Kakamega County is one of Kenya’s most populous and economically vibrant counties, known for its rich agricultural sector, growing urban centers, and vibrant political landscape. Located in Western Kenya, Kakamega is a key player in sugarcane farming, small-scale businesses, and infrastructural development.
Administratively, Kakamega County has 12 constituencies, which are further divided into 60 electoral wards. These wards play a crucial role in local governance, resource allocation, and service delivery.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of all constituencies and wards in Kakamega County, along with insights into economic opportunities and governance.
Kakamega County Constituencies and Their Wards
1. Lugari Constituency
Lugari is an agricultural hub with vast maize farms and a growing commercial sector.
- Mautuma
- Lugari
- Lumakanda
- Chekalini
- Chevaywa
- Lawandeti
2. Likuyani Constituency
Likuyani is known for dairy farming and maize production, contributing significantly to food security.
- Likuyani
- Sango
- Kongoni
- Nzoia
- Sinoko
3. Malava Constituency
Malava is famous for sugarcane farming, with key economic activities revolving around agriculture.
- West Kabras
- Chemuche
- East Kabras
- Butali/Chegulo
- Manda-Shivanga
- Shirugu-Mugai
- South Kabras
4. Lurambi Constituency
Lurambi hosts Kakamega Town, the county’s capital, making it a hub for business and administration.
- Butsotso East
- Butsotso South
- Butsotso Central
- Sheywe
- Mahiakalo
- Shirere
5. Mumias East Constituency
This region is highly reliant on sugarcane farming, with Mumias Sugar Company being a key employer.
- Lusheya/Lubinu
- Malaha/Isongo
- Makunga/East Wanga
6. Navakholo Constituency
Navakholo is a fast-growing area, mainly driven by agriculture and rural development projects.
- Ingotse-Mathia
- Shinoyi-Shikomari
- Esumeyia
- Bunyala West
- Bunyala East
- Bunyala Central
7. Mumias West Constituency
This area also relies heavily on sugarcane farming, along with small-scale retail businesses.
- Mumias Central
- Mumias North
- Etenje
- Musanda
8. Matungu Constituency
Matungu plays a key role in Western Kenya’s sugar industry, with major cash crops being sugarcane and maize.
- Koyonzo
- Kholera
- Khalaba
- Mayoni
- Namamali
9. Butere Constituency
Butere is a historically significant town, known for education, commerce, and agriculture.
- Marama West
- Marama Central
- Marenyo-Shianda
- Marama North
- Marama South
10. Khwisero Constituency
Khwisero is growing in prominence due to education, dairy farming, and trade activities.
- Kisa North
- Kisa East
- Kisa West
- Kisa Central
11. Ikolomani Constituency
Ikolomani is rich in gold mining, with artisanal mining being a key economic activity.
- Idakho South
- Idakho North
- Idakho East
- Idakho Central
12. Shinyalu Constituency
Shinyalu is home to part of Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s only remaining tropical rainforest, boosting eco-tourism.
- Isukha North
- Isukha Central
- Isukha South
- Isukha East
- Isukha West
- Murhanda
Why Knowing Your Ward is Important
Understanding your ward and constituency helps in:
✅ Accessing government services – Knowing your administrative unit allows you to connect with local leaders, CDF projects, and county services.
✅ Participating in elections – You can effectively choose leaders and hold them accountable.
✅ Investing wisely – Businesses can identify economic opportunities within different wards.
✅ Engaging in community development – You can actively take part in local forums and public participation meetings.
Economic and Business Opportunities in Kakamega County
Kakamega County is one of Kenya’s most promising investment hubs, offering opportunities in multiple sectors:
1. Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Sugarcane farming – Key economic driver, with Mumias Sugar Factory playing a big role.
- Maize and dairy farming – Flourishing in Lugari, Likuyani, and Malava.
- Poultry and fish farming – Growing rapidly in Navakholo and Butere.
2. Trade and Commerce
- Kakamega Town – A major commercial center with growing retail businesses.
- Emerging urban centers – Mumias, Butere, and Malava are expanding with new enterprises.
3. Tourism and Hospitality
- Kakamega Forest – A biodiversity hotspot attracting eco-tourism and research.
- Isukuti cultural heritage – A major attraction for local and international visitors.
4. Real Estate and Infrastructure
- Growing housing market – Demand for homes and rental properties is increasing.
- Improved road networks – Enhancing trade and transport across the county.
5. Gold Mining and Industrial Development
- Ikolomani Gold Belt – Potential for large-scale mining investments.
- Processing and manufacturing industries – Growing in urban centers.