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Chemuche East, Malava Constituency: A Comprehensive Profile.
Chemuche East stands as one of the vital wards within Malava Constituency in Kakamega County, Kenya. This report explores the area’s geographical setting, administrative structure, ongoing development initiatives, and real estate market dynamics, providing a comprehensive overview for residents, investors, and policymakers interested in this emerging region.
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Geographical and Administrative Context.
Chemuche East is officially recognized as a ward within Kakamega County’s Malava Constituency. The constituency is represented in parliament by Moses Malulu Injendi and comprises seven wards in total: West Kabras, Chemuche East, East Kabras, Butali/Chegulo, Manda-Shivanga, Shirugu-Mugai, and South Kabras. This administrative structure positions Chemuche East as an integral component of Malava’s local governance framework.
The ward is situated in the western region of Kenya, forming part of Kakamega County’s northern territory. While specific population figures for Chemuche East are not distinctly isolated in the available data, related demographic information suggests a substantial community presence in the broader Chemuche region, with an approximate population of 29,745 residents.
Recent Infrastructure Developments.
Municipality Status.
The most significant recent development for the Malava region is its elevation to municipality status, officially confirmed in late 2024. Malava has become Kakamega County’s fourth municipality, following Butere, with this administrative upgrade expected to catalyze economic growth and development. During the conferment ceremony, Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa emphasized that this milestone would attract substantial investments and improve critical infrastructure including road networks, water systems, and sewerage facilities.
The municipality designation comes with tangible benefits for Chemuche East residents, as Governor Barasa announced that 80% of the municipal workforce would be sourced locally, creating employment opportunities within the community. Additionally, Msafiri Kulova has been appointed as the municipality’s Chief Executive Officer to oversee development initiatives.
Current Infrastructure Projects.
Several significant infrastructure projects are currently underway in the Malava area that will directly or indirectly benefit Chemuche East:
- Musingu Box Culvert Construction: A tender was issued in November 2023 for the “PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF MUSINGU 1(LOWER) BOX CULVERT IN CHEMUCHE WARD, MALAVA SUB-COUNTY,” indicating direct infrastructure investment in the ward.
- Malava Dairy Project: This economic development initiative is nearing completion, with finalization expected by early 2025. The project includes the development of a 7.6-kilometer access road that is approaching completion.
- Road Infrastructure: The Butali-Malekha Road has been included in the next financial year’s development plan, while the Samitsi-Navakholo Road will be tarmacked under a national government initiative.
- Bridge Construction: Several bridges across the sub-county are scheduled for commissioning by February 2025, enhancing connectivity for residents.
This municipal transformation is part of a broader county strategy, as announced during public participation events in April 2025, where Kakamega County government revealed plans to transform Malava, Matunda, and Butere urban centers into municipalities to unlock their economic potential.
Real Estate Market Analysis.
Land & Plots for Sale in Kakamega-Land Prices.
Land values in and around Malava present attractive investment opportunities compared to more urbanized parts of Kenya. Current market rates indicate that one acre of land in Malava is priced at approximately 900,000 Kenyan Shillings. This positions Malava, including Chemuche East, as a relatively affordable option for land acquisition within Kakamega County.
While specific listings for Chemuche East are limited, with some property platforms indicating “no properties found in this location”15, the broader Kakamega County real estate market shows significant variation in land prices:
- Plots in nearby areas range from 600,000 KSh for a 59×100 plot in Musembe Market.
- 50×100 plots in Handidi, Kakamega (approximately 400m off Kakamega-Malava highway) are priced at around 800,000 KSh.
The municipality status recently granted to Malava is likely to influence land values positively in the coming years as infrastructure improves and economic activities intensify.
Houses for Sale in Chemuche, Kakamega-Housing Market.
The housing market in the Malava area presents a diverse range of options, though specific data for Chemuche East is limited. In the broader Malava region:
- Short-term accommodations are available through platforms like Airbnb, with prices starting from approximately $20 per night.
- Property listings in neighboring areas of Kakamega County show variations in housing prices:
- Three-bedroom houses in Sheywe range from 5,500,000 KSh to 8,000,000 KSh.
- More substantial properties, such as a three-bedroom family house on one acre of land, are listed at around 16,000,000 KSh.
The commercial property sector in Chemuche shows some activity, with sources indicating availability of “Shops To Let” in the area, suggesting an emerging commercial real estate segment that could benefit from the new municipality status.
Economic Prospects and Future Outlook.
The elevation of Malava to municipality status represents a pivotal turning point for Chemuche East and surrounding areas. According to County Secretary Lawrence Omuhaka, this development will “not only bring services closer to the people but also create economic knobs that will create opportunities for many people”.
The county government’s investment in infrastructure, combined with increased access to grants and funds from various development partners, positions Chemuche East for potential growth. The area’s relative affordability compared to urban centers makes it an attractive prospect for real estate investors seeking emerging markets with development potential.
Conclusion.
Chemuche East stands at an interesting juncture in its development trajectory. The ward benefits from its position within the newly designated Malava Municipality, with ongoing infrastructure projects set to enhance connectivity and economic opportunities. While specific real estate data for Chemuche East remains limited, the broader trends in Malava and Kakamega County suggest a market with investment potential, particularly as municipal services expand and infrastructure improves.
For residents, investors, and policymakers, monitoring the implementation of planned infrastructure projects and the effects of municipality status will be crucial in assessing Chemuche East’s development trajectory in the coming years. The combination of administrative upgrades, infrastructure investments, and relatively affordable land prices creates a compelling case for considering this ward in future development and investment plans.
Related
1. What are the current house prices in Butali/Chegulo?
2. How much does land cost per acre in Manda-Shivanga?
3. Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Shirugu-Mugai?
4. What amenities are available in houses for sale in South Kabras?
5. How does the cost of living in Kabras compare to other areas in Kakamega County
Related
1. What are the current house prices in Butali/Chegulo?
2. How much does land cost per acre in Manda-Shivanga?
3. Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Shirugu-Mugai?
4. What amenities are available in houses for sale in South Kabras?
5. How does the cost of living in Kabras compare to other areas in Kakamega County