Bomariba Ward: A Comprehensive Profile of Land, Housing, and Development in Bonchari Constituency.

Bomariba ward represents one of the four administrative units within Bonchari Constituency, situated in Kisii County, Kenya. This report explores the geographical features, property market dynamics, and recent infrastructure developments in this evolving rural ward, providing insight into its current state and development trajectory.

Locations > Kilifi > Bonchari > Bomariba

No properties found in this location.

Geographical and Administrative Context.

Bomariba is one of the four electoral wards in Bonchari Constituency, alongside Riana, Bomorenda, and Bogiakumu. The ward is part of Kisii South Sub-county, which shares common boundaries with Bonchari Constituency. Bonchari Constituency was established in 1988 and is currently represented in Parliament by Charles Onchoke of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party.

The entire Bonchari Constituency covers approximately 128.3 square kilometers with a population density of 1,054 people per square kilometer. As of recent demographic data, Bonchari has a total population of about 135,134 residents. While specific population figures for Bomariba ward are not explicitly provided in the available sources, population projections from 2012 estimated the ward would reach approximately 25,131 residents by 2018, with continued growth expected thereafter.

The area features a hilly landscape characteristic of Kisii County, with valleys traversed by rivers flowing westward into Lake Victoria. The region experiences a highland equatorial climate with a bimodal rainfall pattern, receiving approximately 1,600mm of annual rainfall.

Land Market and Property Prices.

Land for sale ( Kisii Bomariba) -Land Pricing Trends.

The land market in Bomariba and surrounding areas of Bonchari shows varying price points based on location, size, and intended use:

Commercial land in Bonchari was listed at KES 4,300,000 as of late 20243.
Residential land in nearby Bogiakumu ward (also in Bonchari) was recently advertised at KES 3,000,000 for a 50×100 feet plot..
Land prices throughout Kisii County show significant variation, with plots in some areas of Bonchari being more affordable compared to plots closer to Kisii Town3.

Legal documentation and records indicate active land transactions in Bomariba, with several court cases relating to land parcels like “Wanjare/Bomariba/3099” and “Wanjare/Bomariba/1530,” suggesting an active property market with associated titling and ownership disputes.

Land Use Patterns.

Land in Bomariba is predominantly utilized for agricultural purposes, with the economic mainstay being the production of tea, coffee, bananas, and cereals. However, there is a growing trend of residential and commercial development as infrastructure improves. Most land parcels remain relatively small due to continuous subdivision from inheritance practices typical in Kisii County.

Houses & Apartments for Sale in Kisii -Housing Market and Residential Development.

The housing market in Bomariba features a mix of traditional and modern structures:

Rental properties exist in the form of “Bomariba Apartments To Let,” indicating some level of multi-unit housing development.
Accommodation options include hotels and lodging facilities, though these are limited compared to more urbanized areas of Kisii County.
The County Government of Kisii has initiated programs for “houses for vulnerable families” aimed at improving living standards for elderly and marginalized groups, which may include beneficiaries in Bomariba.

The housing typology generally follows patterns common throughout rural Kisii, with a mixture of traditional structures and increasingly modern designs as economic conditions improve for residents. However, like many areas in Kisii County, Bomariba faces challenges of overcrowding and inadequate housing quality due to high population density and low-income levels among many households.

Recent Infrastructure Development.

Road Infrastructure.

Significant road development has occurred in Bomariba in recent years:

Governor James Ongwae toured road projects in Bomariba ward that were constructed using a labor-based model, creating local employment while improving connectivity.
The labor-based road construction approach implemented in Bomariba has been replicated across other parts of Kisii County, highlighting its success.
These road improvements represent part of the larger county strategy to enhance rural connectivity and stimulate economic activities.

Other Infrastructure Projects.

Beyond road networks, other notable developments include:

Construction of bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) shades across Bonchari, including Bomariba, improving transport infrastructure for this common mode of transportation.
Water infrastructure improvements, although Bonchari generally has been noted as facing challenges with piped water access.
The county’s Annual Development Plan (ADP) for FY 2023/24 outlines projects for “last mile connectivity” for water services and ICT infrastructure development, which may benefit Bomariba residents.

Economic Activities and Livelihood.

The economy of Bomariba is primarily agricultural, reflecting the broader economic patterns of Bonchari Constituency. Key economic activities include:

Cultivation of cash crops such as tea and coffee, which provide income for many households.
Food crop production including bananas and cereals to ensure food security and supplementary income.
Small-scale trading activities centered around local markets and commercial centers.
Growing service sector including transportation (bodaboda operations) and small retail businesses.

Despite these economic activities, Bonchari has historically been characterized as “the least developed in the district,” suggesting continued economic challenges for residents of Bomariba ward.

Development Challenges and Future Outlook.

Despite recent infrastructure improvements, Bomariba and the broader Bonchari Constituency face several developmental challenges:

Poor infrastructure beyond the recently improved roads, limiting economic growth potential.
Severe shortage of education and health facilities affecting human capital development.
Limited rural electrification hampering business development and quality of life.
Inadequate piped water systems creating health and productivity challenges.
Climate-related risks including changing rainfall patterns that affect agricultural productivity.

The Kisii County development agenda recognizes these challenges and includes plans for addressing them through targeted investments in infrastructure, housing, and social services. The county’s Annual Development Plan identifies several priority areas that would benefit Bomariba, including digitization of government services, solid waste management, and restoration of water catchment areas.

Conclusion.

Bomariba ward represents a typical rural setting within Kisii County that is gradually experiencing development through targeted infrastructure projects, particularly in road construction. While land and property markets show signs of activity with varied pricing based on location and use, the area continues to face significant development challenges. The future outlook for Bomariba depends largely on the successful implementation of county development plans and the extent to which ongoing infrastructure projects can stimulate economic activities and improve living standards for residents.

As Kisii County continues to implement its development agenda, Bomariba stands to benefit from increased attention to rural development, potentially transforming from one of the least developed areas into a more economically vibrant ward with improved social services and infrastructure.

1.What are the current house prices in Bogetenga?

2.How much does land cost per acre in Borabu/Chitago?

3.Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Getenga?

4.What types of properties are most popular in Bokeira (Bomorenda)?

5.How has property investment in Tabaka changed over the past decade?