Nakuru County Political Profile Toward 2027: Bahati Constituency

Bahati‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ Constituency is one of the eleven constituencies that make up Nakuru County.

Local economy is greatly supported by agriculture (mainly maize and dairy farming) and quarrying. The constituency’s location is highly advantageous as it is situated very close to Nakuru City and at the same time, greatly benefits from the vicinity of A104 highway which is a source of trade and connectivity.

Bahati is a mix of rural farming communities and fast-growing peri-urban areas.

Source: Bahati Constituency Website.

Demographics and Administrative Units

• Population: 162,985 (KPHC 2019 census)

• Projected 2026 (7 years later): ~195,000–200,000

• Area: 375.4 km² (covering semi-arid to highland-type terrain).

• Urban/Rural Split: Mainly rural with a town centre developing in Bahati.

• Electoral Wards 2022(5 wards):

Kiamaina – MCA: Paul Waweru (UDA)

Bahati – MCA: Grace Mwathi (UDA)

Lanet/Umoja – MCA: Mwangi Ngarama (UDA)

Dundori – MCA: Gathuita Mwangi (UDA)

Kabatini – MCA: Leah Ng’ang’a (UDA)

Bahati Constituency MP Election Summary (2013–2022)

2013 General Election

Registered Voters: 60,816

Winner: Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri (TNA) – 49,450 votes

Key Opponent: Hilda Muthoni Mukui (APK) – 1,885 votes

Voter Turnout: ~88%

2017 General Election

Registered Voters: 87,508

Winner: For his second term Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri (Jubilee Party) – 60,650 votes

Key Opponent: Honest John Mbugua (IND) – 8,604 votes

Voter Turnout: Approx~77.6%

2022 General Election

Registered Voters: 97,040

Winner: Irene Mrembo Njoki (Jubilee Party) – 34,308 votes

Key Opponent: Kimani Ngunjiri (UDA) – 26,809 votes

Voter Turnout: Approx ~71.2%

Note

: Irene Njoki was the first woman to win the Bahati parliamentary seat during the multi-party era.

Source: (2013, 2017, 2022 IEBC Elections)

Political Dynamics

Party Influence: The MP seat is with Jubilee Party (2022), however, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lives up to their name by taking the control of five MCA positions. This shows a split ticket voting pattern which is quite common in Nakuru.

Historical Trends: The constituency has experienced a change of political power from KANU era to Jubilee support (2013–2017), however, in 2022 there was a major upset when incumbent Ngunjiri was defeated even though UDA had a national wave.

Key Issues:

• Land ownership disputes and settlement schemes.

• Agricultural productivity and market access (maize, dairy).

• Infrastructure (roads, water supply, schools).

• Youth unemployment and skills development.

• Women and youth empowerment programmes (e.g., “Akiba na Mrembo”).

Economic & Social Significance

Bahati is a key contributor of Nakuru County’s agricultural economy.

Highlights are:

Agriculture: Majorly maize and dairy farming but quarrying also has a significant share.

Education: Projects funded by NG-CDF have greatly been involved in the upgrading of facilities at Menengai Hills and Lanet Umoja Primary Schools.

Connectivity: Being near to Nakuru City and the A104 highway is advantageous for trade and peri-urban development.

Community Initiatives: Women’s groups, youth empowerment and small-scale enterprise development are the main focus.

There has been volatility in Bahati voting patterns just like the county. Factors such as strong ethnic and coalition influences, one-term governor trends, and issues like land, agriculture, infrastructure, and youth unemployment have been ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌consistent.

Do you have updates or corrections about this constituency? If you have information that should be captured, or notice data that has changed or is inaccurately presented, kindly write to us at [email protected]