Hells Gate and Gilgil Constituency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Area Development, Property Market, and Infrastructure.

The Hells Gate area in Naivasha and Gilgil Constituency in Nakuru County represent significant areas of development and investment opportunity in Kenya’s Rift Valley region. This report examines the geographical characteristics, property market trends, and infrastructure developments in these areas, providing insights into their current status and future prospects.

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Geographical and Administrative Context.

Hells Gate is a location within Naivasha Constituency in Nakuru County, Kenya, famous for hosting the Hell’s Gate National Park that covers 68.25 square kilometers. Established in 1984, the park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs that was once a tributary of a prehistoric lake feeding early humans in the Rift Valley. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes including Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower columns, and the Hell’s Gate Gorge. It is also home to five geothermal power stations at Olkaria.

Gilgil Constituency, on the other hand, is one of the eleven constituencies in Nakuru County, formed in 2013 after being carved out from the larger Naivasha Constituency. The constituency comprises five County Assembly Wards: Gilgil, Ebburu/Mbaruk, Elementaita, Murindat, and Malewa West. Four of these wards fall within Gilgil Sub-county, while Malewa West is administratively under Naivasha Sub-county.

According to the 2019 census, Gilgil Administrative Sub-county has a population of approximately 185,209 people spread across 1,075.4 square kilometers. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission recorded a voting population of 85,340 in 2017.

Key Features of the Region.

Gilgil town serves as the constituency headquarters and is historically an administrative and military center housing two Army Barracks (The Second and Fifth Kenya Rifles), a National Youth Service Training Camp, and an Anti-stock Theft Headquarters. The region boasts:

Lake Elementaita and the adjacent Soysambu Conservancy
Ebburu Forest (an extension of the Mau Forest ecosystem)
Numerous tourist destinations with first-class hotels including Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge, Jacaranda Lake Elementaita, and Sunbird Lodge.
Educational institutions including Utumishi Boys, Utumishi Girls, Koelel High, and Coulson Girls among 124 registered public schools.

The constituency is primarily rural, with mixed farming as the main economic activity, though it has also hosted significant events such as the World Rally Championships at Soysambu and Sleeping Warrior.

Land and Property Market Analysis: Land for Sale in Hells gate, Gilgil - Land Prices in Hells Gate and Surrounding Areas.

The real estate market in the Hells Gate area shows considerable variation in pricing depending on location, size, and proximity to infrastructure:

Mixed-use land in Hells Gate is available for approximately KSh 800,000 for plots located 500 meters from tarmac roads in developed areas.
Larger parcels in Naivasha Kedong (near Hells Gate) command premium prices:
- The 28 acres with views of Lake Naivasha and Longonot is priced at KSh 95,000,000.
- 112 acres in Naivasha Kedong (Akiira side) is listed at KSh 56,000,000.
- 5 acres fronting Moi South Lake Road opposite Salewa Lodge is available for KSh 55,000,000.
- 3.6 acres in a developed area of Naivasha Kedong is priced at KSh 18,720,000.
Prime commercial plots in Naivasha CBD are valued at approximately KSh 70,000,000, highlighting the premium placed on commercial-zoned properties.

Property Market Trends in Nakuru County.

The broader Nakuru County property market shows promising growth trajectories:

Land values across the county are experiencing consistent appreciation, with Nakuru’s satellite towns showing particularly strong growth. The Opal Estate development in Nakuru offers 50×100 plots for KSh 550,000, marketed as an affordable investment with high appreciation potential.
According to real estate analysts, Nakuru’s elevation to city status has driven massive infrastructure and economic development, positioning it as “the next big real estate hub in Kenya.” The strategic location between Nairobi and Eldoret makes it a key commercial and industrial center.
The county government is establishing a central database of all property transactions to transform the real estate market, providing valuable information on lettings, sales, and new construction. This initiative, in partnership with the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), aims to map housing trends and determine supply shortfalls to inform investment decisions.

Recent Infrastructure Developments: Major National Government Investments.

