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Between Ngara and South B, which is the best place to stay near the CBD?
If you’re looking for a single room, bedsitter, 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house that is near the Nairobi CBD, this is for you.
In this post, I compare factors like security, water availability, food prices, and more, to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s dive in.
Security
Despite its significance, the security of a place is commonly ignored when searching for a rental house, yet it should be the top priority.
Because without good security, everything else doesn’t matter. Losing your mobile phone or house belongings to thieves frequently will definitely hinder your progress.
Now, half of the 10 people I talked to said Ngara is safe, apart from a few cases of mobile phone snatchings by thieves on bodaboda.
For South B, the upper part which has gated estates is safe.
The area where you will find affordable houses is not that secure because it borders Mukuru Kayaba, which itself is a high-risk area.
Criminals from Mukuru infiltrate Hazina to commit crimes.
Security-wise, the winner is Ngara. Not completely safe, but it’s better.
Fares from Nairobi CBD
This is the first thing that most people consider when searching for a house. You’ll hear someone ask, “Fare ni how much?” (How much is the fare?).
So here are the fares:
From Ngara Equity stage to town in the morning is Ksh. 50.
From South B Shopping Center to town in the morning rush hour is Ksh. 50.
The fare is the same in the evening.
During off-peak hours you’ll pay Ksh.30 for South B and Ksh. 40/50 for Ngara.
Off-peak fares for South B are cheaper, even if it’s by a Ksh.10 margin.
Walking as an alternative
Both Ngara and South B are popular residential areas since one can opt to walk if they don’t have money to pay the fare.
Walking to town isn’t entirely free — even if you don’t spend money, you’ll still spend time. So, how much time will you spend walking?
I walked from Equity Ngara to the Kenya National Archives, using the route that crosses the Nairobi River and through Accra Road. It took me exactly 10 minutes.
I also walked from South B Shopping Center to the Kenya National Archives through the Railways Footbridge, Haile Selassie Avenue, and Moi Avenue. It took me 35 minutes.
Ngara is the clear winner when it comes to walking to work.
Water availability
Another aspect to consider is the availability of water.
In my research, I discovered that affordable housing areas in South B experience water challenges.
The stretch of houses from Huda Integrated School, all the way to Naivas is lined up with yellow jerricans as residents wait to buy fresh water.
Because although there are boreholes sunk in the area, the water is salty. And not everyone is near the borehole.
In Ngara, 5 of the 10 people I talked to said they had challenges with water availability, compared to 3 in South B.
In terms of water availability, South B is a better place. You are more likely to have water challenges in Ngara than in South B.
Market food prices
What are the residents’ opinions on the cost of groceries?
In Ngara, the majority said they find them average-priced.
In South B, the majority said they are low to average.
The winner here is South B because most of the foodstuff is sourced from the Mukuru market which is cheap.
Below is a detailed analysis of each town, including locations where you’ll find affordable rental houses.
Welcome to Kenyatta Road, aka K-Road. If you’re looking for a single room, double room, bedsitter, 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house, or you want to put up a business here, this is for you.
Where is Kenyatta Road located?
Kenyatta Road is located along Thika Road in Juja. It’s before you reach Juja City Mall, if you’re coming from Nairobi CBD.
It’s here that you take the road to Gatundu.
Thika Road divides this area into two. On one side, there is the matatu stage to Gatundu and a very quiet residential estate.
The quiet side of Kenyatta Road
It’s on the other side of Thika Road where all the action is. You get to this side and the town suddenly comes to life.
An ever-busy matatu stage, small businesses bursting with customers, and a busy Kenyatta Road full of pedestrians.
The busy side of Kenyatta Road
This is what to expect when you move to Kenyatta Road.
Distance from Nairobi to Kenyatta Road
The distance from the Commercial bus stop in Nairobi CBD to Kenyatta Road bus stop through Thika Road is 28.6 km.
Where do I board matatu to Kenyatta Road?
The Kenyatta Road matatu stage in Nairobi is located at the Odeon Cinema stage.
Actually, any matatu heading to Juja or Thika will drop you at Kenyatta Road.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Kenyatta Road
Ksh. 50-70 during off-peak hours
Ksh. 80-100 during rush hour.
