Kesses Subcounty

About Kesses Sub-County

Kesses Sub-County is one of the six administrative sub-counties of Uasin Gishu County, established under Kenya’s devolved governance framework. The sub-county serves as an important administrative, educational, and agricultural zone within the county.

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.

Development efforts focus on infrastructure, water management, education, health services, and tourism to enhance socio-economic growth and quality of life for residents.

Administrative Units

Kesses Sub-County consists of four wards:

Racecourse
Cheptiret/Kipchamo
Tulwet/Chuiyat
Tarakwa

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

Population

According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Kesses Sub-County has an estimated population of approximately 126,234 residents. The population is predominantly rural, with small urban settlements forming around centers.

Economic Profile

Agriculture dominates the local economy, with maize, wheat, beans, and potatoes as the main crops.
Dairy farming is widespread, providing income and contributing significantly to county milk production.
Livestock farming, particularly cattle and small ruminants, is practiced alongside crop cultivation.
Kesses is home to agricultural research and educational institutions, such as Moi University and a number of TVETS, which contributes to knowledge-based agriculture and innovation.
Emerging agribusiness opportunities include horticulture, poultry farming, and small-scale processing units.

Tourism & Recreation

Kesses Dam: Popular for water sports such as powerboating, sailing, and fishing, attracting visitors from within and outside the county.
Asururiet Waterfalls: A scenic natural attraction supporting eco-tourism and local recreation.
Tourism activities create opportunities for small businesses, including hospitality, guided tours, and local crafts.
These sites support both community income generation and environmental conservation awareness.

Governance & Development Priorities

Kesses Sub-County operates under the devolved governance framework of Uasin Gishu County. The sub-county administration, in collaboration with ward representatives, county departments, and community stakeholders, ensures effective service delivery, accountability, and citizen participation in development planning.

Governance

Coordination with local institutions and cooperatives strengthens program implementation and monitoring of outcomes.

Development Priorities

Agriculture & Irrigation: Expand irrigation schemes and enhance farm productivity using resources such as Kesses Dam.
Tourism Development: Promote Kesses Dam and Asururiet Waterfalls as tourist and recreation destinations to generate income and employment.
Infrastructure: Upgrade roads, water supply, electricity, and market centers to support trade and social services.
Education & Skills Development: Strengthen schools, vocational training centers, and community-based education programs to enhance employability.
Health Services: Expand access to healthcare facilities, community outreach programs, and preventive health initiatives.
Cooperative & Enterprise Development: Support farmer groups and local enterprises to improve market access, value addition, and income diversification.
Environmental Conservation: Promote sustainable use of water bodies, forests, and land resources to support climate resilience.

The Sub-County Administration is committed to leveraging these priorities to promote economic growth, social development, and improved quality of life for all residents of Kesses.