Mui, Mwingi East Constituency: An Area Profile.

Mui, located in Kitui County, Kenya, is a ward within Mwingi Central Constituency with significant development potential and natural resources. This report explores the demographic profile, property market, and recent infrastructure developments in the area.

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Geographic and Demographic Profile.

Mui is situated in the eastern part of Kenya within Kitui County, which is the sixth largest county in Kenya by area. According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Mui has a population of 23,091 residents (11,048 males and 12,041 females) with a population density of 58.4 people per square kilometer. The adult population of Mui is approximately 10,512 people.

Kitui County, where Mui is located, covers an area of 30,429.5 square kilometers and has a total population of 1,136,187 as of 2019, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.2%. The county borders several others including Tana River County to the east, Makueni to the west, and Embu to the northwest.

Natural Resources.

One of Mui’s most significant natural resources is its coal basin. The Mui Basin contains substantial coal deposits, which represent one of Kenya’s commercially viable coal reserves. This resource has attracted considerable attention and investment interest, making it a potential economic driver for the region.

Property Market Analysis: Land for Sale in Mui, Mwingi East - Land Prices.

While specific data for Mui ward is limited, land prices in the broader Mwingi area provide useful context:

Coal Basin Land:
- 20 acres near the coal basin: KSh 3,600,000 (KSh 180,000 per acre)
- 10 acres within the coal basin: KSh 1,800,000 (KSh 180,000 per acre)
- 5 acres within the coal basin: KSh 1,000,000 (KSh 200,000 per acre)
Mwingi Town Plots:
- 1/8th plots near police station: KSh 950,000
- 1/8th plot behind Mwingi boys secondary school: KSh 550,000
- “40×80” plot next to bus park: KSh 1,200,000

In the broader Mwingi area, residential plots typically range from KSh 500,000 to KSh 2,000,000, while commercial lots range from KSh 2,000,000 to KSh 10,000,000, depending on size and location.

Rental Apartment and House for Sale in Mui, Mwingi East - Housing Market.

The housing market in Mwingi and surrounding areas offers various options:

A 6-bedroom main house with a 2-bedroom guest house on a 10-acre parcel in Nguni Area (approximately 35 kilometers from Mwingi Town) was listed for KSh 6.5 million.
In Central Mwingi, property listings range from KSh 300,000 to KSh 3,000,000, including both residential and commercial properties.
Commercial properties in Mwingi Town at Biashara Gardens start from approximately KSh 6,000 for rentals.

Infrastructure Development.

Recent and planned infrastructure developments in the Mui area and broader Mwingi region include:

Transportation Network.

The Kitui County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 outlines plans for tarmacking and slabbing of roads, including specific improvements to the Ndithini-Malili-Mikuyuni road with branches to Mutito-Mui-Nuu. This development aims to improve connectivity between Mui and neighboring areas.

The construction of the Enziu Bridge is underway to benefit residents of Nguni and Nuu areas in Mwingi East Sub County. This bridge, with a budget of over KSh 500 million, is critical for addressing safety concerns during rainy seasons when the Enziu River swells and becomes dangerous to cross.

Urban Development.

The Mwingi Municipality Strategic Plan 2024-2029 emphasizes several urban development initiatives that may impact Mui:

Street lighting and solar security lights in urban centers and ward headquarters.
Waste management improvements, including refuse collection and recycling centers.
Enhanced water and sanitation services in sub-county headquarters and municipalities.

Health Services.

The CIDP 2023-2027 includes plans for:

A teaching and referral hospital in Mwingi.
Level IV hospitals in each sub-county.
Level III hospitals in each ward (which would include Mui).
Level II hospitals in each village.
Modern maternity facilities in Level II and III hospitals.

An ambulance in each ward.

Economic Infrastructure.

Mwingi Municipality’s strategic location on the Kibwezi-Kitui-Mbondoni Road positions it as a potential economic hub that could benefit surrounding areas, including Mui. The road forms part of the larger Mombasa-Addis Ababa Transport Corridor and, with the planned extension of the LAPSSET corridor, could significantly enhance the region’s economic potential.

Future Development Potential.

The presence of the Mui coal basin represents a significant economic opportunity. However, development must balance economic benefits with environmental considerations, as the coal has low energy content/calorific value and contains sulfur.

Kitui County’s economic activities largely center around agriculture, with over 75% of the municipality population depending on agriculture as their primary means of livelihood. Main crops include maize, beans, sorghum, pigeon peas, millet, and cassava. There is potential for agro-based industrialization given the county’s agricultural hinterland.

Conclusion

Mui, situated in Mwingi Central Constituency of Kitui County, offers significant development potential due to its natural resources, particularly the coal basin. While current property prices remain relatively affordable compared to more urbanized areas, future infrastructure developments outlined in county plans could increase the area’s attractiveness for investment.

The planned road improvements connecting Mui to neighboring areas, along with health service enhancements and the strategic development of Mwingi Municipality, indicate a positive trajectory for the region’s development. For potential investors or residents, Mui represents an area with emerging opportunities, though development may be gradual as infrastructure projects are implemented over the coming years.

1. What are the current house prices in Kivou?

2. How have land prices in Nguni changed over the past five years?

3. What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Nuu?

4. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for Waita?

5. How does the cost of living in Central compare to other areas in Kitui County?