Let’s do the math. If you commute daily to town in the morning and get back in the evening, this is what your budget will look like:
(100×2) x 5 days = 1,000
1,000 x 4 weeks = 4,000
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 4,000 in fares per month if you decide to live in Kenyatta Road.
Traffic jam pain points
You may not experience traffic jams from Nairobi CBD if the matatu or bus you are in sticks to the inner highway lane.
Well, apart from Allsops (GSU HQs) to Garden City Mall in the evening.
If you are heading to the CBD, you will experience slow-moving traffic at Muthaiga/Pangani and the Globe Roundabout.
Other fares
Fare from Kenyatta Road to Gatundu
Ksh. 70
Fare from Kenyatta Road to Murang’a
Ksh. 300
Fare from Kenyatta Road to Mama Ngina University
Ksh. 70
Fare from Kenyatta Road to Icaweri
Ksh. 70
Fare from Kenyatta Road to Kimunyu
Ksh. 50
Fare from Kenyatta Road to Murera
Ksh. 40
Fare from Kenyatta Road to K.U Boma
Ksh. 30
Fare from Kenyatta Road to Kwa Woria
Ksh. 40
Fare from Kenyatta Road to Kimbo
Ksh. 30
Water availability
9 of the 10 people I talked to said they had no water problem.
Only 1 person on the quiet side of K-Road said they had water challenges
They told me they can go a whole week without water. On such days, they buy one 20-liter jerrican at Ksh. 20.
Food prices in Kenyatta Road
What do the residents of Kenyatta Road feel about market food prices here?
6 of the 10 people I talked to said they felt they’re high.
3 said they consider them average.
1 termed them as low.
Is Kenyatta Road safe?
So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity on Kenyatta Road reported in the media.
And what about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
7 of the 10 people I talked to said K-Road is safe.
They, however, singled out the footbridge, underpass, and along the railway as unsafe areas. And the entire area, apart from the gated estates, from 11 p.m.
I was informed that the most prevalent type of theft occurs within shops, with thieves disguising themselves as customers.
This is how they do it. Two guys come to your shop. They distract you with questions pointing at items on the top shelves as one of them is stealing.
Or they hand you a Ksh. 1,000 note as payment, and as you go out to look for change, they steal your mobile phone.
Another form of insecurity you need to be aware of is your safety along Kenyatta Road.
Narrow, accident-prone Kenyatta Road
As busy as it is, Kenyatta Road has no footpaths, and no bumps on the first stretch from Thika Road, which is the busiest.
Vehicles, bodabodas, and pedestrians, all compete for space along this narrow road.
Many accidents have occurred here, caused by speeding bodabodas.
Be careful when crossing or walking along this road.
Then there are two unsettling things about Kenyatta Road:
Only one public school
I was shocked to discover there is only one public school here at Kenyatta Road: St. Francis Primary School.
And it’s quite a distance from Thika Road. Precisely, it’s 800m from the bus stage. And then it’s crowded.
The rest are private schools. And they don’t come cheap.
For such a populous area, I found it strange, unfair actually, because not many residents can afford to pay private school fees.
… and no public hospital
Here’s another thing. The nearest public hospital is the Gachororo Health Centre, some 7 kilometers away.
To get here from Kenyatta Road, you take a Ksh. 40 matatu to Highpoint, then a Ksh. 50 bodaboda. That’s Ksh. 180, to and fro.
If you want to attend a bigger public hospital, you either go to Gatundu, Thika, or Ruiru.
The rest are private hospitals.
What residents love about Kenyatta Road
“It’s touching the Thika superhighway so it’s busy.”
“Good security.”
“Affordable houses.”
“It’s peaceful even during political demonstrations.”
“Not congested.”
“Good for raising a family.”
“People are social.”
“Many churches.”
What residents don’t like about Kenyatta Road
“Slow business.”
“Dusty inner roads.”
“Sunny and hot.”
“It rarely rains. It could be raining in the neighboring Juja Town, but not here.”
“Expensive groceries.”
Business ideas
If you’re thinking of setting up a business in Kenyatta Road, think of the following:
•Small shop (duka)
•Hawking
•Green grocery store (kibanda)
•Fresh water refill
•Hotel
•Pub or liquor store
•Cosmetic shop or salon
•Hardware
•Lorry ya kubeba mchanga, mawe.
