Masimba is a town in Kisii County. Its located between Keroka Nyangusu Highway. It is one of the fastest-growing urban areas. Masimba market has been in existence since 1978 when the first market was opened by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
Position, Size, and Location
Masimba Ward formely Masimba Town Council. Its the largest town in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency
It’s the headquarter of Masaba South Sub-County. The sub-county has an approximate population of 280,860 people. It borders Gesusu Ward, Nyacheki Ward, and Ichuni ward. The town seats on latitude 0o 40’ 38.4” South, and longitude 34o 34’ 46o 61” East and covers an area of 217.5 km. The town is inhabited mostly by the Gusii people.
Political Leadership
James Elvis Omariba Ongwae is the governor and serving his last term in office after being elected in 2013 and 2017.Prof. Samson Ongeri is the senator and joined office in 2017 after winning against the first senator of the county Chris Obure. Janet Ongera is the women’s representative.
The area Member of Parliament is Ezekiel Ombaki Machogu. The area MCA i.e Masimba Ward is James Anunda Aiko
Climatic Conditions
Masimba receives an average rainfall of 1500mm with long rains falling in March and June. Maximum temperature range between 21 °C – 30 °C and minimum temperatures range between 15 °C – 20 °C.
Education
They are 8 ECD centers bordering it, 7 primary schools within the town, and 3 secondary schools. The town has also 2 Technical Polytechnics (Riatirimba and Metembe), one vocational education and training (VET) 2 adult training, no university campuses yet.
Health
The are a total of 3 health facilities in the town with one public hospital. County has over 20 health personnel of different cadre.
Transport and Communication
The area is covered by 15 km of the road network that passes within the town. Some of the backstreets are covered by bitumen while others are covered by murram and earth’s surface.
Trade and Commerce
There is one market centre, 943 registered businesses, 546 licensed retail traders, 1 supermarket, 6 licensed wholesale traders.
There are also several other businesses like recretional clubs, hotels and resorts.
The area overview of the market is as shown below.
