Upper Kaewa/Iveti Ward: A Comprehensive Profile of Kathiani Constituency's Growing Region.

Upper Kaewa/Iveti is one of the four key wards that make up Kathiani Constituency in Machakos County, Kenya. This ward has been experiencing notable infrastructural development in recent years, particularly in road networks that are transforming accessibility and economic potential. With a distinctive landscape and strategic location within Machakos County, Upper Kaewa/Iveti presents various opportunities for residents, investors, and developers. This report explores the ward’s geographic characteristics, administrative structure, current property markets, and ongoing development initiatives that are shaping its future.

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Geographic and Administrative Profile: Location and Physical Characteristics.

Upper Kaewa/Iveti is strategically positioned within Kathiani Constituency, which is designated as constituency number 079 in Kenya’s electoral system. The ward covers approximately 34.7 square kilometers of land area, making it one of the smaller wards within the constituency. Geographically, Upper Kaewa/Iveti comprises several notable areas including parts of Kaewa, Kalunga, Kombu, Kaliluni, and Iveti.

The ward is part of the larger Kathiani Constituency, which spans about 207 square kilometers and hosts a population of approximately 126,419 residents according to recent data. This places the constituency among the moderately populated areas within Machakos County, which has a total of eight constituencies.

Administrative Framework.

Upper Kaewa/Iveti operates within the administrative structure of Machakos County, which is divided into 8 sub-counties and 40 electoral wards. Kathiani Constituency specifically consists of four wards: Mitaboni, Kathiani Central, Upper Kaewa/Iveti, and Lower Kaewa/Kaani.

The area falls under the representation of Member of Parliament Robert Mbui from the Wiper Democratic Movement-Kenya (WDM-K) party, who has served since 2013. At the county assembly level, Upper Kaewa/Iveti has its own representative who participates in the Machakos County Assembly’s legislative and oversight functions.

Property Market Analysis: Cheap Land for Sale in Upper Kaewa/ Iveti, Kathiani - Land Prices and Trends.

While specific data for Upper Kaewa/Iveti’s land prices is limited, examining pricing patterns in neighboring areas and the broader Machakos County provides valuable context. The average price of land for sale in Machakos County is approximately KSh 4,500,000, with prices varying significantly based on location, size, and development potential.

In nearby areas, commercial land in Kathiani was recently advertised at KSh 25,000,000 for a 5-acre plot, translating to KSh 4.2 million per acre. This particular property, located in Maanzoni between Mua hills and Lukenya hill, highlights the premium placed on land with strategic positioning and development potential within the constituency.

Residential land in the Mua Hills area of Machakos, not far from Upper Kaewa/Iveti, was listed at a similar price point of KSh 4.2 million per acre. This consistency suggests a relatively stable land valuation in the wider area surrounding Kathiani Constituency.

For more affordable options, plots in some parts of Machakos County are available at lower price points. In the Matuu area, for instance, 1/8th-acre plots were advertised at KSh 250,000, with options for installment payments ranging from 3 to 6 months.

House for Sale in Upper Kaewa/ Iveti, Kathiani - Housing Market.

Housing data specifically for Upper Kaewa/Iveti is scarce, with market analysis platforms indicating insufficient data for precise pricing trends. However, neighboring Kathiani Central provides some reference points, with houses averaging KSh 8,750,000 in early 2021. The limited housing market data suggests that the area may still be predominantly characterized by land transactions rather than developed real estate.

For context, the broader Machakos housing market shows considerable variation, with prices ranging widely depending on house size, location, and amenities. The average house price in Machakos County is approximately KSh 19,000,000, though this figure encompasses diverse housing types across the county.

In nearby urban centers like Syokimau, which is more developed, housing prices are significantly higher. For example, a 4-bedroom maisonette in a gated community along Katani Road was advertised at KSh 17,500,000, while a 4-bedroom villa was listed at KSh 18,000,000.

Infrastructure Development: Road Infrastructure Projects.

