Luanda town is on the cusp of a major transformation after the Vihiga County Assembly voted to grant it municipal status. This long-awaited upgrade is expected to accelerate economic growth and improve the lives of residents in one of Western Kenya's most vibrant trading hubs.

The move catapults Luanda into a new league of urban governance, making it eligible for dedicated funding from the central government and international partners like the World Bank. For the ordinary Kenyan in Luanda, this translates into the promise of better roads, improved water and sanitation systems, enhanced waste management, and more organized urban planning.

Unlocking a New Chapter for Luanda

Situated along the busy Kisumu-Busia highway, Luanda has long been a critical economic artery for Vihiga County, serving as a gateway to Uganda. Its elevation from a town to a municipality is not merely a name change; it is a structural shift that brings with it a board and a manager tasked with overseeing its operations, as stipulated by the Urban Areas and Cities Act. This new administrative framework is designed to foster more efficient service delivery and attract investment.

The approval followed the adoption of a report by the County Assembly's Committee on Lands, Housing, and Urban Planning, which affirmed that Luanda meets the necessary legal and socio-economic thresholds. The motion, championed by nominated MCA Caroline Angote, proposes a municipality covering seven wards: Luanda Township, Luanda South, Mwibona, Emabungo, Wemilabi, Central Bunyore, and West Bunyore.

What This Means for Residents and Businesses

The tangible benefits of municipality status are expected to be far-reaching. Local leaders and residents anticipate a significant boost in infrastructure and public services. Key advantages include:

• Increased Funding: Access to funds specifically set aside for municipalities, such as the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP), which has helped transform other urban centers.
• Improved Infrastructure: Better roads, street lighting, and drainage systems are top priorities, which will enhance security and business operating hours.
• Job Creation: Large-scale infrastructure projects and an improved business environment are expected to create employment opportunities for local youth.
• Higher Property Value: While beneficial for owners, the upgrade will likely lead to an increase in land rates and property taxes as the area becomes more developed.

Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, who received the ad hoc committee's recommendation in August 2025, has emphasized the need for professionalism in the new municipality's board to ensure these goals are met. The journey, which he noted began eight years ago, is now entering its most critical phase: implementation.

The Road Ahead

While the assembly's approval is a monumental step, the process is not yet complete. The decision must be formally gazetted to take full effect. The establishment of a professional municipal board will be crucial for steering Luanda's development and ensuring that the newfound resources translate into a better quality of life for its people.

As Luanda prepares to embrace its new status, the focus now shifts to the county executive to finalize the process. For the residents and traders who call this bustling town home, the promise of a more organized, prosperous, and livable urban center is finally within reach.