Koyonzo, Matungu Constituency: A Comprehensive Overview.

Koyonzo, the largest ward in Matungu Constituency, represents a significant portion of Western Kenya’s agricultural and cultural landscape. Located in Kakamega County, this area offers a blend of historical significance, educational institutions, and investment opportunities. This report explores the geographical characteristics, economic activities, property market trends, and recent developments in this growing region.

Locations > Kakamega > Matungu > Koyonzo

No properties found in this location.

Geographic and Administrative Context.

Koyonzo ward is the largest administrative unit within Matungu Constituency, covering approximately 66.8 km². Matungu Constituency itself spans 275.8 km² and comprises five wards: Koyonzo, Namamali, Kholera, Khalaba, and Mayoni. The constituency is situated in the Lower Medium ecological zone of Kakamega County, bordering Bungoma County to the North, Busia County to the West, and Siaya County to the South.

Matungu Constituency was established in 1997, carved out of the larger Mumias Constituency following residents’ concerns about representation in the expansive original constituency. The name “Matungu” derives from “Litungu,” a traditional musical instrument played by the native communities. Historically, the area holds cultural significance as the burial ground of the Nabongo’s (Kings) of the Wanga Kingdom.

Demographics and Population.

Based on the 2009 National Population and Housing Census, Matungu Constituency had a population of 183,544 (as of 2018), projected to reach 202,848 by 2022. The constituency has a population density of approximately 665 people per square kilometer, with projections indicating an increase to 735 by 2022. The predominant communities in the area are the Luhya sub-tribes, primarily the Wanga and partly the Bukusu.

Economic Activities and Livelihoods.

Agricultural Production.

The primary economic activity in Koyonzo and the broader Matungu Constituency is sugarcane production. Many residents are farmers who supply raw materials to the Mumias Sugar Company. Beyond sugarcane farming, residents also engage in cultivating maize, sweet potatoes, tea, groundnuts, and cassava.

Commercial Center

Koyonzo shopping center serves as an important commercial hub in the area. However, according to the Cities and Urban Areas Act requirements, Matungu constituency does not have officially designated urban centers. This suggests potential for future development of more robust commercial infrastructure.

Property Market: Land and Housing.

Property in Koyonzo for Rent & Sale -Land Prices.

Land values in Koyonzo and Matungu reflect the area’s agricultural potential and growing demand. Current listings show:

Land in Matungu is priced at approximately KSh 800,000 per acre.
Some listings in Koyonzo advertise land at KSh 1,000,000 per acre.

These prices are significantly lower than those in more urbanized areas like Kikuyu, where a 1/8 acre plot can range from KSh 500,000 to KSh 20 million depending on location and intended use3.

2 Bedrooms Houses & Apartments for Sale in Koyonzo-Housing Market.

The residential property market in Koyonzo remains relatively limited but with emerging opportunities:

A 2-bedroom house in Koyonzo was recently listed for sale at KSh 15,000,000.
The broader Kenyan housing market has experienced price corrections, with the Kenya Bankers Association Housing Price Index (KBA-HPI) showing that house prices dropped by 1.1% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter and fell 14.28% year-on-year.

This downward trend in housing prices could create opportunities for new homebuyers in the region while presenting challenges for developers.

Market Outlook.

Housing market analysts predict a moderate recovery in property prices, with forecasts suggesting a 4% increase across 2025. For potential investors in Koyonzo, this represents a possible growth opportunity as infrastructure development continues to enhance the area’s appeal.

Education and Social Infrastructure.

Educational Institutions.

Koyonzo hosts several notable educational institutions:

Koyonzo High School – Renowned for its athletics program, particularly rugby. The school’s team, “The Stormers,” are reigning Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) 7s champions and will compete in the 2024 Kakamega County school games scheduled for June 19-22.
Koyonzo Special School for the Visually Impaired – A specialized institution that recently received significant support from the Japanese government. In March 2025, the Embassy of Japan funded the construction of two dormitories at the school with a grant of approximately KSh 8.4 million through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Security Concerns.

Despite development efforts, Koyonzo has faced security challenges. In March 2024, protests erupted at Koyonzo shopping center following the murder of two night guards, highlighting community concerns about rising cases of robbery and theft. Local residents called for enhanced security measures, particularly regarding the operation of the police post located less than 100 meters from the market.

Infrastructure Development.

Recent Projects.

The broader Kakamega County has seen significant infrastructure development that benefits Koyonzo and Matungu Constituency:

Road Infrastructure – The county has upgraded over 44 kilometers of gravel roads to bitumen standards and constructed over 3,000 kilometers of gravel roads.
Educational Facilities – Construction and equipping of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers and polytechnics throughout the country.
Healthcare Facilities – The County Teaching and Referral Hospital project aims to improve specialized medical services in the region.
Water Infrastructure – Establishment of the Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company to enhance access to clean water.

Planned Development.

The Kakamega County Annual Development Plan (CADP) for FY 2025/26 outlines strategic priorities focusing on:

Enhanced access to quality and affordable healthcare.
Improved water and sanitation.
Supporting wealth creation and infrastructure development.
Sustaining food security initiatives.
Provision of quality education.
Enhancing social development and promoting good governance.

The county government plans to spend KES 15.36 billion on development projects in the 2025/26, with KES 5.95 billion already secured and efforts to address the KES 9.41 billion resource gap through enhanced revenue generation and partnerships with development organizations.

Conclusion.

Koyonzo ward in Matungu Constituency presents a region in transition, balancing its agricultural heritage with emerging development opportunities. The area’s affordable land prices compared to more urbanized regions in Kenya make it potentially attractive for investment, particularly in agriculture and residential development.

Educational institutions like Koyonzo High School and Koyonzo Special School for the Visually Impaired represent bright spots in the social infrastructure landscape, while planned county-wide development in healthcare, water, and road infrastructure will likely enhance the area’s livability and economic potential.

For potential investors or residents, Koyonzo offers the appeal of relatively affordable land in an area with improving infrastructure, though challenges in security and limited urban amenities remain considerations. As Kakamega County continues implementing its development plans, Koyonzo’s strategic position as the largest ward in Matungu Constituency positions it well for future growth and development.

1. What are the current house prices in Kholera?

2. How much does land cost per acre in Khalaba?

3. Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Mayoni?

4. What are the most affordable housing options in Namamali?

5. How has the real estate market in Marama West changed over the past few years?