Murindati Ward, Gilgil Constituency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Area Facts, Property Prices, and Infrastructure Development.

The following report provides a detailed examination of Murindati Ward within Gilgil Constituency, focusing on geographical characteristics, demographic trends, property market dynamics, and recent infrastructure developments. This analysis illuminates the current state and future potential of this growing area within Nakuru County, Kenya.

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Geographical and Administrative Profile.

Murindati Ward is one of the five county assembly wards within Gilgil Constituency, a key administrative division in Nakuru County. Gilgil Constituency, formed in 2013 from the larger Naivasha Constituency, encompasses an area of approximately 1,075.4 square kilometers and is represented in Parliament by Hon. Martha Wangari1. The constituency borders several other constituencies including Naivasha, Narok North, Njoro, Nakuru Town East, Bahati, Olkalou, and Kipipiri.

Murindati Ward specifically covers approximately 155.90 square kilometers and comprises parts of Langalanga, Gitare, and Karunga Sub-Locations of Nakuru County. The ward is fully within Gilgil Sub-county administratively, which is one of the 11 constituencies that make up Nakuru County. Gilgil town, which serves as the constituency headquarters, is located approximately 38 kilometers east of Nakuru City.

Geographically, the Gilgil area is characterized by its volcanic rock deposits which have low permeability and storage capacity that feeds the groundwater system from high precipitation areas at higher altitudes. The region experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern with rainy seasons from April to June (long rain) and from October to November (short rain), with mean annual temperatures between 10 and 21 degrees Celsius – conditions that can lead to rainfall shortages.

Demographic Analysis: Population Trends.

As of the 2019 census, Murindati Ward had a population of approximately 21,685 residents. The broader Gilgil Sub-county experienced significant population growth, increasing from 130,187 in 2009 to 185,209 in 2019, representing a growth rate of approximately 42% over that decade.

The population of Gilgil Sub-county demonstrates a relatively balanced gender distribution with 92,955 males and 92,247 females recorded in the 2019 census. The constituency’s age distribution reveals a youthful population structure:

0-14 years: 67,704 residents (36.6%)
15-64 years: 109,731 residents (59.2%)
65+ years: 7,758 residents (4.2%)

This demographic profile, with nearly 60% of the population in the economically active age range, suggests potential for significant economic development in the area, provided appropriate infrastructure and opportunities are available.

Property Market Analysis: Land for Sale in Murindati, Gilgil - Land Prices.

The land market in Gilgil shows varying prices depending on location, proximity to major roads, and plot sizes. Current offerings in the area include:

In the Langa Langa area of Gilgil:
- 1 acre parcels are selling for KSh 1,300,000
- 2 acre parcels are available at KSh 1,300,000 per acre
- 50×100 plots are priced at approximately KSh 450,000
In Gilgil Merironi farm:
- 50×100 residential plots are selling for KSh 400,000, with flexible payment options (30% deposit with balance payable over 3 months)

These prices reflect the area’s growing attractiveness for both residential settlement and agricultural investment. The difference in pricing between various locations likely reflects factors such as proximity to infrastructure, water access, and development potential.

House for Sale in Murindati, Gilgil: Housing Market.

While comprehensive housing price data specific to Murindati is limited in the available information, the broader housing market in Kenya shows signs of growth. Urban areas in Kenya are broadly projected to grow very fast, with about 66% of the global population expected to be living in urban areas by 2050. This urbanization trend is likely to influence housing demand and prices in areas like Gilgil that are within commuting distance of major urban centers.

Accessibility to water remains a significant factor affecting housing development in the region. A study cited in the search results revealed that 77% of semi-permanent households in Gilgil have difficulty accessing water as they are outside a 30-minute walk time from water sources. This factor likely influences property values and development patterns.

Infrastructure Development: Planned and Ongoing Projects.

