Fast-rising Dusty Estates in Nairobi Where Top Politicians Reside

Nairobi County has a variety of housing options for different people who live and work around the city and for many, they are opt to reside within the suburbs.

According to a past economic survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), lower-income groups earn a monthly range of around Ksh 23,670 and below, while middle-income households earn between Ksh 23,671 and Ksh 119,999. The upper-income group enjoys remunerations of above Ksh 120,000.

Ruiru constituency can’t be considered as posh and about a decade ago, no one dared to set up an expensive mansion due to high level of insecurity.

Gwakairu, Kimbo, Kihunguro are some of the areas that were most feared by the rich and mighty. By then, Thika Superhighway was just a dream that later came to actualization under former President Mwai Kibaki regime.

With improved security, several gated community estates have given a new breath of life although some feeder roads remain a major challenge.

The superhighway has given new life to suburbs like Kahawa Sukari, Membley, Thome Estate, Garden Estate among others.

These estates are trying to fight out Muthaiga, Karen and Runda with the accessibility of amenities such as security and a serene environment.

If you wish to buy a house, a 4-bedroom one along Thika road will cost between Ksh 15 and Ksh 20 Million, depending on the size, the location and its finishing. If this is too expensive, worry not, as you can buy a plot for Kshs 2-5Million and build a mansion at your own pace.

The construction of Northern By-pass also gave life to the once dormant estate, Membley, in Ruiru.

Although some feeder roads are poorly constructed and are dusty during the sunny season, the estate is fast rising with top government officials living here.

The suburb is located a short distance from Kenyatta University and Tatu City, some 2 kilometres off Thika Road.

Among top officials who reside here include nominated senator Isaac Mwaura, Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba, Ruiru MP Simon Nga’ang’a King’ara among others.

Membley, though neighbouring ‘shags-like’ areas, has become so popular that a plot measuring 40 by 80 feet costs over Ksh3.5 million, while a 100 by 100 feet plot goes for almost Ksh10 million.

About three weeks ago, the above-mentioned politicians held a demonstration over a poor road that has derailed for more than 3 years. Addressing the media, Wamuchomba lamented that she can’t open her house windows due to clouds of dust.

“I’m forced to keep my windows shut as the dust is too much, we can’t even collect rainwater as they aren’t suitable to be consumed, “ she complained.

Senator Mwaura, on his part, vowed not to relent until the road is properly constructed noting that he will work with his fellow residents to bring to account a contractor who has been on the site tarmacking the road for the last 7 months, having only completed 2% of the work.

“The dream of tarmacking the 6 km Membly Road is finally becoming a reality through Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) under the national government funding of Kshs 235 million,” stated Mwaura.

A source who sought anonymity told Opera news that the three leaders, among other corporate figures, have been discouraging locals (poor) from constructing the commercial flats.

“They are fully pushing for Membly to be an estate, anyone who attempts to put a commercial building is threatened, “ the source alleged.

Other celebs who reside along Thika Road include Genge artist Jua Cali and Clemo who live in Kahawa Sukari estate.

In an earlier interview with the media, Jua Cali said that he wanted a place he could call home unlike in rental areas.

“I always wanted to have my own home where I could spend time with my family. So when the opportunity came along, I upgraded to my mansion. The best part is that I can customize it unlike the rentals,” Jua Kali stated.

In Garden estate, top government officials reside here among them Jubilee vice chairperson David Murathe, Former Kiambu governors Ferdinand Waititu and William Kabogo.

Murathe has been meeting leaders at his Garden estate where, according to a local publication, key political decisions are made.

Next to the Garden estate is Thome which was earlier known for crime and insecurity related activities.
Thome, once a vast coffee estate in the 1970s, is home to top civil servants, politicians and company executives, who lament that besides robberies and burglaries in their homes, they now face other violent crimes such as muggings.

Among notable figures who reside here include the late benga musician Joseph Kamaru’s family, media personalities such as Gukena presenter Njoki wa Mburu, among others.