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If you’re looking for a 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house in Ruiru Bypass, or you want to put up a business here, this is for you.
Where is Ruiru Bypass in Nairobi?
Ruiru Bypass is located at the intersection of Thika Road and Eastern Bypass. If you’re coming from Nairobi CBD, it is after Kenyatta University Main Campus.
Thika Road divides Ruiru Bypass into two: the upper side is Membley/Kihunguro and the lower side is Kamakis.
Ruiru Bypass, Membley sideRuiru Bypass, Kamakis side
Here’s what to expect when you move to Ruiru Bypass.
Where do I board matatu to Ruiru Bypass?
The Ruiru Bypass matatu stage in Nairobi is located at the Commercial bus stop. You can also board the buses along Ronald Ngala Street.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Ruiru Bypass
Ksh. 50 during off-peak hours
Ksh. 80-100 during rush hour.
Let’s do the math. If you commute daily to town in the morning and get back in the evening, this is what your budget will look like.
(100×2) x 5 days = 1,000
1,000 x 4 weeks = 4,000
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 4,000 in fares per month if you decide to live in Ruiru Bypass.
Traffic jam pain points
The main traffic jam pain points are the Muthaiga/Pangani area, the Globe Roundabout as you enter the CBD, and the stretch from Allsops (GSU HQs) to Garden City Mall in the evening.
You may also experience traffic jams if the matatu or bus you’re in joins a service lane to drop off or pick up passengers.
Painfully notorious for this type of jam is the Githurai 44 main stage. Maaan, the traffic jam here will make you wanna cry. But these days it’s well managed by the traffic police.
Otherwise, it’s a smooth ride along the highway.
Other fares
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Kahawa West
Ksh. 50
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to K.U Referral Hospital
Ksh.50
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Tatu City
Ksh. 50
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Bima Road
Ksh. 50
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Githunguri
Ksh. 30
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Kamae
Ksh.50
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Kiwanja
Ksh. 50
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Karuguru
Ksh. 40
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Ruai
Ksh. 50
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Mashinani
Ksh. 50
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Kona
Ksh. 30
Fare from Ruiru Bypass to Cabanas
Ksh. 100
Water availability
I visited the Kihunguro area, then Kamakis, and all the 10 people I talked to said they had NO water problem.
Kihunguro is on the Membly side.
Kihunguro, Ruiru Bypass
Food prices in Ruiru Bypass
6of the 10 people I talked to said that food prices in Ruru Bypass are usually average-priced.
4of them said they consider them high.
They told me that they shop for cheaper groceries in bulk in Githurai market or Ruiru market.
Those around Kamakis get cheap food supplies from an area called Destiny.
Is Ruiru Bypass safe?
So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity in Ruiru Bypass reported in the media.
And what about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
Those in Kihunguro told me it’s safe, with few cases of theft early in the morning at around 5 a.m. and late at night from 10 p.m.
Some have fallen victim to bodaboda gangs who snatch mobile phones from unsuspecting residents.
Kamakis is safer since most residential houses here are gated with guards manning them.
Business ideas
Thinking of starting a business at Ruiru Bypass? These are the most common businesses here.
First of all, on both sides, the tuktuk business is thriving.
Let’s look at each side individually.
Membley side
Hardwares! Hardwares! Hardwares! Goodness me, hardwares are everywhere. Every other shop is a hardware.
Timber yards and furniture workshops follow closely.
This area has the space for such businesses. There are also sufficient spaces on either side of the Eastern bypass for parking, loading, and offloading.
Clubs, wines and spirits are other popular businesses here.
Then hotels and small shops. Keep in mind that the residents in Membley estate mostly do their main shopping in nearby malls, then buy small household stuff in the shops.
Let’s cross over to the Kamakis side
Kamakis side
It’s hard to talk about Kamakis without mentioning nyamachoma! If you’ve never been to this place, please make a point of visiting it.
Meat points are popular here, ever busy.
More hardwares.
And timber yards.
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What residents love about Ruiru Bypass
Membley
“It’s secure.”
“Peaceful.”
“Easy access to Eastern Bypass and Thika Superhighway.”
“Businesses are doing well.”
