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Chilchila Ward

Chilchila Ward: A Comprehensive Profile of Kipkelion West Constituency.

Chilchila Ward is one of the four electoral wards that comprise Kipkelion West Constituency in Kericho County, Kenya. This ward, together with Kamasian, Kipkelion, and Kunyak wards, forms the administrative and political structure of Kipkelion West. The area has seen recent infrastructure developments primarily in water and electricity connectivity, though specific information on property values remains limited. This report examines the geographical context, demographics, economic activities, climate conditions, and ongoing development initiatives in Chilchila Ward and the broader Kipkelion West Constituency.

No properties found in this location.

Geographical Context and Administrative Structure.

Kipkelion West Constituency is one of six constituencies in Kericho County, located in Kenya’s Rift Valley region. It was established following the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution when the former Kipkelion Constituency was split into Kipkelion West and Kipkelion East. The constituency covers approximately 333 square kilometers of land area.

Administratively, Kipkelion West comprises four electoral wards:

  • Chilchila Ward
  • Kamasian Ward
  • Kipkelion Ward
  • Kunyak Ward

The constituency contains 16 locations and 35 sub-locations, forming part of the broader administrative structure of Kericho County. Chilchila Ward is governed as part of Kericho County’s local government system, with representation at both ward and constituency levels.

Demographics and Population.

According to available data, Chilchila Ward has an adult population of approximately 20,836 residents. This forms part of Kericho County’s total population of 901,777 as recorded in the 2019 National Population and Housing Census.

The demographic profile of Kericho County as a whole includes:

  • 450,741 males
  • 451,008 females
  • 28 intersex persons
  • 206,036 households with an average household size of 4.4 persons
  • Population density of 370 people per square kilometer.

While ward-specific demographic details are limited in the available data, the constituency’s population contributes significantly to the county’s human resource capacity and development needs.

Climate and Environmental Conditions.

Chilchila Ward and the broader Kipkelion West area experience the climatic conditions characteristic of Kericho County. The climate is generally mild to pleasantly warm during daylight hours with notably cooler nights, and the region receives substantial rainfall throughout the year.

Temperature patterns show:

  • Average temperatures ranging from 16.6°C in July (the coldest month) to 18.8°C in March (the warmest month)
  • Significant temperature variations between day and night
  • Annual precipitation of approximately 1,915 millimeters, making this one of Kenya’s wettest regions.

The abundant rainfall supports the agricultural activities that form the backbone of the local economy but can also present challenges for infrastructure development and maintenance, particularly for road networks during rainy seasons.

Economic Activities.

The primary economic activities in Chilchila Ward and the broader Kipkelion West Constituency revolve around agriculture, with a focus on:

  1. Coffee cultivation – a major cash crop in the area
  2. Dairy farming – providing income through milk production

These activities align with the broader economic profile of Kericho County, which is internationally renowned for tea growing and processing. The agricultural sector dominates the local economy, providing livelihoods for most residents through both commercial and subsistence farming.

Recent Infrastructure Development: Water Projects.

Water infrastructure development has been a priority in Chilchila Ward, with several notable projects:

  1. Kimologit Water Project: This significant initiative benefits residents of Chilchila, Kamasian, and Kipkelion wards. As of December 2022, the project was approximately 60% complete according to Kericho County Governor Dr. Eric Mutai. The project aims to address persistent water shortage problems in the region and will serve not only the three wards but surrounding areas as well14.
  2. Makiche Water Project: This ward-specific project in Chilchila is part of the county’s climate resilience infrastructure investment, reflecting efforts to improve water access for residents.

Electricity Infrastructure.

Electricity connectivity in Kipkelion West Constituency lags behind other constituencies in Kericho County, with less than 60% connectivity compared to approximately 70% in other sub-counties. To address this:

  • The County Government of Kericho and Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) signed a memorandum of understanding in early 2025 for a Sh 60 million electricity expansion project.
  • Each entity contributed Sh 30 million toward strengthening electricity infrastructure across the country.
  • Kipkelion West (along with Soin Sigowet) was designated as a priority area for this electrification initiative due to its lower connectivity rates.

Road Infrastructure.

While specific road projects within Chilchila Ward are not detailed in the available information, Kericho County has benefited from significant road infrastructure development:

  • The 13-kilometer Sondu Sosiot Kapsoit Road upgrade at a cost of Sh580,595,871 million, scheduled for completion by June 2025.
  • The Kapsuser Kipsolu road upgrade with an investment of Sh905,857,473.
  • The Kericho Interchange project that connects Kisumu to Nakuru through Kericho, completed in January 2023 at a cost of Sh1,388,321,424 million.

These road infrastructure projects have employed numerous skilled and unskilled laborers from local communities, contributing to job creation and economic growth in the region.

Education Infrastructure.

Limited information is available on education infrastructure, though there is evidence of development through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF):

  • Renovation work at Chilchila Primary School has been undertaken to improve educational facilities.
  • These improvements likely include structural repairs, modernization of classrooms, and enhancement of learning environments.

Property and Land Prices.

Information regarding current house and land prices specifically in Chilchila Ward is notably absent from available data sources. A search of property listings indicates limited formal real estate market activity in the area, with Bei Bora Properties showing no properties listed in Chilchila Ward at the time of this research19.

This gap in market information may suggest:

  1. A predominantly informal real estate market
  2. Limited commercial real estate development
  3. Property transactions occurring primarily through local networks rather than formal real estate agencies

Conclusion.

Chilchila Ward represents an important administrative unit within Kipkelion West Constituency, characterized by its agricultural economy and ongoing infrastructure development. The area has seen significant investment in water projects and is targeted for improved electricity connectivity, reflecting efforts to enhance basic services for residents.

The ward faces both opportunities and challenges typical of rural areas in Kenya, including the need for continued infrastructure development, particularly in road networks and electricity distribution. Recent initiatives by both county and national governments demonstrate recognition of these needs and commitment to addressing them.

For potential investors or residents interested in Chilchila Ward, further on-the-ground research would be valuable to determine current property values and development opportunities, as formal market information remains limited in publicly available resources.

Related

1.What are the current house prices in Kipkelion Ward?

2.How have land prices in Kunyak Ward changed over the past five years?

3. What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Kamasian Ward?

4. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for Tendeno/Sorget?

5.How does the cost of living in Chepseon compare to other areas in Kipkelion West Constituency?

Related

1. What are the current house prices in Kipkelion Ward?

2. How have land prices in Kunyak Ward changed over the past five years?

3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Kamasian Ward?

4.Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for Tendeno/Sorget?

5.How does the cost of living in Chepseon compare to other areas in Kipkelion West Constituency?

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