Category: Travel

  • Kasarani, Nairobi in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate

    Kasarani, Nairobi in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate

    What does life is life in Kasarani look like?

    The rent you’ll pay is one piece of the puzzle.

    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 here? This is what to expect when you relocate to Kasarani.

    The postal code for Kasarani is 00608.

    How far is Kasarani from Nairobi CBD?

    The distance from Imenti House in Nairobi to Kasarani Equity is 12.4 km.

    Where do I board matatu to Kasarani?

    The Kasarani matatu stage in Nairobi is located along Tom Mboya Street near Imenti House.

    You can also board in downtown Nairobi along Racecourse Road, opposite Nairobi City Council offices.

    The bus fares in downtown are cheaper by Ksh. 10-20 compared to what you’ll pay at Imenti House.

    But again, the walk to downtown is a significant distance.

    Fare from Nairobi CBD to Kasarani

    Ksh. 50 during off-peak hours

    Ksh. 100 during the morning rush hour; Ksh. 80 in the evening from town.

    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:

    180 x 5 days = 900

    900 x 4 weeks = 3,600

    In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 3,600 in fares per month if you decide to live in Kasarani.

    Traffic jam pain points

    The main traffic jam pain points when getting to town are the Muthaiga/Pangani area and Globe Roundabout.

    In the evening, there is usually a traffic snarl-up from Allsops (GSU HQs) to Garden City Mall.

    Other fares at the matatu stage near Kasarani police station

    Fare from Kasarani to Mwiki

    Ksh. 20-30

    Fare from Kasarani to Njiru

    Ksh. 50-60

    Fare from Kasarani to Junction

    Ksh. 40-80

    Fare from Kasarani to Kayole

    Ksh. 70-100

    Water availability

    It seems Kasarani has no water problem.

    9 out of the 10 people I talked to said they had water throughout.

    Yes, some of them said they get supply from Nairobi Water 3 days a week, but then the other days they use water from storage tanks within the building.

    Only those in flats with small storage tanks suffer the rest of the days. But then again, they have personal storage tanks to push them through.

    Market food prices in Kasarani

    7 people out of the 10 I talked to said market food prices in Kasarani are average.

    The remaining 3 said they’re high, and they prefer to get their supplies from the nearby Githurai market.

    Is Kasarani safe?

    2023 was not a good year for Kasarani, with at least 4 cases of insecurity reported in the media. See them here, here, here, and here.

    So far in 2024, there have been none.

    And what about unreported cases?

    For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.

    Well, apart from those ugly incidents, 7/10 of the people I talked to said the upper Kasarani is safe.

    The other 3 talked of bodaboda gangs who snatch mobile phones from passers-by.

    While I was collecting views, I noticed police officers on patrol almost every 30 minutes, especially in the evening.

    Why residents love Kasarani

    I asked the residents what they love about Kasarani and here’s what they had to say:

    “It’s secure.”

    “It’s lively. Good entertainment joints.”

    “Wateja wanafika bei.” (Customers have good purchasing power.)

    What residents don’t like about Kasarani

    “Some areas have frequent power outages.”

    “Expensive rents, both for residential houses and business shops.”

    Business ideas

    If you’re thinking of setting up a business in Kasarani, think about any of the following:

    •Hotel or fast-food joint.

    •Grocery store.

    •Pub or liquor store.

    •Boutique or thrift shop

    •Gas cylinder depot.

    Houses in Mwirigo are cheaper. One thing, though, that you need to know about staying in Mwirigo is the distance to the main road, the Kasarani-Mwiki Road.

    It took me 10 minutes to walk from Mwirigo, through Kasamat, to the matatu stage at Seasons.

    If you don’t want to walk, you can take a bodaboda. They charge Ksh. 50, although some will charge Ksh. 70. Be prepared for this extra expense in your budget.

    Alternatively, you can walk to the Stima stage on the other side, although the distance is almost the same.

    Well, that’s all I got for you today on this guide to rental houses in upper Kasarani. I hope it has been helpful. Send this post’s link to a friend who is looking for a house in Kasarani.

    Check out even cheaper houses in Maternity.

  • Kimbo in 2025: Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate

    Ruiru Kimbo

    I’ve never seen so many salons in one area like in Kimbo. My goodness! If Ngara is a garage town, Ruiru Bypass a hardware town, then Kimbo is a salon town.

