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Mwamonari: A Comprehensive Profile of Kitutu Chache North's Growing Ward.
Mwamonari is a significant ward located in Marani area within Kitutu Chache North Constituency, one of the nine constituencies that make up Kisii County in southwestern Kenya. This report explores the geographic, demographic, economic, and infrastructure characteristics of this area, with particular attention to housing and land prices as well as recent development projects.
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Geographic and Administrative Setting.
Mwamonari is situated in Marani Ward within Kitutu Chache North Constituency (constituency number 268). Geographically, it lies at coordinates -0.55830 latitude and 34.79836 longitude within the Africa/Nairobi time zone (UTC+3). The area is characterized by hilly terrain, notably the Sikonge Hills, which creates a distinctive topography that influences infrastructure development and land use patterns.
Administratively, Kitutu Chache North Constituency is one of the nine constituencies in Kisii County and is currently represented in Parliament by Hon. Japhet Nyakundi of the UDA Party. The constituency comprises four wards: Monyerero, Sensi, Marani (where Mwamonari is located), and Kegogi. Marani Ward is represented in the Kisii County Assembly by Dennis Ochwang’i Ombachi. Mwamonari falls under the broader administrative unit of Marani Sub-county, which shares common boundaries with Kitutu Chache North Constituency.
Demographic Profile and Population Trends.
Mwamonari forms part of Marani Sub-county, which according to the 2019 Population and Housing Census has a total population of 107,464 people, comprising 50,598 males, 56,864 females, and 2 intersex persons. This is part of Kisii County’s overall population of 1,266,860, with a county-wide population density of 958 people per square kilometer and an annual growth rate of 2.75%.
More specifically, data shows that Mwamonari ward has an adult population of 17,313 residents. This represents a significant demographic unit within the constituency, accounting for approximately 16% of Marani Sub-county’s total population. The area follows Kisii County’s general demographic pattern with slightly more females than males, reflecting the county-wide gender distribution.
Land and Housing Market: Land for Sale in Mwamonari, Kitutu Chache North - Land Prices.
The land market in Mwamonari and surrounding areas shows varied pricing based on location, accessibility, and intended use:
- In Marani Town, which is proximate to Mwamonari, commercial land measuring 30 by 100 feet along the tarmac road is selling for KSh 2,500,000, with title deeds ready for transfer. This prime location commands higher prices due to its commercial potential and road access.
- In the broader Kisii area, residential land prices generally range from KSh 1,300,000 to KSh 6,500,000 depending on size, location, and proximity to amenities. For instance:
- Residential land in Omogonchoro (70 by 100 feet) is priced at KSh 1,300,000
- Plots in Nyakoe, Kioge area (100 by 100 feet, equivalent to 2 plots) are selling for KSh 4,000,000
- Commercial land commands significantly higher prices, with parcels in Gesonso (90 by 200 feet) listing at KSh 12,000,000, while a full acre of commercial land in Gesonso is priced at KSh 20,000,000.
House for Sale in Mwamonari, Kitutu Chache North - Housing Prices.
While specific housing prices for Mwamonari are not directly available in the search results, the broader Kisii area provides context for housing costs:
- Housing prices in Kisii County range from KSh 5,900,000 for modest homes to KSh 65,000,000 for premium properties.
- A typical 2-bedroom bungalow in Kisii is priced around KSh 5,900,000, while a 4-bedroom bungalow can cost between KSh 6,800,000 and KSh 13,500,000 depending on finishes and location.
- Apartment buildings represent investment opportunities, with one fully occupied 38-unit apartment complex in Nyanchwa Estate generating KSh 480,000 monthly in rent and priced at KSh 65,000,000.
The proximity of Mwamonari to the newly tarmacked Rioma-Engoto-Nyakoora-Kegogi road is likely to influence property values in the area, potentially driving up prices for properties with good road access.
Infrastructure Development: Road Infrastructure.
The most significant recent infrastructure development affecting Mwamonari is the tarmacking of the Rioma-Engoto-Nyakoora-Kegogi road, which was completed in late 2023. This road passes through Mwamonari location in the Rioma area and represents a major improvement in connectivity for residents.
However, the road has created mixed outcomes. While it has improved access to markets and general mobility, there are safety concerns due to the area’s hilly topography. The road meanders through the Sikonge Hills with a steep descent between Engoto and Rioma areas, posing risks to road users, especially pedestrians and motorcycle (bodaboda) operators.
This road development is part of Kisii County’s broader road network, which comprises 1,132.598 km of classified roads and 435 km of rural access roads. Currently, about 170.848 km of the county’s roads are tarmacked, 292.55 km are graveled, and 669.2 km remain as earth roads.
Water Infrastructure.
A notable recent development is the installation of a solar-powered borehole in neighboring Sensi Ward by Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Aburi. While not directly in Mwamonari, this project benefits over 6,000 households in Kitutu Chache North Constituency and represents the type of sustainable infrastructure being implemented in the area.
The project aims to increase access to clean water, boost agricultural productivity, and promote food security. The Woman Representative has emphasized using solar power for all boreholes installed by her office, ensuring sustainable water access.
Development Projects.
The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) has financed various projects in Kitutu Chache North, including Mwamonari, such as:
- Education infrastructure: Construction and renovation of school facilities, including classrooms and toilets at various primary and secondary schools.
- Water projects: Development of water supply systems like the Isecha, Nyamokomba, and Nyakoora Water Projects, which include erection of tanks, purchase of pipes, digging trenches, and construction of pump houses.
- Administrative infrastructure: Construction of Chief’s offices in various locations within the constituency.
However, an audit report noted that some projects valued at KSh 4,750,000 were not properly labeled as required by regulations, raising concerns about project management and transparency.
Economic Activities.
The economy of Mwamonari, like much of Kisii County, is predominantly based on agriculture. The area practices subsistence farming with some commercial crops. Kisii County is known for its banana production, along with other crops including tea, coffee, tomatoes, vegetables, maize, and sugarcane.
The improved road infrastructure is expected to enhance market access for agricultural products from Mwamonari, potentially boosting the local economy. The solar-powered water projects in neighboring areas may also improve agricultural productivity by providing reliable water for farming activities.
Conclusion.
Mwamonari in Kitutu Chache North Constituency represents a typical semi-rural Kenyan settlement experiencing gradual development and integration into the broader economic framework of Kisii County. The area has seen significant infrastructure improvements, particularly in road connectivity, though these come with challenges related to the hilly terrain.
Land prices remain moderate compared to urban centers but show variation based on location and use. The ongoing infrastructure developments, particularly in roads and water supply, are likely to influence property values and economic activities in the coming years. For potential investors or residents, Mwamonari offers relative affordability with improving amenities, though challenges in infrastructure maintenance and development remain.
As Kitutu Chache North Constituency continues to receive development funds and implement projects, Mwamonari is positioned to benefit from these initiatives, potentially enhancing its status as a residential and agricultural area within Kisii County.
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