Skip to content 
Land for Sale in Tabaka, Bonchari Constituency – Don’t Miss Out on This Opportunity.
Before we get into the details, note that Tabaka is actually in South Mugirango Constituency not Bonchari Constituency as indicated in the query. Both are in Kisii County but are different administrative units. This report covers both areas, looking at their geographical features, economic activities, land and property prices and recent infrastructure development as of April 2025.
No properties found in this location.
Geographic and Administrative Context: Bonchari Constituency.
Bonchari is one of the nine electoral constituencies in Kisii County established in 19882. It has four wards: Riana, Bomorenda (also called Bokeira), Bomariba and Bogiakumu. The constituency is currently represented by Hon. Charles Onchoke of the PDP Party. Bonchari is constituency number 261 for administrative purposes.
The constituency shares boundaries with Kisii South Sub-county and has areas like Bogiakumu where granite deposits are found. This natural resource is a big economic potential for the area especially for tile manufacturing.
Tabaka Area.
Tabaka is located about 24 km west of Kisii town in South Mugirango Constituency. According to the 2019 census, Tabaka has a population of 2,910 (1,314 males and 1,596 females). Tabaka is globally famous for its soapstone deposits and the associated carving industry that has been operating since 1885.
The Goti Chaki hills in Tabaka area are one of the earliest documented locations for soapstone occurrence in Kisii region, with pre-colonial engravings still visible on some outcrops.
Economic Activities and Heritage: Soapstone Industry in Tabaka.
The mining of Tabaka soapstone is a key economic activity in Kisii County providing employment to over 7,000 people. This mineral is used to craft ornate carvings that are sold both locally and internationally.The soapstone industry has been operating since 1885 making it one of the oldest cottage industries in the region. Miners extract the stone using traditional methods of shovels, crowbars, wedges and hammers. The process involves several stages:
- Quarrying.
- Carving using hand tools like machetes, saws and knives.
- Sanding and dyeing.
- Pattern design application.
- Polishing with floor or shoe polish and sisal rope.
Despite its historical and economic importance the industry is facing challenges from exploitative middlemen and unorganized marketing channels that hinder its full potential.
Development Initiatives.
Kisii County Government plans to establish Tabaka Soapstone Development Authority to organize the sector and maximize its economic benefits. Kenya National Visual Artists Association (KNVAA) has also proposed an art and culture center in the Itumbe area of Tabaka to revitalize the carving industry. This will include studio spaces, exhibition areas, guest houses, marketing facilities to support local artists.
Land and Property Market: Land for Sale in Tabaka, Bonchari - Land Prices in Tabaka.
As of February 2025, land in Tabaka is available at different prices depending on location and proximity to amenities:
- 110×130ft (approximately 0.33 acres) suitable for agriculture and residential use is going for KSh 1,499,999.
- This property is near tarmac road, Tabaka Mission Hospital, Suneka market and the nearby airstrip.
Land Prices in Bonchari and Surrounding Areas.
Land prices in Bonchari Constituency and surrounding areas in Kisii County vary:
- In Bogiakumu ward (Bonchari), residential land is KSh 3,000,000.
- In nearby areas of Kisii County, residential plots range from KSh 1,300,000 for 70×100ft in Omogonchoro to KSh 15,000,000 for prime commercial land.
Rental Apartment in Tabaka, Bonchari - Rental Market.
Limited information is available on rental prices but the broader Kisii area shows:
- 2 bedroom apartments going for approximately KSh 20,000 per month Vacation rentals available in the area but no specific pricing for Tabaka or Bonchari.
Infrastructure Development and Services: Transportation Network.
Kisii County has 1,132.598 km of classified roads and 435 km of rural access roads. 170.848 km are tarmacked, 292.55 km are graveled and 669.2 km are earth roads.
Recent developments include:
- Rehabilitation of 172 km A Hero-Isebania highway funded by African Development Bank and Kenyan government.
- Upgrading of 75 km feeder roads to this highway including 15km Nyachenge-Tabaka-Ogembo road.
- Suneka airstrip in Kisii South district which needs expansion to accommodate commercial jets.
Health Facilities.
Tabaka has Tabaka Mission Hospital, a non-profit hospital with 250 beds serving the rural population. The hospital admits 9,000 patients annually including 1,300 in the pediatric ward. For patients who cannot afford medical bills, the hospital has established a Good Samaritan Fund to cater for hospitalization, surgical operations and treatments.
The hospital also has St. Camillus Training School for Kenya Registered Community Health Nurses offering 3 and half year diploma course in Nursing Sciences
Water Infrastructure.
Water services in both areas are managed by Gusii Water and Sanitation Company (GWASCCO) which operates 8 water supplies across Kisii and Nyamira counties with Tabaka being one of the 8 service areas.
Recent water infrastructure developments include:
- Borehole drilling projects in Tabaka Ward through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund to increase access to clean water in rural areas.
- Ongoing efforts to address water contamination issues as seen in March 2025 when a water source in Nyabigege area was closed due to an outbreak of illness affecting residents some of whom were treated at Tabaka Mission Hospital.
Educational and Community Facilities.
Bonchari Constituency Development Fund has allocated resources for various infrastructure projects in 2022-2023 financial year including:
- Construction and completion of classrooms and dormitories at schools like Kiabusura Secondary School (KSh 5,500,000)* Construction of modern pit latrines at various schools including Bitare Secondary School (KSh 1,200,000).
- Construction of a modern chief’s office in Riana (KSh 3,500,000).
- Organization of constituency sports tournaments (KSh 2,352,943).
Conclusion.
Tabaka and Bonchari are two separate administrative units in Kisii County but both are experiencing development in infrastructure, services and economic opportunities. Tabaka’s globally recognized soapstone industry is a major economic driver though it faces marketing and middlemen challenges. Land prices in both areas vary depending on proximity to amenities and development potential ranging from KSh 1,300,000 to KSh 15,000,000.
Recent developments in road network, healthcare facilities and water services suggest more growth potential for both areas. The planned Tabaka Soapstone Development Authority and the proposed art and culture center will further boost economic opportunities and preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
For investors or residents, both areas have unique advantages: Bonchari with proximity to Kisii town and granite deposits and Tabaka with established soapstone industry and cultural significance.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Bogetenga?
2.How much does land cost per acre in Borabu/Chitago?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Getenga?
4.What are the main economic activities in Tabaka?
5.How has the soapstone mining industry impacted property values in Boikanga?