The most significant recent infrastructure development affecting Upper Kaewa/Iveti is the Kathalani – Kaviani – Nzaikoni road project, which directly links Upper Kaewa Ward with Lower Kaewa Ward. This major road project represents a substantial investment in the area’s transportation infrastructure with several notable features:

Project length: 3.37 kilometers
Contract sum: KSh 154,580,347.20
Contractor: Turin Enterprises Limited
Commencement date: February 23, 2024
Expected completion date: February 22, 2025

As of August 2024, the project had achieved 61% completion, with 1.37 kilometers already tarmacked along with partial installation of drainage and road furniture. The scope of works includes site clearance, earthworks, preparation of road sub-base and base, installation of culverts and drainage systems, bituminous surface treatment, and installation of road furniture.

This road project faces some implementation challenges, including the lack of suitable gravel near the construction site (requiring sourcing from approximately 18km away) and encroachment issues from life fences. Nevertheless, the County Assembly Committee monitoring the project noted that the quality of work completed was commendable.

Expected Impact of Infrastructure Development.

The Kathalani – Kaviani – Nzaikoni road project is expected to deliver several significant benefits to residents of Upper Kaewa/Iveti and surrounding areas:

Improved transportation of farm inputs and produce to markets, enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability.
Reduced transportation costs, leading to socio-economic improvements for local residents.
Enhanced mobility, facilitating better access to social amenities such as hospitals and schools.

In the broader context of Machakos County’s development agenda, this project aligns with the county’s focus on infrastructure development as outlined in the County Annual Development Plan 2025-2026. The plan emphasizes modernization and expansion of vital infrastructure, including transportation networks, to boost economic activity and raise living standards for locals.

Other Development Initiatives.

Beyond road infrastructure, Machakos County’s development agenda encompasses several priority areas that will likely benefit Upper Kaewa/Iveti:

Economic Diversification: The county is promoting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, with efforts focused on creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and investment.
Social Inclusion and Empowerment: County plans emphasize improving gender equality, social equity, and access to healthcare, education, and social safety nets.
Water and Sanitation: Development plans include enhancing water infrastructure as part of broader efforts to improve living conditions.

These initiatives are part of Machakos County’s “Maendeleo chap chap” (accelerated development) ideology, which advocates for speedy quality development and efficient service delivery.

Economic Activities and Potential.

The economic landscape of Upper Kaewa/Iveti appears to be predominantly agricultural, with the ongoing road infrastructure projects aimed at improving access to markets for farm produce. The area’s relatively affordable land prices compared to more urbanized parts of Machakos County suggest potential for both residential and agricultural development.

The presence of public facilities like the Iveti Primary School indicates some level of social infrastructure in the ward. However, the limited commercial listings and housing market data suggest that the area is still developing its commercial potential.

With improved road connectivity, Upper Kaewa/Iveti stands to benefit from increased accessibility, potentially attracting more residential and commercial development in the coming years. The ward’s proximity to more developed areas in Machakos County positions it as a potential growth area as urbanization extends outward from established centers.

Conclusion

Upper Kaewa/Iveti represents a ward in transition within Kathiani Constituency, with ongoing infrastructure development projects set to enhance its connectivity and economic potential. While specific housing market data is limited, land prices appear relatively stable and aligned with broader county trends, suggesting a steady market without the volatility seen in more rapidly developing urban areas.

The ongoing road project linking Upper Kaewa to Lower Kaewa Ward represents a significant public investment that will likely catalyze further development. As this and other county initiatives progress, Upper Kaewa/Iveti may experience increased interest from both residential and commercial developers seeking opportunities in areas with improving infrastructure and relatively affordable land prices.

For potential investors and residents, Upper Kaewa/Iveti presents an opportunity to engage with an area that is actively developing but has not yet reached the price points of more established locations in Machakos County. The ward’s future prospects appear promising, particularly as county-level development initiatives continue to enhance infrastructure and service delivery across Machakos.

1. What are the current house prices in Mitaboni?

2. How do land prices in Upper Kaewa/Iveti compare to other areas in Kathiani?

3. What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Lower Kaewa/ Kaani?

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

5. How has the population growth in Kangundo West affected property prices?