Mawanga, Bahati Constituency: A Comprehensive Area Analysis

Mawanga is a rapidly developing area within Bahati Constituency in Nakuru County, Kenya, experiencing significant transformation in recent years. This report presents an in-depth analysis of the area’s geography, demographics, housing market, land values, and recent infrastructure developments that have contributed to its growing prominence.

Locations > Nakuru > Bahati > Mawanga

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Geographic and Administrative Context.

Bahati Constituency stands as one of eleven constituencies in Nakuru County, situated within Kenya’s Great Rift Valley region. The constituency covers approximately 387.3 square kilometers with a population of 218,050 according to the 2019 census, resulting in a relatively high population density of 563 people per square kilometer. The constituency is currently represented by MP Irene Mrembo Njoki, who succeeded Kimani Ngunjiri in 2022.

Mawanga specifically is located approximately 6.2 kilometers from Nakuru City center, positioning it as a suburban area with growing significance. The area has undergone remarkable transformation from what was once described as having a “ghetto look” to becoming a vibrant estate with modern apartments and thriving commercial activities. This evolution represents the broader urbanization trend observed across Nakuru County as it solidifies its city status.

Administrative Structure.

Bahati Constituency comprises five county assembly wards:

Bahati Ward.
Kiamaina Ward.
Kabatini Ward.
Lanet-umoja Ward.
Dundori Ward.

Agriculture and quarrying remain the primary economic activities within the broader constituency, though Mawanga itself has increasingly diversified into commercial and residential development.

Housing Market in Mawanga.

The housing market in Mawanga reflects its transition from a peripheral area to an emerging residential hotspot. Properties range from single-family bungalows to modern apartment complexes, with prices varying accordingly.

3bdrm Bungalow in Mawanga, KITI Area for Rent -Current Housing Prices.

Housing prices in Mawanga demonstrate considerable range based on property type, size, and amenities:

A standard 3-bedroom bungalow was listed for KSh 5,800,000 as of 2025.
A more premium 3-bedroom house with master ensuite, large sunken lounge, fitted kitchen, perimeter wall with electric fence, and 20,000-liter water storage tank on a 50×100 plot was priced at KSh 7,000,000.
A 1-bedroom house marketed as a rental income property generating KSh 72,000 monthly was listed for KSh 10,000,000.
Newly constructed apartment complexes represent the higher end of the market, with prices ranging from KSh 38,000,000 to KSh 42,000,000.

The diversity in pricing reflects the area’s transitional nature, with properties catering to various market segments from middle-income families to investors seeking rental returns.

Housing Characteristics.

Properties in Mawanga typically feature:

Perimeter walls and security features (often including electric fencing).
Water storage solutions (tanks of 20,000+ liters) to mitigate supply challenges.
Modern amenities including fitted kitchens and spacious living areas.
Manicured gardens, sometimes with mature fruit trees.

The neighborhood has approximately 12 schools (both primary and secondary), enhancing its appeal to families.

Land Prices and Investment Opportunities.

Land values in Mawanga have appreciated significantly, reflecting growing demand and infrastructure improvements.

Agricultural Land for Sale in Mawanga-Current Land Prices.

The current market shows the following pricing trends for plots in Mawanga:

A standard 50×100 plot near St. Betty’s was listed for KSh 3,200,000.
A ⅛-acre plot (roughly equivalent to 50×100) near Makao Police Station with stone block perimeter wall and gate was priced at KSh 2,500,000 as of March 2025.
Two 50×100 plots with simple structures (1-bedroom houses and bedsitters) in Nakuru Tumsifu area of Mawanga were listed at KSh 6,500,000 combined.

These prices represent a notable investment opportunity, particularly given the area’s rapid development trajectory and proximity to Nakuru City.

Recent Infrastructure Development.

The transformation of Mawanga has been accelerated by significant infrastructure investments in recent years.

Road Network Improvements.

The most notable infrastructure development has been the tarmacking of the main road connecting Mawanga to Nakuru town, completed in 20239. This project was part of a broader KSh 7 billion infrastructure upgrade initiative from the national government targeting Nakuru County. The improved road connectivity has significantly enhanced accessibility, reduced travel times, and boosted property values in the area.

Government spokesperson Colonel (Retired) Cyrus Oguna emphasized that these infrastructure projects will have direct impacts on manufacturing, horticultural, tourism, and hospitality sectors, aligning with the government’s Big Four agenda.

Urban Planning Initiatives.

Mawanga’s development is guided by Nakuru’s Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan (ISUDP), which aims to transform Nakuru into a “well-planned cosmopolitan, clean and environmentally friendly city”. This plan addresses previous planning challenges including:

Lack of elaborate development control frameworks.
Inadequate social facilities.
Insufficient water and sewerage systems.
Congestion issues.

The County Spatial Plan further provides a framework for organizing and distributing activities to achieve development objectives, ensuring more structured growth in areas like Mawanga.

Water and Sanitation Improvements.

Water infrastructure has been a priority, with plans to sink 50 boreholes to address water shortages in Nakuru city, benefiting suburban areas like Mawanga. These improvements are crucial for supporting the area’s growing population and enhancing quality of life for residents.

Security Enhancements.

Past security concerns in Mawanga, including a notable crime incident in 2021-2022, have led to strengthened community policing initiatives and security improvements. The National Crime Research Centre has identified community policing and Nyumba Kumi initiatives as effective approaches to curbing crime, which have been implemented across Nakuru County including Mawanga.

Future Development Prospects.

Mawanga stands at an interesting inflection point in its development. As part of Nakuru County’s broader urban expansion, several trends suggest continued growth:

The ongoing transformation from agricultural land to urban settlement will likely continue as Nakuru City expands.
Commercial activity is expected to increase with improved infrastructure, creating more local employment opportunities.
Property values are projected to appreciate further as infrastructure improvements enhance the area’s livability and connectivity.
The implementation of the ISUDP’s structured planning approach should lead to more balanced development with improved public amenities.

Conclusion

Mawanga in Bahati Constituency represents an emerging residential and commercial hub within Nakuru County’s expanding urban footprint. The area has undergone remarkable transformation through infrastructure investments, particularly in road networks, which have catalyzed property development and commercial activity. Current housing and land prices reflect this transition phase, offering investment opportunities while remaining more affordable than central Nakuru locations.

The continued implementation of the county’s development plans, alongside national government infrastructure investments, positions Mawanga for sustained growth in the coming years. For potential residents and investors, the area offers an attractive combination of improving infrastructure, relative affordability, and proximity to Nakuru City’s amenities and opportunities.

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