Kihunguro
“Secure.”
“Businesses pick very fast especially those targeting students and young people.”
Kamakis
“Cool climate.”
“Secure.”
“Not crowded.”
“Good private schools.”
What residents don’t like about Ruiru Bypass
Membley
“Expensive houses (but nice).”
“Expensive commodities like groceries.”
“Dusty roads. Passing cars and wind raise the dust. It’s a health risk for people running businesses along the roads.”
Daily fare, time spent commuting, food prices, water availability, and even security of the area are other factors you should consider.
So what is it like living there? This is what to expect when you relocate to Imara Daima.
Where is Imara Daima located in Nairobi?
Imara Daima is located along Mombasa Road before you reach City Cabanas.
The Kobil area that I will feature today is located along the Eastern Bypass/Airport North Road off Mombasa Road near City Cabanas.
How far is Imara Daima from Nairobi?
The distance from Bus Station near Afya Center in Nairobi to Imara Daima via Mombasa Road is 10.3 km.
Where do I board matatu to Imara Daima?
The Imara Daima matatu stage in Nairobi is located at Commercial Bus Stop along Accra Road.
You can also board at the Bus Station near Afya Center.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Imara Daima
Ksh. 50 during off-peak hours
Ksh. 80 during rush hour.
Let’s do the math. If you commute daily to town in the morning and get back in the evening, this is what your budget will look like.
(80×2) x 5 days = 800
800 x 4 weeks = 3,200
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 3,200 in fare per month if you decide to live in Imara Daima.
Traffic jam pain points
If you take the matatu that uses Mombasa Road, you are unlikely to experience traffic jams.
Maybe briefly along Uhuru Highway, but from the Nyayo Stadium roundabout, it’s a smooth ride all the way.
Other Fares
Fare from Imara Daima to Mlolongo
Ksh. 30-50
Fare from Imara Daima to Kitengela
Ksh. 50-80
Fare from Imara Daima to Machakos
Ksh. 150-300
Fare from Imara Daima to Utawala
Ksh. 30-70
Fare from Imara Daima to Allsops
Ksh 50
Water availability
6 out of the 10 people I talked to said they had no water challenges.
The other 4 told me they get supply from Nairobi Water just once a week. The other days they buy water. A 20-liter jerrican usually costs them Ksh. 10 or 20.
HINT: If you opt to stay in older buildings, be prepared for potential water challenges due to the absence of storage tanks. In newer buildings, there are large water tanks, and each tenant usually has a metered connection.
Nairobi Water Company has laid new water pipes. It’s usually the responsibility of the landlord to apply for the connection.
Food prices in Imara Daima
6 of the 10 people I talked to said that food prices in Kobil Imara Daima are low to average.
The other 4 said they felt they were high.
They told me one can get cheap market foodstuff in Mukuru Kwa Njenga or Plot 10.
Because the rent you’ll pay is one piece of the puzzle.
Daily fare, the time you spend commuting, food prices, water availability, and security are other factors you should consider.
So what is it like living there? And is it a good fit for you? Let’s find out.
This is what to expect when you relocate to Maternity, Kasarani.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Maternity
Ksh. 40-60 during off-peak hours
Ksh. 100 during rush hour.
Let’s do the math. If you commute daily to town in the morning and get back in the evening, this is how your budget will look like:
(100×2) x 5 days = 1,000
1,000 x 4 weeks = 4,000
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 4,000 in fare per month if you decide to live in Maternity.
Water availability
5 of the 10 people I talked to said they had no water challenge.
The other 5 said water is a challenge for them.
Verdict: There seems to be a water problem here at Maternity.
The buck stops at the owners of the buildings because Nairobi Water Company has laid a pipe here, and it has water. It’s up to individual landlords to pay and connect to their building.
Food prices in Maternity
It was a 50/50 split on market food prices.
5 of the 10 people I talked to said food prices here are average.
The other 5 felt they were high.
I asked why they’re not low when Mwiki market is not far away. I was told merchants have to offset the transport bills from Mwiki market and still make a profit when they sell the goods here at Maternity.
Is Maternity safe?
While in the maternity stage at Kasarani along Mwiki Road, remember to keep your phone secure in your pocket or handbag. Or it will get snatched by bodaboda thieves. Please don’t say I never warned you. Phones get snatched here almost daily.
