Plots, houses and land for sale in Keumbu, Nyaribari Chache.
Keumbu is a vibrant ward in Nyaribari Chache Constituency in Kisii County and is the headquarters of the constituency and a major economic hub in the area. This report looks into the area’s demographic characteristics, economic profile, housing and land market and recent infrastructure developments that are shaping its future.
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Geographic and Administrative Profile.
Nyaribari Chache is a constituency (number 267) in Kisii County comprising six wards: Bobaracho, Kisii Central, Keumbu, Kiogoro, Birongo and Ibeno. Keumbu Ward is County Assembly Ward No. 1333 and has four sub-locations and is the constituency headquarters. The constituency is currently represented by Hon. Zaheer Jhanda of UDA Party who won the 2022 general elections.
The constituency borders Nyaribari Masaba, Kitutu Chache South, Bobasi and Bonchari constituencies. Keumbu’s strategic location has made it the second largest market centre in the county after Kisii town. The area has many educational institutions including prominent schools like Kisii High School and Kereri Girls High School, the constituency has 78 primary schools, 40 secondary schools, a National Polytechnic and a university.
Demographic and Population Trends.
Keumbu’s demographic profile shows high population pressure that affects land use and development patterns. According to available data, Keumbu Ward has a population of 8,481. The broader Keumbu area has a high population density of 830 persons per square kilometer while Nyaura location in the area has extreme density of 3,135 persons per square kilometer.The population has been growing steadily with an average growth rate of 20.5% between 1989 and 2009. This rapid population growth has led to land fragmentation and pressure on local resources and infrastructure.
Land Use and Agricultural Trends.
Keumbu has undergone significant land use changes that have affected agricultural productivity and food security. Research shows that between 1990 and 2010 the area lost 58% of its forestland and 91% of its grassland, while cropland increased by 11% and settlements expanded by 0.6%.
These land use changes coupled with soil fertility depletion have resulted in a 29% decline in food production while cash crop yields increased by 12.5%. The combination of high population density, agricultural land degradation and urbanization has led to food insecurity in what was once a food basket area.
Economic Activities.
Mixed farming is the main economic activity in Nyaribari Chache Constituency with Rianyamwamu tea factory being a major employer in the area. Keumbu market is an important commercial centre, second only to Kisii town in the county.
Despite these economic opportunities, poverty is still a challenge in some parts of the region with studies showing that about 65% of residents in Kegati location are in absolute poverty.
Land and Property Market.
Land & Plots for Sale in Keumbu, Kisii-Land Prices in Keumbu and Surrounding Areas.
Land prices in Keumbu and Nyaribari Chache area are reflecting the region’s urbanization and high population density. Current listings show big variations in pricing depending on location and accessibility:
- 5 acres in Ibeno Keumbu with subdivision-ready title was priced at KSh 2 million per acre (total KSh 10 million).
- In neighboring Kiogoro Ward, 1.25 acres of land with trees near Kiogoro Dispensary was listed for KSh 3.9 million.
- Commercial properties command high prices, 1 acre commercial plot in nearby Gesonso was listed at KSh 20 million.These prices are a fraction of what similar properties would cost in Kenya’s major urban centers where prime land can go for KSh 100 million per acre near Nairobi’s CBD. Rural properties in Kenya range from KSh 500,000 to KSh 2 million per acre, Keumbu’s land prices are at the higher end of rural pricing, likely due to being a constituency headquarters and market centre.
Houses & Apartments for Sale in Keumbu-Housing Market Trends.
There is limited housing price data for Keumbu in the search results but the broader Kenyan housing market has been experiencing price corrections. According to Kenya Bankers Association Housing Price Index, house prices dropped by 1.1% in Q3 2024 compared to the previous quarter and 14.28% year-on-year.
In the national context, townhouses were the most expensive housing type in Q3 2024 with an average price of KSh 38.63 million, followed by maisonettes at KSh 26.08 million. High-end townhouses were priced at KSh 59 million.
Accommodation options in the broader Kisii Central area include hotels, serviced apartments and rental properties. Visitors and residents can find options like Makao Apartments, Cannas Hotel and New Zonic Hotel while Airbnb rentals such as “La Maison Chic” (located about 3 km from Kisii town) are also available.
Recent Infrastructure Developments.
Keumbu has seen significant infrastructure development in recent years to boost economic activity, public health and security.
Lighting and Market Infrastructure.
A major development is the multi-million lighting project by Kisii County Government to support Keumbu’s emergence as a 24-hour economy hub. This includes:
- Installation of two high mast lights with plans to add two more to expand coverage.
- Eight solar lights to support street lighting.
- Bus bay with shelters to support roadside traders and reduce accidents on the busy highway.
- Public washrooms for traders operating within Keumbu market.
These developments aim to improve the market environment which is a key economic centre for the constituency.
Healthcare Facilities.
Keumbu’s healthcare infrastructure got a boost with the opening of a mini theater at Keumbu Sub-County Hospital. Residents can now get minor surgical operations without having to travel to Kisii town. The county government has also committed to ensuring a consistent supply of medicines to address previous shortages.
Administrative and Security Infrastructure.
National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) has funded several projects in the area including:
- KSh 12.5 million phase-two construction of a two-storey building at Kiogoro/Matunwa Assistant County Commissioner Office to enhance administrative capacity in the area.
- KSh 15 million construction project at Keumbu Police Post comprising thirteen rooms including a waiting bay, male and female cells with flash toilets, terrazzo tiling, plastering, window panes, electrical fittings and other amenities.
Sanitation.
To address cleanliness and garbage collection challenges, the county government contracted a local youth group for waste management services in Keumbu1216. However, waste management is still a challenge as waste from Keumbu has to be transported to Etora in Bomachoge increasing management costs. The county government is seeking cooperation from residents to identify a local waste management site.
Conclusion.
Keumbu as the headquarters of Nyaribari Chache Constituency has emerged as an administrative and commercial centre in Kisii County. The area has challenges of high population density, land fragmentation and declining agricultural productivity but recent infrastructure development reflects efforts to transform the local economy and improve living standards.
The land market is active with prices reflecting Keumbu’s status as a growing market centre while the broader housing market is experiencing price corrections. As infrastructure development continues especially in lighting, healthcare and market facilities Keumbu is poised to strengthen its role as the constituency’s administrative and commercial hub.
For residents, investors and policymakers understanding these dynamics is important for decision making on where to live, invest or implement development projects in this evolving area of Kisii County.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Kisii Central?
2.How do land prices in Keumbu compare to other areas in Bobaracho?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Kiogoro?
4.Are there any upcoming housing projects in Birongo?
5.How has the housing market in Ibeno changed over the past few years?