South Gem Ward: A Comprehensive Profile of Gem Constituency

South Gem ward is one of the six administrative units within Gem Constituency, located in Siaya County, Kenya. This report provides detailed information about its geographical features, demographic composition, land and property values, and recent infrastructure developments in the area.

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Geographic and Administrative Profile

South Gem is one of six wards within Gem Constituency, with the constituency forming one of six constituencies in Siaya County. Gem Constituency covers a total area of 403.1 km², with South Gem specifically occupying 63.30 km² of this territory. South Gem has an elevation of 1,385 meters above sea level and is situated near the locality of Kowe and the village of Gombe.

Administratively, Gem Constituency is divided into two sub-counties: Gem Wagai and Gem Yala, containing a total of 9 locations (5 in Wagai and 4 in Yala). This administrative structure facilitates governance and service delivery across the constituency.

Demographics and Representation

According to the 2019 census, Gem Constituency has a population of 179,792, with a population density of 443.6 people per square kilometer. South Gem Ward specifically has a population of approximately 30,421 residents and contains 18,560 registered voters as per electoral data.

The current Member of Parliament for Gem Constituency is Hon. Elisha Ochieng’ Odhiambo of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. South Gem Ward is represented in the Siaya County Assembly by Hon. Brian Chieng’ Anyango Obiero. The constituency has historically been a stronghold for opposition parties, with FORD-K winning the elections in 1992 and 1997, and subsequently, the National Rainbow Coalition and ODM winning in more recent elections.

Economic Activities

The economic landscape of South Gem is predominantly agricultural, with residents engaged in subsistence farming. Sugarcane stands out as the main cash crop in the region. The agricultural potential of the area is significant, with Gem Subcounty endowed with suitable natural conditions for sugarcane production. A total of 34,400 hectares of land in Gem Subcounty falls under UM1, LM1, and LM2 categories, which are suitable for sugarcane production.

The South Gem Sugar Factory project represents a significant economic initiative in the area. Located in Kanyilaji Village, West Gem Location, the factory is designed to process 1,000 tons of cane per day with the possibility of upgrading to 2,000 tons capacity. This project is expected to create employment opportunities and boost the local economy.

Land and Property Prices

The real estate market in South Gem shows varying land prices depending on specific locations and proximity to amenities:

Land & Plots for Sale in South Gem-Land Prices:

Land in South Gem Kambare: KSh 750,000 per acre.
Land along Aluor Wagai Road in South Gem: KSh 550,000.
Land in Gem Wagai (including parts of South Gem): KSh 600,000 for 17 acres.

Generally, land prices in the broader Siaya County range from KSh 500,000 to KSh 2,500,000 depending on location, size, and proximity to urban centers or main roads. The variability in land prices reflects differences in accessibility, available infrastructure, and development potential.

Houses for Sale in South Gem, Siaya-Housing Market:

While specific house prices for South Gem are limited in the available data, the broader housing market in Siaya County provides some context:

A 2-bedroom house in Siaya Township rents for approximately KSh 12,000 per month.
In neighboring areas like Bondo Town, residential flats are listed for sale at KSh 19,000,000.

This pricing information indicates that the property market in Siaya County, including South Gem, offers various options across different price points, making it accessible to diverse economic groups.

Recent Infrastructure Development

The infrastructure landscape in South Gem and the broader Gem Constituency has seen notable improvements in recent years:

Government Buildings:

Governor James Orengo recently launched the construction of Gem Sub-County head offices in Yala Town. This new facility will feature three fully furnished floors, providing ample working space to support sub-county service delivery. The complex will include parking spaces and various amenities to enhance functionality for both staff and visitors.

Sugar Factory Development:

The South Gem Sugar Factory project represents a significant infrastructure investment. The factory will include various buildings and facilities:

Workshops and administrative offices.
Weighbridge house and cane yard.
Mill house and power house.
Sugar house and effluent treatment plant.
Staff houses and stores.

The establishment of this factory is expected to improve local infrastructure, particularly road networks in the surrounding area, enhancing connectivity and economic activity.

Community Initiatives:

The South Gem Forum for Cohesion and Development, based in Akala Urban Town, is actively engaged in processing organic waste compost into organic fertilizer, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in the area.

Conclusion

South Gem Ward in Gem Constituency presents a profile of an area with significant agricultural potential, developing infrastructure, and a moderate real estate market. The ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly the Gem Sub-County offices and the South Gem Sugar Factory, are likely to enhance service delivery and economic opportunities in the region. Land prices remain relatively accessible compared to more urbanized areas, offering opportunities for both residential and agricultural investment.

The constituency’s proximity to Lake Victoria and its agricultural potential position it well for future development, particularly if the proposed infrastructure improvements continue to materialize. These developments, combined with the area’s natural resources, suggest positive prospects for South Gem’s economic and social advancement.

1. What are the current house prices in East Gem?

2. How has the infrastructure development in Yala Township impacted property values?

3. What are the main economic activities in Central Gem?

4. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects in West Gem?

5. How does the cost of land in North Gem compare to other areas in Siaya County?