Elburgon: A Comprehensive Profile of Molo Constituency's Key Urban Center.
Elburgon stands as one of the most significant urban centers within Molo Constituency, characterized by its unique geographical features, economic activities, and ongoing development. This comprehensive profile examines the area’s demographic and economic landscape, real estate market trends, and infrastructure developments that are shaping its future trajectory.
Geographic and Administrative Context.
Elburgon is one of the four main wards that make up Molo Constituency, alongside Molo, Turi, and Mariashoni wards. Located within Nakuru County in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, Molo Constituency was established for the 1988 elections, having been renamed from the former Nakuru West Constituency. The constituency is currently represented by Hon. Francis Kuria Kimani of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, whose term runs from 2017 to 2027.
According to available population data, Elburgon is one of the most densely populated areas within Molo Constituency, with a recorded population of 49,463 residents. As of 2005, the Elburgon ward had 14,991 registered voters, making it one of the most politically significant areas within the constituency. The area falls under the administration of Nakuru County government, which oversees local development initiatives and service delivery.
Economic Activities and Land Use.
Elburgon’s economy is predominantly centered around two main activities:
- Timber and Saw-milling Industry: Elburgon is the focal point of saw-milling activities in Molo Constituency, with the timber industry serving as a major employer and economic driver in the region. This concentration of wood processing has historically defined the town’s economic identity.
- Agricultural Production: Like much of Molo Constituency, Elburgon benefits from the area’s fertile soils and favorable climate. The broader constituency is known for pyrethrum production, being one of Kenya’s leading producers of this valuable cash crop. Additionally, potato farming is significant, with Molo recognized as the second-largest potato-producing area in Kenya according to the Kenyan National Potato Policy.
Real Estate Market Analysis: Land for Sale in Elburgon, Molo - Land Prices.
The real estate market in Elburgon presents varied investment opportunities, with land being the primary focus for most investors. Current pricing trends indicate:
- Residential Plots: In the Mau Bridge-Elburgon area, 50 x 100 plots (approximately 1/4 acre) are being offered at approximately KES 300,000 per plot. These plots are being marketed as “buy and build” opportunities by local property companies such as Mchanga Tamu Properties LTD.
- Title-Ready Plots: Elburgon is known for having “Title Ready Plots” available for purchase, indicating a formalized land ownership system that provides security to potential investors. However, specific pricing for these plots varies based on location, accessibility, and available amenities.
The land market in the broader Nakuru County, which includes Elburgon, features farmland listings ranging from under KES 430,000 to over KES 35 million, indicating the diversity of available land options and price points. Factors influencing these price variations include:
- Proximity to main roads and urban centers
- Available utilities (water, electricity)
- Size and topography of the land
- Intended use (agricultural, residential, or commercial)
Housing Market.
While specific house prices for Elburgon are not comprehensively documented in the available data, the housing market in Molo Constituency, including Elburgon, appears to be developing. Molo Houses are listed as being on sale in property listings, suggesting an active real estate market.
The housing stock in Elburgon likely consists of:
- Traditional family homes
- Commercial-residential mixed-use buildings
- Rental properties serving the local population
Infrastructure Development: Road Infrastructure.
Significant infrastructure development is underway that will positively impact Elburgon’s accessibility and economic potential:
- Major Road Upgrade Project: As part of a nationwide initiative funded by the Chinese African Development Bank at a cost of KES 45 billion, Elburgon is benefiting from the “Upgrading to bitumen standards and performance based routine maintenance of the Njoro-Beeston-Nesuit/Beeston-Lawina-Elburgon/Mauche-Sururu roads”. This project covers approximately 40 kilometers of roads and is expected to significantly improve transportation in and around Elburgon.
This road project is part of a larger initiative where the Chinese African Development Bank has committed KES 36.3 billion (80% of the total project cost), with the Kenyan government having contributed the remaining 20% when the projects were initiated. This investment in infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce transportation costs, and stimulate economic activity in Elburgon and surrounding areas.
Educational Infrastructure.
Molo Constituency has invested in educational infrastructure, with Elburgon being home to the Elburgon Technical Training Institute (TTI), one of the higher learning institutions built through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). This institution plays a crucial role in skills development for the local population, potentially supporting the area’s industrial and economic growth.
Railway Development.
Elburgon has been affected by Kenya Railways Corporation’s infrastructure development initiatives:
- Railway Rehabilitation Impact: Between October 2020 and December 2021, Kenya Railways Corporation undertook a massive land reclamation drive to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Nakuru-Kisumu metre gauge railway13. This initiative, while beneficial for long-term transportation infrastructure, resulted in demolitions of structures along the railway corridor, affecting traders in Elburgon among other areas.
Conclusion
Elburgon represents a dynamic urban center within Molo Constituency, characterized by its significant population, diverse economic activities centered around timber processing and agriculture, and ongoing infrastructure development. The area’s real estate market offers investment opportunities particularly in land acquisition, with residential plots available at relatively accessible price points compared to more urban areas of Nakuru County.
The ongoing infrastructure developments, particularly the road upgrading project funded by the Chinese African Development Bank, position Elburgon for potential economic growth and improved connectivity in the coming years. However, challenges related to land reclamation for railway rehabilitation have affected some local businesses and property owners.
For potential investors, residents, or visitors, Elburgon offers a blend of rural charm and developing urban amenities, with its location in the fertile highlands of Nakuru County providing both agricultural potential and a pleasant living environment in one of Kenya’s most productive regions.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Molo?
2.How have land prices in Turi changed over the past five years?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Mariashoni?
4.Are there any upcoming property projects in Nyota?
5.How does the cost of living in Kiptororo compare to other areas in Nakuru County?
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Molo?
2.How have land prices in Turi changed over the past five years?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Mariashoni?
4.Are there any upcoming property projects in Nyota?
5.How does the cost of living in Kiptororo compare to other areas in Nakuru County?