Ainabkoi Subcounty

About Ainabkoi Sub-County

Ainabkoi Sub-County is one of the six administrative units of Uasin Gishu County, established under Kenya’s devolved governance structure. The sub-county is known for its unique blend of highland forests, productive farmlands, and rapidly growing urban settlements. Ainabkoi hosts significant portions of the Kaptagat Forest and other conservation areas that contribute to the region’s role as a critical water catchment and environmental protection zone. These natural resources support sustainable ecosystems, climate-resilience initiatives, and conservation-based livelihoods.

Agriculture remains the backbone of the sub-county’s economy, with residents engaged in dairy farming, maize and wheat production, horticulture, and emerging agribusiness ventures. The area is widely recognized for its high-quality milk production and mixed farming systems supported by fertile soils and favorable climatic conditions. Government programs continue to promote climate-smart agriculture, youth agribusiness, farmer capacity building, and market access development across the sub-county.

Ainabkoi is also a fast-growing residential and commercial hub due to its closeness to Eldoret town and its expanding infrastructure network. The sub-county has experienced growth in housing, education institutions, private developments, and public services, particularly in the Kapsoya area. Significant county investments have gone into upgrading road networks, enhancing health facilities, expanding water and sanitation services, and strengthening community-based development programs.

Administrative Units

Ainabkoi Sub-County consists of three wards:

Kapsoya
Ainabkoi/Olare
Kaptagat

These wards form the framework for governance, service delivery, and planning within the sub-county.

Population

Ainabkoi Sub-County has a population of 138,184 as per the 2019 Kenya Population & Housing Census.

Economic Profile

Ainabkoi Sub-County is a key economic zone in Uasin Gishu County, with agriculture as the mainstay of its economy. The area benefits from fertile soils, favorable climate, and proximity to Eldoret town, making it ideal for both commercial and smallholder farming.

Agriculture & Livestock

Dairy farming is a major source of income and contributes significantly to the county’s milk output.
Crop farming includes maize, wheat, Irish potatoes, and horticultural crops.
Beekeeping (apiculture) is an emerging climate-resilient income source.
County programs support climate-smart agriculture and farmer capacity building.

Value Addition & Cooperatives

The Ainabkoi Farmers Cooperative Society (AFCS) supports over 2,400 farmers with milk bulking, market access, and input supply.
Planned value-addition initiatives include a potato processing and storage facility to reduce post-harvest losses and improve product value.
Cooperative structures enable farmers to access better prices and markets for their produce.

Infrastructure & Market Access

Road networks are being upgraded to improve connectivity to trading centers and markets.
Water projects, including solar-powered systems, support irrigation and domestic use.
Investment in storage and processing facilities is ongoing to strengthen supply chains.

Emerging & Diversifying Economic Activities

Apiculture (honey and wax production) provides a low-maintenance, climate-resilient livelihood.
High-value crops and agribusiness ventures are increasing as part of county diversification programs.
Value-added processing for potatoes and milk is expected to enhance incomes and employment.

Challenges & Constraints

Limited access to credit restricts investment in inputs, storage, and technology.
Weak value-chain linkages mean many farmers sell raw produce rather than processed goods.
Post-harvest losses, particularly for perishable crops, remain a challenge.

Opportunities

Value-added agriculture: scaling up potato processing and milk bulking can boost income.
Strengthening cooperatives and farmer groups to expand market access and services.
Promoting climate-smart enterprises such as beekeeping and horticulture.
Developing tailored financial services and microcredit for farmers.

Governance & Development Priorities

Ainabkoi Sub-County operates under the Uasin Gishu County government structure, with devolved governance ensuring service delivery and citizen participation. The sub-county administration works closely with ward representatives, community groups, and county departments to implement development programs aligned with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and national development policies.

Governance

The sub-county administration coordinates public service delivery across the three wards: Ainabkoi/Olare, Kaptagat, and Kapsoya.
It ensures citizen engagement through public participation forums, town hall meetings, and stakeholder consultations.
Oversight on development projects is provided to ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance with national and county regulations.
Local governance supports coordination of health, education, security, infrastructure, and agricultural development programs.

Development Opportunities

Agricultural Value Addition: Expansion of potato processing and milk bulking facilities to improve incomes and reduce post-harvest losses.
Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promotion of beekeeping, horticulture, and resilient crop systems to diversify livelihoods.
Infrastructure Development: Road upgrading, water supply projects, and market facilities to improve trade and access to services.
Cooperative Strengthening: Supporting farmer groups to access inputs, technology, and better markets.
Education & Skills Development: Investments in vocational training centers and schools to equip residents with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Health Services Expansion: Development of health facilities including dispensaries and community outreach programs for better healthcare delivery.

The sub-county administration remains committed to leveraging these opportunities to enhance economic growth, social wellbeing, and sustainable development in Ainabkoi.