So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity in Maternity reported in the media.
What about unreported cases?
6 out of the 10 people I talked to said Maternity is safe.
4 said there were rising cases of theft of mobile phones from passers-by.
On this day, as I was carrying out my research, a resident was robbed of their mobile phone—in broad daylight! It was around 12.30 pm.
I was told resident jobless youths caused the insecurity.
They targeted residents going to jobs very early in the morning (4.00-5.30 a.m.).
Some residents attributed the surge of insecurity to the lack of a police station in Maternity. The nearest one is in Sunton, the other one is in Kasarani near Thika Road.
Why residents love Maternity
I asked the residents what they love about Maternity and here is what they had to say:
“It’s near Kasarani-Mwiki Road.”
“There are two nearby hospitals (Radiant and Kasarani Maternity & Nursing Home).”
“Easy access to Government services at Kwa Chief (Deputy County Commissioner’s Office).”
“Affordable rent prices.”
“Two nearby public schools (Murema Primary School and Kasarani Primary School).”
Business ideas
If you’re thinking of setting up a business in Maternity, Kasarani, think of the following:
•Grocery store (Kibanda)
•Duka (shop)
•Small hotel
•Pub, wines & spirit.
•Salon.
•Furniture shop.
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What residents don’t like about Maternity
I asked the residents what they don’t like about Maternity and here’s what they had to say:
“Water availability challenges.”
“Unlike Maji Mazuri or Lumumba Drive, people here lack Ubuntu. People don’t really love each other. Everyone minds their own business. And there is a lot of gossip.”
“Muddy 1st and 2nd streets when it rains.” (The 3rd street is cabro-paved.)
“Drunkards. They are bad for businesses other than pubs and wines and spirits. They rarely buy anything else apart from alcohol.”
“Slow businesses.”
Send this post to a friend who is searching for a rental house in this area.
Daily fare, time spent commuting, food prices, water availability, and even security of the area are other factors you should consider.
So what is it like living there? This is what to expect when you relocate to Ndenderu.
If you’re looking for a single room, double room, bedsitter, 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house, or you want to put up a business here, this is for you.
Where is Ndenderu located?
Ndenderu is located along Limuru Road after Ruaka town.
How far is Ndenderu from Nairobi?
The distance from Koja stage in Nairobi to Ndenderu via Limuru Road is 17.5 km.
Where do I board matatu to Ndenderu?
The Ndenderu matatu stage in Nairobi is located at Koja stage.
Fare from Nairobi to Ndenderu
Ksh. 50-60 during off-peak hours
Ksh. 80 during rush hour.
Let’s do the math. If you commute daily to town in the morning and get back in the evening, this is what your budget will look like.
(80×2) x 5 days = 800
800 x 4 weeks = 3,200
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 3,200 in fare per month if you decide to live in Ndenderu.
Traffic jam pain points
The main traffic jam pain points are the Globe roundabout, Gigiri (UN) and the entry to Ruaka town at Two Rivers.
Other fares
Fare from Ndenderu to Banana
Ksh. 60. Take a matatu to Ruaka (Ksh. 30), then to Banana (Ksh. 30).
Fare from Ndenderu to Limuru
Ksh. 60
Water availability
There are no water challenges here in Ndenderu. 10 out of the 10 people I talked to said they had water throughout.
Food prices in Ndenderu
Again, for groceries, 10/10 people I talked to said that food prices in Ndenderu are average. Nobody said they’re high, and nobody said they’re low either.
The prices are about to become affordable with the upcoming Ndenderu Market.
Is Ndenderu safe?
So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity in Ndenderu reported in the media.
And what about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
5/10 of the people I talked to said Ndenderu is safe. The other 5 said there are a few cases of phone theft in the area.
They identified Professor Muiga areaand the junctionas high-risk areas.
Why residents love Ndenderu
“There is an upcoming marketplace being constructed.”
“No water challenges.”
“The silence. It’s very peaceful.”
“Affordable life.”
What residents don’t like about Ndenderu
“There’s no footbridge. People get knocked down by speeding vehicles. It’s risky for school-going children.”