The Gilgil Municipality has outlined several infrastructure development priorities for the period 2024/2025-2026/2027, including:

Transportation improvements:
- Construction of 300 new parking slots
- Installation of 15 new solar street lights
- Development of a municipal infrastructure development master plan4
Environmental management enhancements:
- Installation of 35 litter bins within the municipality
- Rehabilitation of 3 green spaces/parks
Economic infrastructure:
- Construction of 6 juakali sheds (informal sector workspaces)
- Construction of 3 markets
Social infrastructure:
- Rehabilitation of 3 social halls
- Marking of 15 national celebration events
- Conducting 15 public participation forums

Water Infrastructure.

Water access remains a crucial development focus for the area. A notable completed project in neighboring Elementaita Ward involved the installation of solar panels, a pumping unit, construction of a 30m³ masonry tank, and a 2.1km pipeline at Meli Borehole. This project has significantly increased accessibility to safe water for approximately 2,000 households in that ward.

Similar water projects are planned for other areas in Gilgil, with the FLLoCA (Financing Locally Led Climate Actions) program for FY 2024/25 including initiatives to improve water access and climate resilience.

Regional Transport Infrastructure.

A major infrastructure development that will impact Gilgil is the announced construction of a new dual carriageway stretching from Nairobi through Nakuru and Eldoret to the Malaba border town. Set to break ground in 2025, this highway project will transform one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors and is expected to ease chronic traffic congestion along the Northern Corridor. This development will likely enhance connectivity for Gilgil residents and potentially increase property values in the area.

Economic Activities and Potential.

Gilgil Constituency, including Murindati Ward, is largely rural with mixed farming being the main economic activity. However, the area has diverse economic foundations:

Military and administrative presence:
- Gilgil town is traditionally an administrative and military center with two Army Barracks (The Second and Fifth Kenya Rifles)
- National Youth Service Training Camp and an Anti-stock Theft Headquarters are located in the area
Tourism and hospitality:
- The area hosts Lake Elementaita and the adjacent Soysambu Conservancy
- Several first-class hotels operate in the region, including Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge, Jacaranda Lake Elementaita, and Sunbird Lodge
Education sector:
- The town hosts numerous educational institutions, including 124 registered public schools
- Notable schools include Utumishi Boys, Utumishi Girls, Koelel High, and Gilgil Girls
Event hosting:
- Gilgil has hosted national and international events including the World Rally Championships at Soysambu and Sleeping Warrior

Future Development Prospects.

The broader economic outlook for Kenya in 2025 appears positive, with projections showing:

GDP growth of 4.7-5.5% year-over-year
Consumer spending predicted to rise by 4%
Consumer price inflation likely to stabilize at 4.8%

These economic conditions, combined with local development plans and infrastructure projects, suggest potential for growth in Murindati and the broader Gilgil area.

The Gilgil Town Integrated Development Plan (2023-2027) aims to holistically guide development with strategic interventions across different sectors that will position the town for growth aligned with global sustainable development agendas. This five-year plan analyzed the town’s morphology from its transit-oriented formative years to its present state, crafting interventions that consider its unique topography and historical development patterns.

Conclusion

Murindati Ward in Gilgil Constituency represents an area with significant development potential, driven by its strategic location, diversified economic base, and planned infrastructure improvements. The ward’s demographic profile, with a predominantly young and working-age population, suggests potential for economic growth if appropriate investments in infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities are realized.

Land prices in the broader Gilgil area remain relatively affordable compared to major urban centers, making the area attractive for both residential settlement and investment. The planned regional infrastructure improvements, particularly in transportation and water access, are likely to enhance connectivity and livability in the area.

However, challenges remain, particularly in water access and infrastructure development. The success of ongoing and planned development initiatives will be crucial in determining whether Murindati can capitalize on its potential for sustainable growth in the coming years.

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 projects planned for Malawe West?

5.How does the cost of living in Kikopey compare to other areas in Gilgil Constituency?