Eburru in Gilgil Constituency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Development and Real Estate Trends.
Eburru, located within Gilgil Constituency of Nakuru County, represents a unique blend of natural beauty, ecological significance, and emerging real estate potential. This comprehensive report examines the area’s key characteristics, current property market dynamics, and recent infrastructure developments that are shaping its growth trajectory.
Geographical and Administrative Context.
Gilgil Constituency, established in 2013 after being carved from the larger Naivasha Constituency, is one of eleven constituencies in Nakuru County. Currently represented by Hon. Martha Wangari, the constituency encompasses five County Assembly Wards: Gilgil Ward, Eburru/Mbaruk Ward, Elementaita Ward, Murindat Ward, and Malewa West Ward. According to the 2019 census, Gilgil Administrative Sub-county has approximately 185,209 residents spread across 1,075.4 square kilometers, with a registered voting population of 85,340 as of 2017.
Eburru specifically falls within the Eburru/Mbaruk Ward (designated as Ward No. 0846), which has an approximate population of 33,395 residents and covers a substantial 621 square kilometers. This ward comprises parts of Mbaruk, Kongasis, and Eburo sub-locations of Nakuru County. The area borders several constituencies including Naivasha, Narok North, Njoro, Nakuru Town East, Bahati, Olkalou, and Kipipiri.
Natural Features and Environmental Significance.
Eburru is environmentally significant primarily due to the Eburru Forest, which comprises 8,715 hectares of prime indigenous forest within the steep hills, deep valleys, and rolling foothills of Mount Eburru. This forest is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot within the greater Mau Forests Complex, hosting over 40 mammal species including the critically endangered mountain bongo antelope. In 2010, conservation efforts intensified when Rhino Ark committed to protecting the Eburru ecosystem, culminating in a 43-kilometer electric fence project funded by the M-Pesa Foundation to safeguard both endangered wildlife and crucial water catchment areas.
Real Estate Market Analysis.
Gilgil Land for Sale – 1/8 Acre Plots with Scenic Views-Land Prices.
The real estate market in Eburru shows varying land prices depending on location, accessibility, and development status:
- 50 by 100 Plots:
- Eburru-Kongasis Shopping Center: KSh 350,000 (outright price).
- Near Gilgil Junction Shell petrol station: KSh 180,000 per plot.
- General residential developing areas: KSh 300,000 per plot.
- Kongasis center (less than 200m from main road): KSh 550,000 (inclusive of all charges and title).
- Larger Parcels:
- 1 acre of land in Gilgil Eburru: KSh 650,000.
- 2 acres in Nyandarua Tumaini Thaba (touching Tumaini-Gilgil Road): KSh 1,600,000 per acre.
Plot and House Gilgil Eburru Gitumbo in Eburru-Housing Prices.
Houses in the area are priced based on size, amenities, and location:
- Residential Properties:
- House on a 50 by 100ft plot with electricity, running water, and title deed: KSh 1,800,000.
- Two-room house with toilet in Gilgil Eburru Gitumbo: KSh 650,000 (outright price).
These prices reflect the current market conditions as of April 2025, showing that Eburru maintains relatively affordable property rates compared to urban centers like Nakuru Town, making it attractive for both residential settlement and investment purposes.
Recent Infrastructure Development.
Road Network Improvements.
Significant road infrastructure enhancements are underway or recently completed:
- The rehabilitation of Malewa Road has been a priority project to facilitate easier transportation for farmers and students in the region.
- The 2.5-kilometer Ol-doinyo Eburru Village Road in Elementaita Ward has undergone substantial grading, improving connectivity within the area.
- On a larger scale, the region will soon benefit from the construction of the 170-kilometer four-lane Rironi-Mau Summit road, scheduled to begin by June 1, 2025, with completion targeted for June 2027. This major infrastructure project will transform transport between Nairobi, Nakuru, and Western Kenya, potentially increasing property values along its corridor.
Housing and Urban Development
The Nakuru County Government has implemented several housing improvement initiatives that impact Eburru and surrounding areas:
- Rehabilitation of 617 housing units across Kaloleni, Naivasha, and Flamingo estates.
- Upgrading of sewerage systems, including 1.3 kilometers of sewer line in Flamingo Ward and construction of 1 kilometer of new sewer line in Viwandani Ward, connecting 150 households to improved sanitation services.
- Establishment of Alternative Building Materials Technology Centers to promote sustainable construction methods, including centers in Kware Polytechnic (Visoi Ward) and Lare Polytechnic (Lare Ward).
- The State Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated Sh1.3 billion toward upgrading informal settlements in Nakuru County, focusing on improvements to drainage infrastructure, waste management, roads, and street lighting.
Water Infrastructure
To address perennial water shortages, Nakuru County has instituted measures to boost water storage and improve sanitation:
- Development of water infrastructure aimed at meeting rising demand and increasing the number of households with access to clean and safe water.
- Public-private partnerships to revamp aged wastewater treatment and sewerage systems.
- Collaboration with organizations like Tigal Water Splash to rehabilitate UNICEF-funded water projects in neighboring sub-counties, with potential expansion to other areas including Eburru.
Healthcare Facilities.
Healthcare infrastructure has seen significant investment:
- The county currently manages 184 health facilities, with ongoing projects to build and upgrade sub-county hospitals.
- These healthcare developments, while not specifically mentioned for Eburru, represent the county’s broader commitment to improving service delivery across all constituencies.
Conservation and Sustainable Development.
Eburru has emerged as a model for community-led conservation efforts:
- Fifty boda boda (motorcycle taxi) riders from Morgen, Songoroi, and Eburru villages have been trained in both road safety and environmental conservation, creating grassroots ambassadors for sustainable practices.
- The Eburru Community Forest Association (CFA) leads efforts to promote sustainable land use, with local farmers integrating fruit trees into their farming systems for both ecological and economic benefits.
- A wildlife corridor is being constructed to link Lake Naivasha and Eburru Forest, which will be the first such corridor in the entire Mau Complex, featuring bridges over public roads to facilitate wildlife movement.
- A guidebook titled “Common Medicinal Plants of Eburru Forest” has been authored by community members, serving both as a conservation tool and potential source of ecotourism revenue.
Economic Potential and Future Outlook.
Eburru and the broader Gilgil Constituency have substantial economic potential:
- The area is predominantly rural with mixed farming as the main economic activity, but growing infrastructure and conservation efforts are diversifying its economic base.
- Tourism opportunities abound with proximity to Lake Elementaita, a popular destination for bird watching, camping, and picnicking, as well as the Sleeping Warrior (also known as Delamares Nose) and Kariandusi pre-historic site.
- The Nakuru County Investment Board (NCIB) has identified investment opportunities in renewable energy, agribusiness, infrastructure, real estate, and information technology-enabled services that could benefit areas like Eburru.
- The development of the County Spatial Development Plan and Land Information Management System, currently at 95% and 80% completion respectively, will provide strategic guidance for future land use and development in areas including Eburru.
Conclusion
Eburru in Gilgil Constituency represents a dynamic area undergoing significant transformation through infrastructure development, conservation efforts, and growing real estate potential. With land prices ranging from KSh 180,000 to KSh 1,800,000 depending on location and amenities, the area offers investment opportunities across different price points. The ongoing and planned infrastructure developments, particularly in road networks, water systems, and housing, position Eburru for sustainable growth. As conservation efforts continue to protect its natural heritage while creating economic opportunities, Eburru exemplifies the balance between development and environmental stewardship that characterizes emerging rural centers in Kenya.
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