Chepchabas Ward in Konoin Constituency: An Area Profile and Development Update

Chepchabas is one of the five administrative wards within Konoin Constituency, located in Bomet County, Kenya. This comprehensive report explores the geographical and demographic characteristics of the area, examines the current state of housing and land ownership, and highlights recent infrastructure development projects that are transforming the region.

Locations > Laikipia County > Konoin > Chepchabas

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Geographic and Administrative Overview

Chepchabas constitutes one of the five wards that make up Konoin Constituency, alongside Kimulot, Boito, Mogogosiek, and Embomos. Konoin Constituency, established for the 1988 elections, is one of the five constituencies in Bomet County. The entire constituency covers an area of 879 square kilometers, with Chepchabas being a significant administrative division within this region. As of the most recent electoral data, Chepchabas Ward has 10,166 registered voters, representing an important political constituency in the area.

The ward is situated in the Kimulot Division, specifically in the Saosa Zone of Konoin Sub-County. Konoin Sub-County itself is part of the larger Bomet County, which has been experiencing significant population growth. According to the 2009 Population and Housing Census, Bomet County had approximately 723,813 residents, with projections indicating growth to over one million residents by 2022.

Historical Context and Social Dynamics

The social and economic landscape of Chepchabas has been significantly shaped by its colonial history. Many residents of Chepchabas village are descendants of families that were evicted from their ancestral lands by British settlers in the 1920s to make way for tea plantations. According to historical accounts, the settlers cleared approximately 6,483 acres of land and planted tea, while the original inhabitants were either relocated or employed as casual laborers on these estates.

Some families, numbering about 648, were settled in the area between 1968 and 1975, with approximately 214 families being allotted two acres each instead of the seven acres they had initially been promised. This historical land dispossession continues to affect the socioeconomic status of many residents, with numerous families essentially being squatters on what was once their ancestral land.

Housing and Property Market: Housing Situation

The housing situation in Chepchabas reflects the socioeconomic challenges faced by many residents. A significant number of people live in grass-thatched mud houses situated on the edges of the vast tea plantations operated by multinational companies. This housing pattern illustrates the economic disparities and historical land ownership issues that continue to affect the community.

While there are commercial properties available for rent in the area, such as “Chepchabas Shops To Let” mentioned in real estate listings, there is limited information about formal housing developments or pricing structures. The neighboring ward of Kimulot does have apartments available for rent, indicating some level of housing development in the broader constituency.

Land for Sale in Chepchabas, Konoin – Land Prices and Property Market

The property market in Chepchabas appears to be underdeveloped, with real estate listings indicating “No properties found in this location”11. This suggests either a lack of formal property listings or limited commercial real estate activity in the immediate area.

The search results don’t provide specific land prices for Chepchabas, which may indicate a relatively inactive formal land market. The historical context of land dispossession and the presence of large tea estates likely affect land availability and pricing in the region.

Recent Infrastructure Development

Recent years have seen significant infrastructure investments in Konoin Sub-County, with several major projects directly benefiting Chepchabas and neighboring wards.

Water Infrastructure

One of the most significant recent developments is the Chebang’ang water supply project, launched in May 2025. This Sh380 million initiative is being implemented by the county government in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross as part of the second phase of the Bomet Integrated Development Plan (BIDP). The project aims to benefit approximately 90,000 residents from three neighboring wards: Boito, Chepchabas, and Kimulot.

The Chebang’ang water supply project represents a major investment in addressing the water challenges that have plagued the area for years. According to Governor Hillary Barchok, the project is expected to be completed within one year and will cover up to 70 percent of the sub-county’s water needs. This initiative is particularly significant for women in the area who have traditionally had to trek long distances to fetch clean water for domestic use.

Road Network Improvements

The road infrastructure in Konoin Constituency, including Chepchabas Ward, is undergoing significant improvements. In May 2025, Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok flagged off the construction of Mosombet Road in Boito Ward, which will improve connectivity across Konoin Sub-county. This project is part of a broader commitment by the county government to ensure a comprehensive road network throughout the county.

The county administration recently commissioned multi-million road construction and maintenance equipment and has set an ambitious goal to reconstruct all existing roads in the county within the next year. This initiative aims to open up rural villages, facilitate the transportation of farm produce to markets, and generally improve mobility for residents.

Bridge Construction

Another notable infrastructure project in the area is the construction of the Muriasi bridge, which connects Boito and Kimulot wards in Konoin constituency. This Sh45.8 million project features a 36-meter-long bridge with a 4-meter-wide carriageway and 1.5-meter footpath running through Itare river. The bridge, expected to be completed by March 2026, will replace a footbridge constructed in 1958 by the colonial government.

This investment is part of a larger allocation of Sh1.1 billion that the county has spent on road construction and bridges in various constituencies including Konoin. According to Governor Barchok, these infrastructure investments are designed to enable farmers to transport their fresh farm produce to markets more efficiently, thereby improving economic outcomes in the predominantly agricultural region.

Conclusion

Chepchabas Ward in Konoin Constituency presents a complex picture of a community dealing with historical injustices while experiencing new development opportunities. The area’s colonial past continues to influence land ownership patterns and socioeconomic conditions, with many residents working on tea plantations that were once their ancestral lands.

The recent infrastructure investments in water supply, roads, and bridges represent significant steps toward addressing long-standing challenges in the region. These developments, if properly implemented, have the potential to improve living standards, enhance economic opportunities, and facilitate better access to markets and services for the residents of Chepchabas.

As these infrastructure projects progress, they may also influence the local property market, potentially leading to increased land values and new housing developments. However, addressing the fundamental issues of land ownership and historical injustices will likely require more comprehensive policy interventions at both county and national levels.

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