Bomet County, located in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, is an agriculturally rich and rapidly developing area. The county, covering 1,997.90 km², has a population of approximately 730,129 people, according to the latest census data. Its headquarters are in Bomet Town, a growing urban center with increasing business and investment opportunities.
Bomet County is divided into five sub-counties, further broken down into 25 electoral wards. Understanding these administrative units is crucial for local governance, business development, and investment planning.
Administrative Structure of Bomet County
Bomet County’s governance is structured into the following sub-counties and wards:
1. Sotik Constituency
Sotik is a key agricultural hub in Bomet County, known for tea and dairy farming. It comprises five wards:
- Ndanai/Abosi
- Chemagel
- Kipsonoi
- Rongena/Manaret
- Apletundo
2. Chepalungu Constituency
This constituency is known for livestock farming and agribusiness. It has five wards:
- Kong’asis
- Nyangores
- Sigor
- Chebunyo
- Siongiroi
3. Bomet East Constituency
Bomet East features a mix of small-scale and commercial farming, with a growing real estate sector. It consists of five wards:
- Merigi
- Kembu
- Longisa
- Kipreres
- Chemaner
4. Bomet Central Constituency
Home to Bomet Town, this constituency is the county’s economic and administrative hub. It includes five wards:
- Silibwet Township
- Nadaraweta
- Singorwet
- Chesoen
- Mutarakwa
5. Konoin Constituency
A leading tea-producing region, Konoin plays a crucial role in Bomet’s economy. It has five wards:
- Chepchabas
- Kimulot
- Mogogosiek
- Boito
- Embomos
Economic Landscape of Bomet County
Bomet County’s economy is primarily agriculture-based, but it is gradually diversifying into trade, real estate, and tourism.
1. Agriculture & Agribusiness
- Tea farming: The county is one of Kenya’s top tea producers, with large tea estates in Konoin and Sotik.
- Dairy farming: Bomet is a leading milk producer, supplying dairy products to major processors.
- Horticulture: The county is seeing increased investments in vegetable and fruit farming.
2. Trade & Commerce
- Bomet Town and Silibwet Township serve as the main trade centers.
- Growing retail sector with new supermarkets, shops, and wholesale markets.
- Increased cross-county trade with Narok, Kericho, and Nakuru.
3. Real Estate & Infrastructure Development
- Demand for affordable housing and commercial buildings is rising in Bomet Town, Longisa, and Sotik.
- Ongoing road upgrades are improving connectivity, boosting land value.
4. Tourism & Hospitality
- The county offers eco-tourism opportunities, with scenic landscapes and forests.
- Cultural tourism is gaining traction, with the local Kipsigis community attracting visitors.
Infrastructure & Development Projects
Several key projects are driving growth in Bomet County:
1. Road & Transport Network
- Bomet-Kaplong Highway upgrade, linking Bomet to major towns.
- Feeder roads improvement to enhance access to farms and markets.
2. Water & Sanitation
- Water projects in Chebunyo, Kipreres, and Siongiroi to address shortages.
- Investments in boreholes and irrigation schemes for sustainable agriculture.
3. Healthcare Expansion
- Longisa County Referral Hospital is the main health facility, with plans for expansion.
- New health centers in rural wards to improve medical access.
Challenges Facing Bomet County
Despite its progress, Bomet County faces some development hurdles:
1. Unpredictable Weather Patterns
- Climate change is affecting tea and dairy farming.
- Need for climate-smart agricultural practices to mitigate risks.
2. Poor Market Access for Farmers
- Many farmers struggle to find stable markets for their produce.
- Proposed solutions: More value addition industries and better transport infrastructure.
3. Limited Industrial Development
- The county lacks large-scale manufacturing industries.
- Need for investment in food processing plants and agri-based industries.
Investment & Business Opportunities in Bomet County
For entrepreneurs and investors, Bomet County presents numerous opportunities:
1. Tea & Dairy Processing
- Establishment of tea factories and milk processing plants.
- Investment in cold storage facilities for milk and perishable products.
2. Real Estate & Construction
- Development of affordable housing estates in growing towns.
- Construction of shopping malls, office spaces, and warehouses.
3. Agribusiness & Value Addition
- Horticultural farming for high-demand crops like avocados and macadamia.
- Setting up food processing industries to boost farmer earnings.
4. Retail & Wholesale Trade
- Opening supermarkets and agro-vet stores in expanding urban centers.
- Investment in e-commerce platforms to connect rural farmers with buyers.
5. Renewable Energy
- Solar power projects to serve off-grid areas.
- Biogas production from dairy and livestock waste.
Bomet County is brimming with investment potential. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or business professional, now is the time to explore opportunities in agribusiness, real estate, and trade.
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