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Murhanda, Shinyalu Constituency: A Comprehensive Area Profile.
Murhanda is a vibrant ward within Shinyalu Constituency, located in Kakamega County, Western Kenya. This area has experienced significant changes in recent years with ongoing infrastructure developments and evolving property markets. This report explores the geographic, demographic, economic, and developmental aspects of this region, providing valuable insights for residents, potential investors, and policymakers.
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Geographic and Administrative Profile.
Murhanda is one of the six wards that make up Shinyalu Constituency, which is among the twelve constituencies in Kakamega County. Geographically positioned at approximately latitude 0°15’0″ North and longitude 34°47’60” East, Murhanda Sub-Location sits at an estimated elevation of 1559 meters above sea level in Western Kenya. The area is surrounded by several neighboring sub-locations including Shitochi, Virembe, Bumbo, Mukulusi, and Shinyalu.
Shinyalu Constituency was established for the 1988 elections, having been carved out from the larger Ikolomani constituency. As of September 2022, the constituency had a total of 76,978 registered voters distributed across its six wards: Isukha West, Isukha East, Isukha North, Isukha South, Murhanda, and Isukha Central. The constituency is currently represented in Parliament by Fredrick Lusuli Ikana of the ANC party, who was elected during the 2022 General Election.
Demographic Information.
According to available data, Murhanda had a population of approximately 28,285 people with a population density of 36.0 people per square kilometer. This makes it one of the significant settlements within Shinyalu Constituency, which had a total population of 159,475 people with an overall density of 445.4 people per square kilometer.
The broader Kakamega County has seen population growth over the years, with projections indicating continued growth. The county’s demographic distribution shows a slightly higher percentage of females (52%) compared to males (48%).
Land and Property Market.
Farmland for Sale in Murhanda-Land Prices and Availability.
While specific comprehensive data on land prices in Murhanda is limited, the area follows the general land classification and pricing trends seen in Kakamega County. Land in the region is classified into different categories including residential, commercial, agricultural, and mixed-use plots.
Land transactions in the area follow a formal registration system, with parcels identified using the format “Isukha/Murhanda/[number]” as evidenced by legal records. Land disputes occasionally arise, as seen in a 2018 environment and land case involving parcel number Isukha/Murhanda/1327, suggesting the increasing value and competition for land in the area.
Property in Murhanda for Rent & Sale-Housing Market.
The housing market in Murhanda and the broader Shinyalu area is evolving, reflecting the general trends in Kakamega County. In Kakamega, residential properties vary widely in price:
- Basic family houses start from approximately KSh 2,800,000.
- Mid-range family houses on 50*100 plots range from KSh 5,500,000 to KSh 8,500,000.
- Premium properties on larger land parcels (up to 1 acre) can command prices of KSh 16,000,000 or more.
These figures provide a reference point for property values in the broader region, though prices in Murhanda may vary based on specific location factors such as proximity to main roads, amenities, and infrastructure development.
Recent Infrastructure Development.
Shinyalu Constituency, including Murhanda ward, has been benefiting from significant infrastructure development initiatives in recent years. In February 2025, the County Government of Kakamega issued a tender for the “PROPOSED MAINTENANCE OF ROADS UNDER 10KM PER WARD PROGRAMME IN SHINYALU SUB-COUNTY,” with a submission deadline of February 10th, 2025. This road maintenance program is part of the county’s efforts to improve accessibility within the constituency.
The broader Kakamega County is implementing a “smart cities” program aimed at improving infrastructure in major towns and trading centers. Since February 2025, the county government has been tarmacking roads and streets to boost trading activities. Governor Irungu Kang’ata launched this program at Maragua town, stating that the upgraded roads and streets will ensure easier access to all parts of towns, allowing customers to reach business premises even those away from main roads.
For the 2023/2024 financial year, the Kakamega County government allocated KSh 175 million to actualize the smart cities program. The program also includes installing street lights to enable traders to extend their operating hours and enhance security in trading centers.
Educational Facilities.
Murhanda hosts several educational institutions, with Murhanda Fam Primary School being a notable example. This public school is sponsored by a religious organization and offers the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) under the Ministry of Education.
The school infrastructure includes:
- 17 classrooms.
- Separate toilet facilities for boys (14), girls (14), and teachers (2).
- A total enrollment of 680 students.
- 13 government teachers (8 male, 5 female) and 3 non-teaching staff.
- Student-teacher ratio of 52.3.
- Student-classroom ratio of 40.
The presence of such educational facilities contributes to the area’s development and attractiveness for families considering settling in Murhanda.
Economic Activities and Development Prospects.
Murhanda, like much of Kakamega County, has an economy based on a mix of agriculture, small-scale trading, and service provision. The area falls within the Upper Medium (UM) ecological zone that covers the Central and Northern parts of Kakamega County, which is suitable for intensive maize, tea, beans, and horticultural production, primarily on a small scale.
The County Government of Kakamega has outlined six priority areas in its development agenda, which benefit areas including Murhanda:
- Enhanced access to quality and affordable healthcare.
- Water and sanitation improvements.
- Supporting wealth creation and infrastructure development.
- Sustaining food security initiatives.
- Provision of quality education.
- Enhancing social development and promoting good governance.
Accommodation and Tourism.
Shinyalu offers accommodation options for visitors and tourists, though these appear to be limited compared to more developed areas. According to available data, Mulembe Villa is mentioned as a popular hotel in the area. The proximity to Kakamega Forest (Kenya’s only tropical rainforest) provides tourism potential for the broader region, with some accommodations advertising their location as ideal for forest exploration.
Conclusion.
Murhanda in Shinyalu Constituency presents a developing area with ongoing infrastructure improvements, educational facilities, and evolving property markets. The recent road maintenance programs and the broader smart cities initiative by Kakamega County are likely to enhance accessibility and boost economic activities in the area. While specific data on property prices in Murhanda itself is limited, the trends in the broader Kakamega County suggest a diverse property market with options across different price points.
For potential investors or residents, Murhanda offers the advantages of being part of a constituency with active development plans, established educational institutions, and ecological conditions favorable for agricultural activities. As infrastructure continues to improve, property values in the area may appreciate, making it a potentially attractive location for long-term investment in Western Kenya.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Isukha North?
2.How much does land cost per acre in Isukha Central
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Isukha South?
4. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for Isukha East?
5. How has the real estate market in Isukha West changed over the past five years?