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Isukha South Ward: A Comprehensive Analysis of Demographics, Real Estate, and Development in Shinyalu Constituency.
Isukha South Ward stands as one of the six vital administrative divisions within Shinyalu Constituency, offering a blend of rural charm and emerging development opportunities. This area has witnessed notable infrastructure initiatives in recent years, while its real estate market demonstrates distinctive characteristics reflective of its semi-rural setting. The following analysis provides an in-depth exploration of Isukha South’s profile, economic indicators, and development trajectory.
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Geographic and Demographic Profile.
Isukha South Ward occupies approximately 38.3 square kilometers within the larger Shinyalu Constituency of Kakamega County. With a population of approximately 35,807 residents, the ward represents a significant portion of Shinyalu’s total population of 159,475. Established as part of Shinyalu Constituency during the 1988 elections when it was carved from the larger Ikolomani constituency, the ward has developed its own distinct identity while maintaining cultural connections to the broader region.
The ward exists within a political framework that includes six total wards in Shinyalu Constituency: Isukha West, Isukha East, Isukha North, Isukha South, Murhanda, and Isukha Central. Electoral data shows that Isukha South had 16,003 registered voters as of September 2022, representing a substantial voting bloc within the constituency. The current representative in the County Assembly is Charles Lwanga, though public discussions suggest varying opinions about his effectiveness in office.
Political Leadership and Representation.
Shinyalu Constituency is currently represented in Parliament by Fredrick Lusuli Ikana of the Amani National Congress (ANC) party, who was elected in the 2022 general election. The parliamentary representation history shows a pattern of changing political affiliations over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of Kenyan politics:
- 1988: Japheth Livasia Lijoodi (KANU).
- 1992: Japheth G. Shamalla (KANU).
- 1997: Daniel Lyula Khamasi (Ford-K).
- 2002: Daniel Lyula Khamasi (NARC).
- 2007: Charles Lugano (ODM), who died in 2009.
- 2009: Justus Kizito (ODM), elected in a by-election.
- 2013: Silverse Anami Lisamula (ODM).
- 2017: Justus Kizito (ODM).
- 2022: Fredrick Lusuli Ikana (ANC).
Real Estate Market Analysis.
Residential Land for Sale in Isukha South -Land Prices.
The real estate market in Isukha South demonstrates varied pricing depending on location, amenities, and land use potential. Current listings provide insight into prevailing market rates:
- A residential plot in Isukha South is listed at KSh 7,000,000, indicating premium pricing for certain properties in the area.
- A mixed-use 1.5-acre parcel featuring a two-bedroom house with amenities including electricity, eucalyptus trees, and chain-link fencing with steel posts is available for KSh 3,500,000, translating to approximately KSh 2.33 million per acre for developed land.
- In neighboring Isukha Central, land is available at KSh 1,350,000 per acre, with proximity to the Kakamega-Kapsabet road (70 meters) being a highlighted selling point.
These price points suggest that land in Isukha South commands varying values based on development status, location relative to transportation infrastructure, and included improvements. The presence of features like electricity significantly enhances property values, as evidenced by the pricing of the mixed-use parcel.
Property in Isukha South for Rent & Sale-Housing Market.
The housing market in Isukha South appears less developed compared to more urbanized areas, with limited formal listings available:
- The search for 4-bedroom and 18-bedroom houses yielded no market data, suggesting a limited supply of larger residential properties for sale in the area.
- The most notable housing listing is the previously mentioned 1.5-acre property with a two-bedroom house, priced at KSh 3,500,000.
This pattern suggests that Isukha South’s real estate market remains predominantly focused on land rather than developed residential properties, indicating potential opportunities for housing development to meet local needs.
Infrastructure Development Initiatives.
Road Infrastructure Projects.