The National Government has made significant investments in Nakuru County’s infrastructure:

Over KSh 7 billion has been allocated for infrastructural upgrades, including tarmac roads and an airport development in Nakuru County.
A strategic 30-kilometer road has been developed, connecting more than 30 flower farms, the geothermal-rich area of Olkaria, KenGen geothermal power plants, the geothermal spa, and Hells Gate National Park. This road also serves more than 60 hotels and resorts along the Lake Naivasha shoreline.
Approximately KSh 400 million has been allocated for the current financial year toward a KSh 3 billion airport upgrade project at the 81 Tank Battalion Barracks in Lanet. The project will expand the current military airstrip to handle both military and civilian flights.
Engineers and surveyors are exploring ways to link the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) with the old railway at Longonot in Naivasha at a cost of KSh 3.663 billion.

County-Level Infrastructure Development.

Nakuru County has made remarkable progress in its infrastructure development agenda:

Road Network Improvements:
- 1,642.09 km of roads were graded and 1,014.86 km graveled under contracted works.
- The Imarisha Barabara Programme saw 1,675.84 km of roads graded and 224.33 km graveled.
- 47 motor-able footbridges were constructed
Drainage Systems:
- 145.77 km of existing drainage network was maintained
- 32.13 km of new drainage network was constructed
Transport and Public Lighting:
- 102 boda-boda sheds were constructed across various sub-counties
- Street-lighting infrastructure was enhanced with the installation of 1,243 floodlights
- 70% of existing floodlights were maintained

Gilgil Municipality Development Plans.

Gilgil Municipality has outlined comprehensive development priorities for the fiscal years 2024/25 through 2026/27:

The municipality has allocated resources for improved infrastructural development, including the construction of parking lots and installation of solar street lights.
Environmental management initiatives include the purchase and installation of litter bins and rehabilitation of parks and green spaces.
The municipality is focusing on improving the business environment through the construction of Juakali sheds and markets, as well as enhancing social services through the rehabilitation of social halls.
Resource requirements for these initiatives total approximately KSh 104.72 million for FY 2024/25, KSh 115.19 million for FY 2025/26, and KSh 126.71 million for FY 2026/27.

Housing Projects and Future Development Initiatives: Affordable Housing Projects.

Nakuru County faces a significant housing deficit that is being addressed through various initiatives:

According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Nakuru County requires 10,000 affordable housing units to meet current demand, with only 2,000 units available, creating a shortfall of 8,000 units.
The national Affordable Housing Agenda envisions each county developing at least 2,000 units per financial year beginning 2018/2019, though this will not fully address the growing demand in Nakuru County.
Several affordable housing projects are in the pipeline:
- While a tender for the “Proposed Construction of Gilgil AHP Project” was canceled, other projects are moving forward.
- The “Proposed Construction of Karagita Phase 2 AHP Project” in Naivasha constituency (1,146 units) is active

The “Proposed Construction of Buffalo Mall Phase 1 AHP Project” in Naivasha constituency (1,120 units) is also proceeding.

Future Development Plans.

Nakuru County’s Annual Development Plan 2025/2026 outlines ambitious development goals:

The plan prioritizes high-impact transformative programs, sectoral interventions, and flagship projects designed to enhance the well-being of Nakuru County citizens.
Key focus areas include:
- Improving healthcare infrastructure and service access
- Boosting agricultural productivity and promoting agribusiness value chains
- Expanding and maintaining road networks
- Providing affordable, quality education
- Ensuring access to clean and safe water
- Promoting gender equity and inclusivity
- Creating a favorable environment for trade and sustainable economic growth.
In collaboration with the National Government, the county is working on Affordable Housing Programs and strategies for digitizing building plan approvals to prevent leakages.

Conclusion

Hells Gate and Gilgil Constituency represent areas of significant development potential within Nakuru County. With their rich natural features, strategic location, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, these areas are positioned for continued growth in property values and economic activity. The combination of national and county-level investments in infrastructure, housing, and public services is creating a favorable environment for both residents and investors.

The real estate market in these areas shows promising trends, with land prices varying widely based on location and amenities but generally showing consistent appreciation. As infrastructure development continues and the county implements its comprehensive development plans, Hells Gate and Gilgil Constituency are likely to see increased interest from both domestic and international investors, further driving economic growth and property values in the region.

1.What are the current house prices in Gilgil?

2.How have land prices in Mbaruk// Eburu changed over the past five years?

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

4.Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects planned for Malawe West?

5.How does the cost of living in Murindati compare to other areas in Nakuru County?