Subukia Constituency: Small Seat, Big Political Stakes

Subukia Constituency is one of the eleven constituencies that make up Nakuru County. Formerly known as Nakuru North Constituency, it was renamed Subukia before the 1997 General Election following constituency boundary changes.

It is the least populated constituency in Nakuru County and is renowned for its agricultural productivity, particularly in coffee, dairy farming, maize cultivation, tomato farming, and horticulture. The constituency is predominantly rural, with farming forming the backbone of the local economy and livelihoods.

Subukia has consistently played an important role in Nakuru County politics due to its active voter participation and its tendency to reflect broader political trends within the Rift Valley region. Political leadership in the constituency is often judged on support for agriculture, rural infrastructure development, education, and access to essential services.

Demographics and Administrative Units

Population: 85,164 (2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census) 

Projected Population (2026): Approximately 104,000 votes

Area: 424.25 km².

Registered voters (2022): 55,599 voters.

Number of wards: 3

Political Leadership

2022 General Election

Samuel Kinuthia Gachobe of the UDA party won the election with 27,123 votes, while his challenger, Joseph Waithaka of the Jubilee Party, garnered approximately 11,946 votes.

2017 General Election

Samuel Kinuthia Gachobe clinched the position through the Jubilee Party with 27,123 votes after losing to Nelson Gaichuhie in 2013. Simon Ngugi of Independent became the second with 8,414 votes.

2013 General Election

The winner, Nelson Gaichuhie of the TNA party, got 21,459 votes, and Samuel Gachobe became the second after garnering 11,244 votes.

Economic Activities and Development Priorities

The major issues that continue to shape political discourse and development planning in Subukia include:

1. Agricultural support through improved access to markets, subsidies, and value addition.
2. Improvement of rural roads and transport networks.
3. Expansion of electricity and water infrastructure.
4. Youth employment and agribusiness opportunities.
5. Access to quality healthcare services.
6.  Improved education facilities and bursary support.
7.  Land management and security concerns in farming areas.

Economic significance

Subukia remains one of Nakuru County’s important agricultural zones because of:

1. Fertile highland soils are suitable for coffee, dairy farming, maize production, and horticulture.
2. Strategic location along the Nakuru–Nyahururu Highway, providing access to regional markets.
3. Growing interest in value addition, agro-processing, and small-scale enterprise development.
4. Strong community networks and rural social structures that support agricultural production and local development.

As one of Nakuru County's key farming constituencies, Subukia continues to play a significant role in discussions on food security, agricultural modernisation, and the impact of devolution on rural communities.

Political Behaviour

The voting pattern in Subukia Constituency is based on the National leadership and the candidates' affiliation with the dominant parties in the Central part of Kenya and the Rift Valley Region. The election of the MP in 2013 under the URP party, 2017 under the Jubilee, and 2022 under the UDA reflects how voters are influenced by their affiliation with the national party and its leaders.

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