Kiine Ward: A Comprehensive Overview of Ndia Constituency's Agricultural Heartland.
Kiine Ward stands as one of the three key administrative divisions within Ndia Constituency, a vital component of Kenya’s Kirinyaga County. This report explores the geographical, demographic, economic, and development aspects of this area, with particular attention to housing prices, land valuations, and infrastructure initiatives shaping its future.
Geographic and Administrative Context.
Kiine Ward is one of three wards in Ndia Constituency, alongside Mukure and Kariti wards. The ward forms part of the larger Ndia Constituency, which is itself one of four constituencies in Kirinyaga County. Administratively, Kiine is further divided into Kiine North and Kiine South locations.
Demographic Profile.
The population statistics reveal Kiine as a densely populated area:
- Kiine North has approximately 26,959 residents.
- Kiine South has approximately 29,890 residents.
- The total population of Kiine Ward is around 56,849 residents.
- The ward has 12,957 registered voters according to available data.
This population forms part of Ndia Constituency’s overall population of 135,337 residents (66,285 male, 69,052 female) spread across 276.4 km², giving the constituency a substantial population density of 490 persons per km².
Economic Activities.
Like much of Ndia Constituency, Kiine’s economy is predominantly agricultural:
- The main cash crops cultivated include tea, coffee, and bananas.
- Principal food crops are maize, beans, and sweet potatoes, mostly grown for subsistence.
- Livestock farming operates primarily at small-scale levels, with dairy and poultry being the dominant activities.
- The area also engages in rice, livestock, and horticultural production.
The agricultural landscape faces significant challenges:
- High population density has led to increased subdivision of farmland.
- Diminishing returns on agricultural investments due to land fragmentation.
- Environmental degradation and deforestation resulting from population pressure.
Real Estate Market: House Prices.
The real estate market in Kiine offers limited but notable housing options:
Property in Kiine for Rent & Sale -Available Properties.
A representative property on the market is a 2-bedroom master ensuite bungalow in Gacharo, Sagana (within Kiine Ward) with the following specifications:
- Price: KSh 5,500,000.
- Includes two separate spacious single rooms.
- Located 3 kilometers from the Sagana-Kagio tarmac and 300 meters from Ndia Technical & Vocational College.
- Plot size: 75×100 feet with ready title deed.
- Security features: perimeter wall, electric fence, razor wire, and CCTV.
- Property size: 200 square meters.
- Amenities: 2 bathrooms, 24-hour electricity, dining area, en suite, hot water, kitchen cabinets, kitchen shelf, pre-paid meter, tiled floor, wardrobe, and Wi-Fi.
Market Context.
The housing market in Kiine should be viewed within Kenya’s broader real estate context, which has recently experienced:
- A 1.1% decrease in house prices in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter.
- A substantial 14.28% year-on-year price reduction.
- Increased accessibility to homeownership due to falling prices.
Land & Plots for Sale in Kiine-Land Prices in Kiine.
The land market in Kiine demonstrates considerable price variation based on location, development status, and proximity to infrastructure:
50×100 For Sale In Sagana @950k-Sagana Area (Within Kiine).
- 1/8 acre plot in Rukanga: KSh 380,000.
- 50×100 plot in Sagana with established neighborhood: KSh 680,000.
- Plot in Tulivu Garden Sagana 3: KSh 650,000.
- Quarter acre near Sagana town/Fisheries (flat land with water and electricity): KSh 1,300,000.
- 1/4 acre 500 meters from highway with title deed: KSh 1,300,000.
- 50/100 plot with 2-bedroom house in Sagana drive-in (3 mins from Sagana town): KSh 2,000,000.
40×80 plot at Kwa-Vee town, Sagana (200 meters from Marua Highway with ready title): KSh 900,000.
2 Acres Karatina/Sagana Kibirigwi Main Tarmac in Kiine for Sale-Kamakis Area (Within Kiine).
- 1/8 acre near Engen petrol station (1/2 km from bypass): KSh 3,000,000.
- 1/8 acre in Kamakis Engen area (1/2 km from tarmac with title): KSh 3,500,000.
- 1/8 acre near Engen and Kamakis corner: KSh 5,000,000.
- 50×100 acre in Kamakis corner (1km from tarmac): KSh 3,000,000.
Plots for Sale in Kiine-Larger Land Parcels.
- 3 acres land 1.5 km off Sagana/Kagio highway: KSh 3,500,000 per acre (total: KSh 10,500,000).
- 6 acres with river frontage in Sagana: KSh 3,300,000 per acre (total: KSh 19,800,000).
- 40×80 acre in Ruiru Membley (200 meters from tarmac in gated estate): KSh 6,000,000.
- 1/4 acre in Membley estate near Membley secondary school: KSh 11,000,000.
Recent Infrastructure Development.
Infrastructure development in and around Kiine is poised to transform the area’s accessibility and economic potential:
Road Infrastructure.
- George Kariuki, the Member of Parliament for Ndia and Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, has announced plans to resume construction of all stalled road projects.
- By March (presumably 2025), all contractors are expected to resume work on their respective project sites.
- Some contractors have already restarted work on several projects in the region.
- The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) is actively working to improve rural road connectivity, focusing on links between agricultural zones and trade centers.
Development Projects.
- An industrial park project (Kiini/Thigirichi/527) is in process, with plans to “reprocess, resurvey and fence the land”.
- KeRRA is exploring Public-Private Partnerships to accelerate infrastructure expansion in the region.
Strategic Development Planning.
The Kirinyaga County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) for 2023-2027 outlines several initiatives that will impact Kiine:
- Focus on maximizing productivity and realizing economic potential.
- Emphasis on investment, tourism, and agricultural productivity.
- Plans to leverage partnerships with national government, development partners, and public-private initiatives to implement key projects.
Conclusion.
Kiine Ward represents a microcosm of Kenya’s agricultural heartland, with its economy firmly rooted in farming activities while experiencing the pressures of population growth and land fragmentation. The real estate market offers relatively affordable housing options compared to urban centers, with land prices varying significantly based on location and proximity to infrastructure.
The area stands to benefit substantially from ongoing and planned infrastructure developments, particularly in road connectivity. With strategic investments outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan and the national focus on completing stalled projects, Kiine is positioned for potential growth in accessibility, agricultural productivity, and possibly diversification into light industries through projects like the industrial park development.
For potential investors or residents, the combination of relatively affordable land prices, improving infrastructure, and governmental development focus presents opportunities, particularly in agricultural value addition, residential development in well-connected areas, and potentially commercial enterprises serving the growing population.
Related
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2. How much does land cost per acre in Kariti?
3. Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Mutithi?
4. What types of properties are most popular in Wamumu?
5. How does the cost of living in Murinduko compare to other areas in Kirinyaga County?
Related
1. What are the current house prices in Mukure?
2. How much does land cost per acre in Kariti?
3. Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Mutithi?
4. What types of properties are most popular in Wamumu?
5. How does the cost of living in Murinduko compare to other areas in Kirinyaga County?