    Welcome to Ruiru Kimbo.

    If you’re looking for a bedsitter, 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house, or you want to put up a business here, this is for you.

    Is Kimbo a good place to live?

    So how is life in Kimbo?

    The rent you’ll pay is one piece of the puzzle.

    Daily fare, time spent commuting, food prices, water availability, and security are other factors you should consider.

    So what is it like living there? This is what to expect when you relocate to Kimbo.

    Where is Kimbo located?

    Kimbo is in Ruiru along Thika Road. When coming from Nairobi CBD, it’s situated beyond the main Ruiru town, but before reaching Kenyatta Road.

    How far is Kimbo from Nairobi?

    The distance from Odeon Cinema in Nairobi to Kimbo is 25.7 km.

    Where do I board matatu to Kimbo?

    The Kimbo matatu stage in Nairobi is at the Odeon Cinema. You can also board the matatus along Munyu Road.

    Fare from Nairobi CBD to Kimbo?

    Ksh. 30-50 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 return in the evening, your budget will look like this:

    (100×2) x 5 days = 1,000

    1,000 x 4 weeks = 4,000

    Besides rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 4,000 in fares per month if you decide to live in Kimbo.

    Traffic jam pain points

    The main traffic jam pain points when heading to Nairobi CBD in the morning are Muthaiga and the Globe Roundabout.

    In the evening as you get back, it’s the stretch from Allsops (GSU HQs) to Garden City Mall and the service lanes at Githurai, Ruiru Bypass, and Kimbo.

    Other fares

    Fare from Kimbo to Junction/Matangi

    Ksh. 30

    Fare from Kimbo to Ebenezer/Bethlehem

    Ksh. 30

    Fare from Kimbo to Biashara

    Ksh. 40

    Fare from Kimbo to Catholic/Mudia

    Ksh. 50

    Water availability

    Businesspeople in the town center have to buy water to clean their shops. One 20-litre jerrican costs Ksh. 20.

    Water availability in residential apartments depends on two things: if the building has enough storage tanks, or if there is a borehole. If those two are lacking be prepared to face challenges.

    Borehole water here is (semi)salty.

    Food prices

    6 of the 10 people I talked to said they consider the price of groceries here as average.

    The remaining 4 said the cost is high.

    You can shop for cheaper groceries in Ruiru market, or Githurai.

    Is Kimbo safe?

    So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity reported in the media.

    For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.

    Now, there has been the murder of a bodaboda man. Please be careful of these areas: backyard, along the rail line, and barabara ya kwenda 14.

    Why residents love Kimbo

    “Life is affordable.”

    “High population is good for businesses.”

    “Town center is cleaned regularly.”

    “It’s touching Thika Road; easy access to Nairobi CBD and Thika.”

    “Good security.”

    “People care about the welfare of their neighbors.”

    What residents don’t like about Kimbo

    “The youth is lost in alcoholism.”

    “Inner streets are too dusty during the dry season, then too muddy when it rains.”

    “Pockets of insecurity.”

    “Insufficient street lighting. There’s only one mulika mwizi.”

    “The surge of college students makes the cost of living go up. Rental houses are getting more expensive.”

    “Power blackouts.”

    Business ideas

    Are you thinking of opening a business in Ruiru Kimbo? These are my recommendations.

    I was about to say a salon, but does Kimbo need another salon? Or nail spa? Or kinyozi? I don’t think so. I’d advise you to set up a:

    •Tuktuk business

    •Green grocery store

    •Cereals shop

    •Fast-food joint

    •Small hotel

    •Mitumba clothes shop

    See what you should expect to find if you relocate to Ruiru Bypass, and Ruiru Ndani.

  • Kangundo Road: Rental Houses & What to Expect When You Relocate

    Kangundo Road
    Kangundo Road at Ruai Bypass

    Rental houses along Kangundo Road

    These are areas where you can find houses for rent and sale along Kangundo Road.

    Check out places where you’ll find affordable rental houses along Thika Road.

  • Komarock in 2025: Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate

    Komarock

    Welcome to Komarock.

    If you’re looking for a bedsitter, 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house, or you want to put up a business here, this is for you.

    Is Komarock a good place to live?

    So how is life in Komarock?

    The rent you’ll pay is one piece of the puzzle.

