Luanda town will be conferred Municipality status after Members of Vihiga County Assembly (MCAs) approved the Report of the Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Planning recommending the classification of Luanda Town to Municipality Status.

The motion of seeking to upgrade Luanda to a Municipality was moved by the nominated MCA Caroline Angote and seconded by Hon. Patrick Kigumba of South Maragoli ward.

Luanda Municipality will cover seven wards, which comprise Luanda Township, Luanda South, and Mwibona, Emabungo, Wemilabi, Central Bunyore, and West Bunyore.

While presenting and defending the report on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Angote confirmed that public participation was conducted as required by the Constitution of Kenya (2010).

She emphasised the importance of inclusivity and community ownership, noting that the ADHOC Committee conducted several public participation forums and site visits, including a visit to Ekwanda Market.

Regarding a memorandum submitted by the purported Asikhale Community Welfare Society, which disputed the plans, the committee invited the group for clarification.

After interrogation of a section of the individuals who disputed the plan, it was established that although the society exists, the individuals who presented the memorandum were not legally appointed officials and therefore lacked the capacity to represent key stakeholders of Luanda Market.

It was further confirmed that the ADHOC Committee was legally constituted.

Wodanga ward MCA Vincent Atsiaya, who is the leader of the Minority, while supporting the report, stated that the push for Luanda Municipality began long ago during Bunge Mashinani sittings at Mumboha Church of God, when Tom Atingo was the area MCA.

He stressed that individuals with personal interests should not derail the progress of Luanda Municipality, noting that the area comprises diverse communities, not just the Asikhale Community.
Atsiaya’s sentiments were echoed by Luanda township ward MCA David Onjiri and Kalvin Mwangu of Luanda South ward.

Hon. Onjiri further highlighted the numerous benefits that come with Luanda town attaining municipality status, including: Strengthened governance systems, improved service delivery, upgraded road infrastructure and enhanced security through street lighting.

He added: “I fully support the upgrading of Luanda town into a Municipality because it will come with many benefits to our people, which include improved water supply to residents, enhanced drainage systems, access to World Bank funding and other national government grants.”

In line with Section 9 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act (2011), the committee established that Luanda meets the requirements for Municipality Status based on: Its population, demonstrable revenue collection, and ability to generate sufficient revenue to sustain operations.

The committee also established that Luanda town has the capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver essential services.

Luanda town has adequate land area for expansion, among other key indicators.

“Pursuant to Standing Order No. 209(5) of the Vihiga County Assembly (Third Edition) and Section 9 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act (2011), the committee concluded that Luanda Town fully merits being conferred Municipality Status, and shall therefore be officially known as Luanda Municipality,” read part of the report approved by MCAs.