“Lack of a direct link from the roundabout to Ndenderu marketplace for people coming from Limuru. They have to turn at the underpass at Gabro. Most prefer to proceed to Ruaka. Those are lost business opportunities.”
“Alcoholism among the youth.”
“Lack of job opportunities.”
“Very old houses at the town center.”
“Very slow growth of the town.”
“The natives rarely intermarry.”
“Dusty inner roads, muddy when it rains.”
Business ideas
Thinking of setting up a business in Ndenderu? Think of the following:
•Grocery store
•Small retail shop
•Hardware
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Daily fare, time spent commuting, food prices, water availability, and even security of the area are other factors you should consider.
So what is it like living there? This is what to expect when you relocate to Banana Hill.
If you’re looking for a single room, double room, bedsitter, 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house, or you want to put up a business here, this is for you.
Where is Banana Hill located?
Banana Hill is located after Ruaka and Muchatha along the Banana Raini Road. The postal code for Banana is 00219 Karuri.
How far is Banana from Nairobi?
The distance from Koja stage in Nairobi to Banana Hill via Limuru Road is 17.1 km.
Where do I board matatu to Banana?
The Banana Hill matatu stage in Nairobi is located at Koja stage.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Banana
Ksh. 50-60 during off-peak hours.
Ksh. 80-100 during rush hour.
Let’s do the math. If you commute daily to town in the morning and get back in the evening, this is what your budget will look like.
(80×2) x 5 days = 800
800 x 4 weeks = 3,200
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 3,200 in fare per month if you decide to live in Banana.
Traffic jam pain points
The main traffic pain points are Globe roundabout, Gigiri area, and Two Rivers when entering Ruaka town.
Other fares
Fare from Banana to Muchatha
Ksh. 20
Fare from Banana to Ruaka
Ksh. 30
Fare from Banana to Village Market
Ksh. 50
Fare from Banana to Kawaida
Ksh. 40
Fare from Banana to Limuru
Ksh. 50
Fare from Banana to Tigoni
Ksh. 50
Fare from Banana to Kiambu
Ksh. 60
Fare from Banana to Nazareth
Ksh. 60
Fare from Banana to Raini
Ksh. 30
Water availability
There seems to be a water problem here in Banana Hill. 5 out of the 10 people I talked to said they buy water from vendors. A 20-litre jerrican goes for Ksh. 30, sometimes 50.
Even the other 5 who said they had no water challenges had either sunk boreholes or stayed in buildings with large storage tanks.
Banana receives its water supply from Karuri Water and Sanitation Company.
Food prices in Banana
When I landed in Banana market, I expected food prices to be affordably low. I mean, there is a lot of arable land surrounding this town.
That’s not the case. 7 of the 10 people I talked to said that food prices in Banana are average. Only 1 felt they’re low. The remaining 2 said they’re high.
I was informed that landowners are transforming this region into urbanized areas, converting arable land into rental properties instead of utilizing it for agricultural purposes.
Alternatively, the land is sold to a buyer who also builds rental houses.
Vendors in the market therefore get their supplies from Marikiti market, Kiambu market, or Limuru. They have to consider transportation costs and price the food to ensure profitability…that’s why it’s not cheap here.
Is Banana Hill safe?
So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity in Banana Hill reported in the media.
And what about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
6 out of the 10 people I talked to said Banana Hill has quite many cases of theft around the main stage and the market area atnight, and around the MAT (Medically Assisted Therapy) Clinic during the day.
They, however, acknowledged that the police make frequent patrols around town. They wonder why they haven’t arrested the situation yet.
Why residents love Banana
“Affordable life.”
“Affordable houses.”
“There’s no drama.”
“Cool, fresh air.”
What residents don’t like about Banana
“Water challenges.”
“Alcoholism among the youth.”
“Lack of job opportunities.”
“No street lighting away from town center.”
“Noise pollution by modified bodabodas.”
“The people who visit MAT (Medically Assisted Therapy) Clinic for rehabilitation are involved in theft.”
“Very slow growth of the town.”
Business ideas
Thinking of setting up a business in Banana Hill? Think of the following:
•A small shop
•Mali mali (small diversified trader)
•Grocery store
•Fruit parlour
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You can also check out my guide for the places where you’ll find affordable houses in Muchatha and Ruaka.
