Witeithie Ward and Lari Constituency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Two Distinct Areas in Kiambu County.
Before diving into the details, it’s important to clarify that Witeithie Ward and Lari Constituency are two separate administrative areas within Kiambu County. Witeithie Ward is located in Juja Constituency, while Lari is a separate constituency with its own five wards. This report examines both areas independently, focusing on their geographical features, housing and land markets, and recent infrastructure developments.
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Witeithie Ward: Overview and Location.
Witeithie is a densely populated residential area situated within Juja Constituency in Kiambu County. Located approximately one kilometer from Thika town, it has become a significant residential hub hosting thousands of students from Thika’s institutions of higher education. The ward features two market places and has experienced considerable growth following the completion of the Nairobi-Thika highway.
Land and Housing Market in Witeithie.
The property market in Witeithie presents diverse opportunities for both residential and commercial investments. Land in this area is primarily classified as freehold, offering purchasers eternal ownership with proper title deeds.
Cheap Land for Sale in Witeithie – Land Prices.
Land prices in Witeithie vary depending on size, location, and intended use:
- 40 by 80 plots range from KSh 590,000 to KSh 750,000.
- 50 by 100 plots ideal for commercial and residential development cost approximately KSh 2.5 million.
- Purely residential 50 by 100 plots are available for around KSh 0.8 million.
- Commercial plots near Thika Road can reach KSh 3,700,000.
- 40 by 60 plots in the Muslim area suitable for commercial development are priced at KSh 2,700,000.
The average property price in the area stands at KES 15,600,000, with prices ranging from KES 1,900,000 for the most affordable properties to KES 30,000,000 for premium options.
House for Sale in Witeithie – Housing Market
Housing in Witeithie caters primarily to the large student population and working professionals:
- 2-bedroom bungalows in gated communities sell for approximately KSh 3,500,000.
- Some developers offer flexible payment terms, such as deposits of KSh 950,000 with the balance payable in 12 monthly installments.
- Properties typically feature amenities like perimeter walls, fitted wardrobes, and spacious living areas.
Recent Infrastructure Development in Witeithie.
Witeithie has benefited from several infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and security:
Solar-Powered Streetlights.
In March 2025, Kiambu County Governor Paul Kimani Wamatangi launched the ‘Angaza Kiambu Programme’ in Witeithie Ward, installing 60 solar-powered streetlights. These lights automatically activate at 6:30 PM and turn off at dawn, providing a sustainable lighting solution that reduces electricity costs. This initiative particularly addresses safety concerns related to reported hyena attacks in the area.
Market Development.
A significant upcoming project is the construction of the Witeithie Market Complex. The Kiambu County government has issued a tender for this development with a deadline of March 25, 2024. This project represents a substantial investment in the area’s commercial infrastructure.
Other Developments.
The area has also seen improvements in:
- Drainage systems
- Educational institutions
- Water supply through Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO)
- Security infrastructure including a police station and administration police camp
Lari Constituency: Geography and Overview.
Lari Constituency is located in the northwestern part of Kiambu County, covering a substantial area of 439.20 square kilometers. Created in 1966 from Limuru Constituency, its name derives from the Maasai language meaning “the place of green grass,” reflecting its historical use as a reserve grazing ground for the Maasai community.
Geographical Features.
Lari is characterized by its unique geographical attributes:
- Predominantly mountainous terrain with significant forest coverage.
- Part of the constituency lies on an escarpment of the Great Rift Valley between Gitithia and Kijabe locations.
- The highest point is near Soko Mjinga roadside market at approximately 2,650 meters above sea level.
- The area contains several forests including Uplands Forest, Kireita Forest, Kinale Forest, Kamae Forest, and parts of the Kikuyu Escarpment Forest.
- Experiences a relatively cold climate due to its position on the windward side of the Aberdare Range.
- Receives considerable rainfall throughout the year.
Administrative Structure.
Lari Constituency is divided into five wards:
- Kijabe Ward – Known for tea farming with tourism potential
- Nyanduma Ward – Rural with an agricultural focus
- Kamburu Ward – Characterized by farming with small markets
- Lari/Kirenga Ward – A tea and dairy rural hub
- Kinale Ward – Rural agricultural area
The constituency’s main towns include Kijabe, Kinale, Kimende, and Nyambari.
Economic Activities.
The economy of Lari Constituency is primarily agricultural:
- Tea and dairy farming form the backbone of local economic activities
- The area’s scenic appeal offers potential for tourism development
- Natural resource exploitation includes carbon dioxide gas extraction by Carbacid Company Limited
Extraction of ballast and hardcore also contribute to the local economy
Housing and Land Market.
While specific current data on housing prices in Lari Constituency is limited in the search results, the area’s predominantly rural nature suggests a different market profile compared to more urban areas like Witeithie. The constituency’s focus on agriculture, particularly tea and dairy farming, indicates that much of the land is utilized for these purposes rather than intensive residential development.
Comparing and Contrasting the Two Areas
Witeithie Ward and Lari Constituency represent two different development patterns within Kiambu County:
Population and Density
- Witeithie: Densely populated residential area hosting many students and workers
- Lari: Predominantly rural with a population of approximately 135,189 spread across a much larger area
Economic Focus
- Witeithie: Urban residential and commercial center with real estate as a primary investment
- Lari: Agricultural area focusing on tea and dairy farming with some natural resource extraction.
Development Patterns
- Witeithie: Urban/suburban development with residential houses, apartments, and commercial properties
- Lari: Rural development pattern with agricultural lands and smaller town centers
Conclusion
Witeithie Ward and Lari Constituency represent different facets of development within Kiambu County. Witeithie is experiencing rapid urbanization with rising property values and focused infrastructure investments like the new market complex and solar streetlights. Land prices in Witeithie continue to rise, making it attractive for both residential living and commercial investment.
Lari Constituency, with its larger geographical area and rural character, maintains its agricultural heritage while facing different development challenges. Its natural resources, scenic beauty, and agricultural potential set it apart from more urbanized areas of Kiambu County.
For potential investors or residents, these areas offer distinctly different opportunities: Witeithie provides urban convenience and commercial prospects, while Lari offers agricultural investment possibilities and a more rural lifestyle within striking distance of Kenya’s capital.
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