Significant road development projects are underway or planned for the broader Shinyalu area:
- A major Kenya National Highways Authority tender has been issued for “Upgrading to bitumen standards of Kakamega Airstrip – Shinyalu – Chepsonoi (B12),” with a pre-tender site visit scheduled for February 14, 2025. This represents a substantial government investment in improving connectivity to and within the constituency.
- A noteworthy private initiative is being led by Andrew Likabo Lichoti, a gold miner from Khayega in Isukha South Ward, who is funding and spearheading construction of a 20-kilometer murram road from the Kakamega-Kisumu Highway through Buribuli to other parts of Shinyalu Sub-County. This demonstrates how mining profits are being channeled into community infrastructure development.
According to Likabo, “As a miner, I understand the challenges that come with poor infrastructure. Roads are crucial for transporting goods and materials, whether it’s farm produce to markets or mining equipment to sites. My goal is to ensure that roads in interior areas like Buribuli, Busakala, Shidodo, and others are passable.”
Educational Infrastructure.
Education remains a priority focus area for development in the constituency:
- MP Fred Ikana has initiated construction of storey buildings for classrooms at schools including Shidodo Primary School, aiming to transform the educational landscape through improved learning facilities.
- Efforts are underway to complete previously stalled education infrastructure projects, such as the classroom project at Ingolomosio Secondary School in Isukha North, with MP Ikana allocating KSh 14 million to continue work initiated by his predecessor.
- Despite these initiatives, significant challenges remain. Vikutsa Primary School in Shinyalu recently gained attention due to shocking photos showing pupils lining up to use the only pit latrine in the school, prompting public outcry and calls for accelerated infrastructure development using the KSh 188 million NGCDF allocation for 2024/2025.
Agricultural Development.
The agricultural sector is receiving strategic investment:
- Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa recently launched the Free Tea Seedlings Distribution Program in Shinyalu Sub-county, with plans to distribute 240,000 tea seedlings across 13 tea collection centers within Shinyalu Constituency.
- To support value addition in the agricultural sector, plans have been announced to construct the Madala Tea Factory, which will streamline harvesting and marketing processes for local farmers. As Governor Barasa stated, “We are intentional about establishing a strong tea sector in Kakamega County, which shall be anchored on the completion and operationalization of the Madala Tea Factory.
Political Developments and Future Prospects.
The political landscape reveals emerging competition focused on infrastructure development:
- Andrew Mache, an MCA aspirant for Isukha South Ward, has made infrastructure development a cornerstone of his campaign, focusing specifically on improving schools and roads in the area. Working in collaboration with Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana, Mache has launched initiatives such as digging pit latrines in schools to address urgent sanitation needs.
- During his campaign, Mache has criticized the current MCA Charles Lwanga, claiming: “The current MCA is sleeping on the job. Schools in this area need better infrastructure and more projects.”
- MP Fred Ikana has emphasized development-focused politics, pledging to work with all leaders regardless of party affiliations to improve education access and quality. His administration has seen improvements in educational outcomes, with fewer students scoring ‘E’ grades in KCSE exams and nearly twice as many students qualifying for university compared to previous years.
Conclusion.
Isukha South Ward presents a microcosm of development challenges and opportunities within Kenya’s rural constituencies. While infrastructure development shows promising progress through both government initiatives and private investment, significant gaps remain in educational facilities and road networks. The real estate market exhibits characteristic rural patterns with land prices reflecting varying levels of development and access to amenities.
The political dynamics suggest a growing emphasis on tangible development outcomes as a measure of leadership effectiveness, with emerging candidates challenging incumbents based on infrastructure delivery. As road projects advance and agricultural initiatives take root, Isukha South appears positioned for potential growth, though requiring sustained investment to address persistent infrastructure deficits, particularly in education and transportation.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Isukha North?
2.How much does land cost per acre in Murhanda?
3.What recent infrastructure projects have been completed in Isukha Central?
4. Are there any upcoming infrastructure developments planned for Isukha East?
5. How has gold mining impacted the economy of Isukha West?