In summary
- Chwele is the heart of Kabuchai constituency and is an agricultural centre which sits on fertile volcanic soils.
- It is strategically located between Bungoma and Kimilili which are the largest economies in the county.
- It is the second largest market in Kenya. Only Karatina in Nyeri beats it.
The big growth of Chwele Town in Bungoma County is testimony to how agriculture can be a driving force for the economy. Chwele is the heart of Kabuchai constituency and sits between Bungoma and Kimilili municipalities; the duo are the largest economies in the county.
According to a 2021 report, Chwele had an annual turnover of Ksh 13 billion annually. Across the country, Chwele market is second to only Karatina in Nyeri County in terms of size and turnover.
Agriculture
This town sits at the foot of Mount Elgon, hence blessed by fertile volcanic soils. The produce from Mount Elgon and Uganda finds itself in Chwele where people buy the produce at affordable prices.
In this centre, you will find most of agricultural produce, talk of potatoes, bananas, onions and vegetables from Cheptais, Sirisia and Chebukaka which are sold at unbeatable prices. Livestock is also sold at the lower part of the market that is near the sub-county hospital.
Some of the residents also grow coffee, a cash crop that has sustained their lives. Because of this, the town has two market days; Monday and Friday.
Two banks
In 2021, Nation reported that despite the huge amount of money that exchanged hands in Chwele, it didn’t have any banks. However, WoK can report that as per 2025, the town has two banks, NCBA and Cooperative banks both domiciled on the way to Bungoma.
Chwele also lacked a supermarket in 2021 but is now blessed with one by the name Chwele United Supermarket. There are also other smaller minimarts.
The centre is also blessed with a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Due to this, it remains one town whose potential for further growth is huge.
Investment opportunities
Given the high population, one can invest in the following channels:-
- Healthcare: Chwele is blessed with a sub-county hospital but there is still demand for better quality healthcare.
- Hardware: The town is rapidly growing and any serious hardware will automatically compete the available ones.
- Hospitality sector: Due to the availability of land at affordable prices coupled with a lush green hilly topography, there is still an opportunity for hoteliers.
- Petrol station: One can acquire land and look for a franchise from major oil marketers. The only big player in Chwele is National Oil.
The richest people from Chwele
Speaker Moses Wetangula – Wetangula comes from Mukhweya village which is approximately 7 kilometres from Chwele. He has amassed a handsome figure due to his political career spanning 35 years and has a net worth estimated to be Ksh 2.4 billion. (According to Pulselive)
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga – Kalasinga is also one of the wealthiest individuals from Chwele and owns Marina Resort located off the Chwele – Bungoma Road.
Alex Wafula – He is an entrepreneur who owns the United Chwele Supermarket.
Tobias Wanjala – A hardware proprietor who has also invested in rentals.
Challenges
Poor roads: The road passing through the heart of Chwele is too narrow and makes it ineffective for the high number of people and boda boda riders. The road linking this town to Uganda via Sirisia is laden with potholes and is also narrow.
Despite the government’s pledge to tarmac the Musese – Nalondo road, this passageway remains in a dire condition.
Poor planning: As a fast-growing town, there is need for better planning so that residents can enjoy the privileges of piped water and organised streets.
Insecurity: Like any other urban centre, there have been sporadic security breaches. For example, in August 2025, a security guard at United Chwele Supermarket was reportedly killed at night. Additionally, Majimbo Kalasinga’s Marina Resort was vandalised on 3rd November, 2025. The motive of the destruction could be politically motivated.