As per the Infotrak polls on the 8^th of June 2022, Marsabit County was perceived as an Azimio la Umoja stronghold. We want to look at the various promises from the two main political camps of Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza that will shape the real estate market in Marsabit County if implemented after the August polls.

Facts about Marsabit

Marsabit County is located in the extreme part of northern Kenya and has a total area of 70,961.2 sq. km. It has an international boundary with Ethiopia to the north, borders Turkana County to the west, Samburu County to the south, and Wajir and Isiolo counties to the east. It lies between latitude 02° 45° North and 04° 27° North and longitude 37° 57° East and 39° 21° east.

Most of the county constitutes an extensive plain lying between 300m and 900m above sea level, sloping gently towards the southeast. The plain is bordered to the west and north by hills and mountain ranges and is broken by volcanic cones and calderas.

Places to visit in Marsabit

Some of the best places to visit in Marsabit include:

Melako Conservancy
Songa Conservancy
Nabuyatom Cone
Jaldesa Conservancy
Koros Camp
Mount Marsabit
Huri Hills
Marsabit Old Cemetry

The above places are key tourist attraction sites that have shaped the real estate market in Marsabit by increasing the demand for hotel accommodation.

Marsabit Town

The real estate market in Marsabit town has been on an upward trajectory due to various development projects undertaken in the town by both the county and national governments. Getting a piece of land in Marsabit town or its outcasts is a great challenge. Once shunned by investors due to its insecurity and constant inter-ethical conflicts, Marsabit Town is quickly becoming an economic hub due to the infrastructure projects taking place in the region.

With only a small space left for development, more and more investors are rushing to acquire land within the fast-growing town. Landowners have taken this advantage and increased the price of the available land.

First, the construction of the Merille-Marsabit-Moyale road is causing investors to want to come and exploit the region. The transport system is developing tremendously with public vehicles establishing new routes that would cater to residents. Secondly, Marsabit town is currently boasting modern hotels with conference facilities and accommodation suites. Entertainment joints within the town have also increased. These reasons make investors keener and desire to take advantage of the town’s growing population. Thirdly, Marsabit used to be a sleepy town but now it has developed into an eco-friendly tourism destination offering tourists diverse activities like camping, trekking, hiking, and biking.

Estates in Marsabit

Some of the best estates to live in while in Marsabit include:

Ibsa Estate
HB Estate
Edema Estate

The above estates consist of permanent dwellings and single homes.

Marsabit real estate market

Getting land in Marsabit could soon be a big challenge given that there is less space left in town landowners have taken advantage and hiked the prices of land. The region is not only a pastoralist area but also a hunting ground for land owners. The fear of other communities taking over the town makes residents hike prices just to hold on to their land. Besides, the region being a pastoralist area, could be another reason why the locals tend to hold on tight to their lands.

Nonetheless, three kilometers away from the town, the rates are a little lower, depending on the location and how flat the area is. The situation has been getting worse in recent years as more foreigners come into play and started buying up properties here. However, since most of them are not interested in living here permanently due to its arid climate, they sell off their lands after five years or so. This has led to a massive shortage of property for locals who cannot afford to buy back their own homes from these foreign investors who have taken over their properties at cheap prices.

In regards to the upcoming general elections, ODM leader Raila Odinga has promised the residents of Marsabit an improved infrastructure which in turn will create room for growth of the real estate market in Marsabit. Perceived as his stronghold, some of these factors can be easily implemented if he wins the August polls. DP William Ruto also promised the residents of the county an improved economy if elected president.

Hotels in Marsabit

Tourism in Marsabit has created high demand for hotel accommodation facilities that has led to the development of hotels such as:

Sand and Rock resort
The Imperial Dale Hotel
Chicho
Silvia Inn Hotel
Nomads Trail Hotel

Roads in Marsabit

A major road is expected to be complete by July this year in Marsabit. The relocation of services and encroachment of road reserves have been highlighted as the major challenges faced by contractors working on the Marsabit roads projects.

The construction sector in Marsabit

The Marsabit Sewerage Project under the Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program. It involves laying of secondary sewers, construction of 2500 m3/day sewerage treatment works construction and 4.7 Km trunk sewers. The project will benefit 37,000 people in Marsabit County. Ten (10) Km of sewer lines are laid and the wastewater treatment plant is 90% complete. The overall project completion rate is 73%.

The construction of Marsabit Stadium has resumed after stalling for almost 3 years. Raila Odinga has promised the residents completion of the project is his priority. This will improve the real estate market in Marsabit.

Conclusion

Marsabit is among the countries with the fastest growing economy in northern Kenya. Leaders elected after the August polls should take advantage of this potential and improve the real estate market in Marsabit.

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How August 2022 elections is going to impact the Real estate market in Marsabit.