The combination of strategic location, improving infrastructure, and relatively affordable real estate makes Shirere an area with considerable development potential. However, challenges remain in terms of complete infrastructure provision, particularly in water supply and transportation regulation. How these challenges are addressed will significantly influence Shirere’s development trajectory in the coming years.

The ward’s development reflects broader trends in Kenya’s secondary urban centers, where public investments in housing and infrastructure are being leveraged to stimulate economic growth and improve quality of life. Continued monitoring of these developments will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of Kenya’s urban development strategies.

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