Land in Mnarani, Kilifi North Constituency – Development.
Located along the beautiful Kilifi Creek on Kenya’s coast, Mnarani has a mix of history, developing infrastructure and growing real estate. This report looks into the key aspects of this growing settlement in Kilifi North Constituency, area characteristics, property prices and recent developments.
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Geographical and Demographical Profile.
Mnarani is a coastal town on the south bank of Kilifi Creek in Kenya’s Kilifi County. The name Mnarani comes from the Swahili word Mnara meaning minaret or pillar, originally referring to the octagonal pillar whose name later included the whole town. Situated just south of Kilifi town and accessible via Kilifi Bridge, Mnarani is one of the seven county assembly wards that make up Kilifi North sub-county.
Kilifi North Constituency which has Mnarani has a population of 178,824 according to 2019 census data, with 86,986 males, 91,836 females and 2 intersex. The demographic profile shows a young population with 71,542 residents aged 0-14 years and 101,589 aged 15-64 years and only 5,691 residents above 65 years. The constituency is the administrative headquarters of Kilifi County and has Pwani University, the only university in the county.
History.
Mnarani has historical significance, with ruins dating back to the 14th century. The archaeological site has two old mosques (the oldest built in 1425) and several tombs that showcase the area’s Swahili heritage. The site was originally an Arab settlement established by traders from Oman who sailed with monsoon winds from the Persian Gulf and later developed into a community of merchants, fishermen and farmers. Archaeological evidence suggests the settlement was abandoned in the late 17th century possibly due to Galla tribe attacks and water challenges. Today the ruins are under the National Museums of Kenya and visitors can get to see the region’s rich cultural past.
Real Estate Market Analysis: Cheap House for Sale in Mnarani, Kilifi North - House Prices.
The residential property market in Mnarani and surrounding areas of Kilifi North is diverse in pricing reflecting variations in property features, proximity to amenities and location.
In Mnarani:
- Executive 4-bedroom mansions on 2-acre compounds near Bofa beach (second row) cost around KSh 52,000,000.
- Furnished 4-bedroom villas in Mavueni Muskitini area of Mnarani are priced at KSh 27,500,000.
- More affordable 4-bedroom townhouses in gated communities with en-suite rooms are at KSh 13,000,000.
The broader Kilifi North area shows similar pricing variations:
- In Watamu, 3-bedroom houses cost KSh 34,000,000 reflecting the premium coastal location.
- Malindi Town properties (3-bedroom) cost KSh 26,000,000.
- More affordable options exist in Tezo where 3-bedroom properties range from KSh 5,900,000 to KSh 6,500,000.
Breeze View Estate in Kilifi Tezo has modern 3-bedroom flat-roofed en-suite bungalows at KSh 6,500,000, 300 meters off Kilifi-Malindi highway.
Land for Sale in Mnarani, Kilifi North - Land Prices.
Land prices in Mnarani are rising with the area’s growing popularity, pricing varies greatly based on proximity to main roads, beaches and development potential:
- Residential plots (1/8 acre) at Mnarani Classic Estate with title deeds are KSh 2,500,000.
- Standard residential plots (50 by 100 feet) in the general Mnarani area are KSh 1,000,000 per plot.
- More affordable options exist in Mavueni Phase 4 (second row from Mombasa-Malindi Highway) at KSh 850,000.
- Gateway, a prime mixed-development project in Mnarani with leasehold titles (99 years from 2017) has 1-acre and 1/4-acre plots for development.
For comparison, land in the area shows premium pricing:
- Land along Malindi-Mombasa highway is KSh 15,000,000 per acre.
- Quarter-acre plots in Kilifi Bofa second row area is KSh 4,700,000.
- Beachfront land in nearby Watamu is KSh 150,000,000 to 160,000,000 for 6-8 acre parcels.
Infrastructure and Development Initiatives: Road Projects.
The Kenyan government has invested heavily in road infrastructure in Kilifi North to boost connectivity and economic growth, particularly in tourism and fishing sectors. KSh 113 million has been allocated for several road upgrades:
- Watamu-Jacaranda-Mayungu to Casuarina stretch with KSh 38 million for a 1.5km segment, opening up investment opportunities for hotels and residential properties.
- KSh 29 million for Gede-Kakuyuni road maintenance, including drainage improvements near Mijomboni and extending cabro works from Gede to Timboni.
- KSh 23 million for cabro works from Kibaoni on St Thomas Road to Bofa Road to Kemri.
- KSh 21 million for constructing the first tarmac road in Tezo ward to unlock Bofa’s investment potential.
Housing Development.
In a major initiative to address housing challenges and create employment, the government launched the Tezo affordable housing project along Kilifi-Malindi Road. The project features:
- 1,000 housing units on a 5-acre plot, one of the largest housing projects in the coastal region.
- 200 social housing units, 600 affordable housing units, 200 market-rate units.
- Commercial centers, recreational facilities (clubhouse, basketball court), educational facilities (kindergarten), playgrounds, green spaces, security measures.
- Employment for around 1,000 people in various construction-related trades.
The government also plans to construct 5,000 more units across Kilifi County with projects in Bofa, Watamu and Mtwapa8.
Strategic Urban Development.
The Kilifi Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan (2024-2034) has several projects for Mnarani and surrounding areas:
- Wastewater treatment plant in Mnarani to improve sanitation and environment.
- Industrial Park in Mnarani to boost the economy and create jobs.
- Regulation and eventual closure of small-scale mining in Tezo and Mnarani.
- Services and infrastructure improvement with focused densification in Tezo.
- Solid waste management reforms, relocation of dumping sites to Jaribuni.
- Road network upgrade throughout the municipality.
- Mangrove forests and natural areas conservation.
- Land tenure regularization through title deed processing.
- Water supply across all wards.
Conclusion.
Mnarani in Kilifi North Constituency is a region of historical significance with development potential. The area’s cultural heritage, evident in the ruins, gives it a unique identity different from other coastal towns. The real estate market has options from affordable plots to premium beachfront properties to suit various investment appetites.
The government’s investment in infrastructure – roads, housing and urban planning – shows commitment to transforming Mnarani and Kilifi North into a connected hub for tourism, residential and commercial activities. As the Kilifi Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan unfolds until 2034, residents and investors can expect better services, connectivity and potentially higher property values.
For investors or homebuyers, Mnarani offers a historically significant coastal location with potential for future value appreciation. But consider specific locations within the area as prices vary greatly based on proximity to beaches, main roads and development zones.
Related
1.What are the current trends in real estate development in Tezo?
2. How has the infrastructure in Sokoni evolved over the past decade?
3. Are there any upcoming projects or developments planned for Kibarani?
4.What are the average house prices in Dabaso compared to other areas in Kilifi North?
5.How does the cost of land in Matsangoni compare to other regions in Kilifi North?
Related
1.What are the current trends in real estate development in Tezo?
2. How has the infrastructure in Sokoni evolved over the past decade?
3.Are there any upcoming projects or developments planned for Kibarani?
4. What are the average house prices in Dabaso compared to other areas in Kilifi North?
5. How does the cost of land in Matsangoni compare to other regions in Kilifi North?