Wote is the capital of Makueni County, located in the Southern part of the former Eastern province. It is home to a population of about 57,000 people, about 10% of whom reside in urban areas.
The name Makueni is derived from the Akamba word ‘kuweni’ which means ‘to settle.’ The county is popular for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Wote town has six wards, which are Muvau, Kikumini, Kaumoni, Kako, Wote, and Nziu.
Image credit: Governor Kivutha Kibwana
Wote is an attractive place to do business for many companies in Kenya, especially real estate and agricultural processing companies, due to the availability of raw materials, improved energy and infrastructure, and vibrant support from the county government.
The improved infrastructure and access to amenities such as water and electricity make it easier for different types of businesses to operate and open branches in Wote. The region is also becoming a hub for renewable energy companies due to the abundance of wind and solar energy as well as the refurbishment and construction of dams in Makueni.
7 Reasons Why Moving to Wote Town is a Sound Decision
The recent growth and expansion of Wote has led a lot of business to move or open branches in the town, driven by the following reasons:
- Enhanced infrastructure: the electricity, and water supply, and roads in Wote are being improved to make it easier for businesses to operate. In addition, Makueni’s strategic location in the central part of Kenya makes it well-connected to other towns: Makindu, Nairobi, and Machakos.
- With scenic roads such as the ‘Snake Road’, Makongo, travelling to Wote is a breathtaking experience.
- Excellent healthcare: Makueni County is particularly keen on enhancing the healthcare of its population. In 2016, they launched Makueni Care, a universal health program aimed at improving access to preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative health services in order to reduce the residents’ high out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Makueni County Referral Hospital is currently ranked as a Level 5 hospital. Makueni also launched a state-of-the-art Mother & Child hospital.
Other investments in healthcare include a Trauma Center, an Oxygen Plant, a Cancer Center, Makueni Renal Unit, blood transfusion services, a COVID-19 Center, physiotherapy services, and a Mental Health Unit.
This has led to increased interest by NGOs (Most notably, the Gates Foundation) and other players in the health sector, as we’ve witnessed in our moving activities in Wote.
- Government support: The county government of Makueni has been actively promoting the county as a viable investment opportunity with incentives such as tax breaks and reduced costs of land for new businesses.
- Low cost of living – the cost of living in Makueni is relatively lower compared to bigger cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. For comparison, Makueni Care charges households Ksh 500 per year for health coverage, a drastic difference from the monthly charge of Ksh 500 by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
- Availability of labor – due to its high population that is still growing, there is a large pool to hire from the unemployed youth.
- Investment opportunities: In recent years, Wote and the wider Makueni County have recorded increased interest from investors, resulting in life-changing projects such as the construction of Thwake Dam, which will contribute an additional 19.46 MW of power to the national grid, and provide water to over 10,000 people in 19 villages. Other notable projects include a fruit processing plant and Konza Technopolis, which partly lies in Makueni County.
- Growth prospects: Besides commercial interests, other factors indicate future growth prospects, such as the creation of the Diocese of Wote in 2022, and the launch of the Pan African Institue in Lukenya University, which was launched in 2023 by Julius Malema.
Residential Areas/Apartments to Rent in Wote, Makueni
While there is a reported shortage of housing in Wote, efforts are underway by the government and private real estate developers to build up the area’s roads and water systems to encourage investors and private citizens to inject money into the economy. Currently, Wote is home to budding estates and residential units for short-term visitors as well as people looking to have a long stay or fully relocate.
When moving to Wote, expect to find mansions, private houses, apartment buildings, fully furnished hotels, and bungalows. Housing in Wote is relatively affordable, whether for rent or sale, compared to other towns, like Kisumu or Mombasa.
Moving to Westlands Estate in Wote
Westlands Estate is among the few in Wote town benefiting from the Makueni government’s rehabilitation program aimed at opening up the area for business investment. The estate is home to many commercial and residential units, from apartment buildings, and bungalows, to stand-alone houses.
Moving to Kileleshwa Estate in Wote
Kileleshwa Estate hosts executive apartment complexes and rentals for short-term and long-term stays. Some, like the Executive Apartments, offer ample parking space and balcony access to a breathtaking view of the area’s rocky hills.
Visitors and movers to Wote can enjoy full hotel service and furnished rooms, with the Wilson Airport just about 130 kilometers from the apartment.
Moving to Sparrows Home in Wote
Sparrows Homes is a fully furnished residential unit for short-term and long-term stays. It is located next to Chrisco Church Wote and offers great ambiance at an affordable cost. Movers to Wote will find the Sparrows Restaurant and Lounge nestled nearby for food and refreshments.
Other notable places to note when planning your move to Wote town include Fatheo Suites, Jennifer Rentals, Wote NCPB Residential, Galaxy Apartments, Mutambuki Rentals, and Confamic Homes, among others.
Factors to Consider Before Moving Your Business to Wote, Makueni County
Makueni County is rapidly developing, and the business community in the region continues to expand. Here are some factors to consider before relocating your business to Wote.
- Choose the right location – Wote is a large area, and picking a suitable place with access to amenities such as water and electricity is crucial. Other factors to consider include the rent costs, availability of space, and proximity to the target market. it is recommended to pick an area that is accessible by road to prevent extra expenses for storage services for heavy furniture and machinery.
- Cover all legal bases – register your business with the Makueni County government (a process that is detailed here) and apply for the relevant business permits and licenses.
- Hire staff – you may find talent for your business through job boards, transfers, word of mouth, and through local colleges and university campuses. You may also consider migrating some employees from branches in other towns in order to ensure continuity of culture.
- Marketing – promoting your business to the target market in Wote can be achieved by advertising in local media, attending trade shows and events in Makueni, and establishing an online presence through websites and social media.
Relocating to Wote, Makueni County with Nellions Moving & Relocations
Nellions understands that moving is a daunting task that requires a lot of preparation and experience. We offer full-service removals, storage, and furniture installation services as well as take up associated risks with the move towards your destination.
Contact us today for a quote.