    Daily fare, time spent commuting, food prices, water availability, and 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 Komarock.

    Where is Komarock in Nairobi?

    If you’re coming from Nairobi CBD, Komarock is situated along Kangundo Road, between Umoja and Kayole.

    How far is Komarock from Nairobi?

    The distance from the Odeon Cinema bus stop to Total Energies Komarock via Jogoo Road and Outer Ring Road is 13 km.

    Where do I board matatu to Komarock?

    The Komarock stage in Nairobi is located at the intersection of Tom Mboya Street and Ronald Ngala Street.

    You can also board at the Ambassadeur stage.

    Fare from Nairobi CBD to Komarock

    Ksh. 50 during off-peak hours

    Ksh. 90 during rush hour.

    Let’s do the math. If you commute daily to town in the morning and return in the evening, your budget will look like this:

    (90×2) x 5 days = 900

    900 x 4 weeks = 3,600

    Besides rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 3,600 in fares per month if you decide to live in Komarock.

    Traffic jam pain points

    The main traffic pain point is along Jogoo Road.

    Other fares

    Fare from Komarock to Allsops

    Ksh. 70

    Fare from Komarock to Ndandora

    Ksh. 50

    Fare from Komarock to Rounder

    Ksh. 50

    Fare from Komarock to Kiamaiko

    Ksh. 60

    Fare from Komarock to Eastleigh

    Ksh. 70

    Water availability

    6 of the 10 people I talked to complained about water availability. They said they receive water two to three days a week, but wished it was more.

    It’s easy to see why: Komarock is an estate mainly for big families with high water usage, especially when schools are closed and children are around.

    Food prices in Komarock

    What do the residents of Komarock feel about market food prices here?

    7 of the 10 residents considered them high. They said they shop for cheaper groceries in neighboring Kayole.

    Is Komarock safe?

    In 2023, there was 1 case of insecurity in Komarock reported in the media.

    So far in 2024, there’s none.

    And what about unreported cases?

    For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.

    An amazing 10 of the 10 people I talked to said Komarock is safe, and that they hadn’t heard of insecurity cases.

    You only have to be careful at the bridge area late at night. Also, look out for mobile phone snatchers on bodaboda along Kangundo Road.

    Why residents love Komarock

    “Proximity to Nairobi CBD.”

    “Spacious houses with privacy.”

    “Nearby shopping malls, K-Mall, Greenspan, Shujaa.”

    “Clean courts.”

    “Good security.”

    “Good performing schools.”

    “Gated communities.”

    What residents don’t like about Komarock

    “Mushrooming extension of houses.”

    “Occasional power outages.”

    “Poor interaction among residents. A neighbor could be having a function that you know nothing about.”

    “No swimming pool.”

    “Unlike Buruburu, the economy here is 12-hour.”

    “Is getting congested due to house extensions.”

    “Teenage issues.”

    Business ideas

    If you wish to open a business in Komarocks, I’d recommend the following:

    •Fast-food joint

    •Water refill

    •Cereals shop

    •Nail parlour

    •Green grocery store

    •Boutique

    Komarock outlook: 2024 and beyond

    According to one person I talked to, Komarock has remained relatively the same for years.

    One thing I noticed is there is no room for anything else. These are gated communities, and there isn’t a place to set up a big business.

    What’s thriving here are small businesses. Small business shops go for between Ksh. 5,000 to 10,000 depending on the size. Some could be more.

    It’s probably the reason there has been an increase in house extensions. The owners are maximizing the available space to meet the demand.

    There’s only one bank, HFC, at K-Mall. The others (Equity, Co-op, Rafiki, LOLC, Faulu) are in Kayole.

    Komarock will continue to be a residential estate and not a commercial hub.

  • Donholm in 2025: Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate

    Donholm

    Welcome to Donholm.

    If you’re looking for a single room, double room, bedsitter, 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house in Donholm, or you want to put up a business here, this is for you.

    Is Donholm a good place to live?

    Let’s take a closer look at Donholm.

    How is life in Donholm?

    The rent you’ll pay is one piece of the puzzle.

    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 Donholm.

    Where is Donholm located in Nairobi?

    Donholm is located along Outer Ring Road at the intersection of Jogoo Road and Outer Ring Road.

    How far is Donholm from Nairobi?

    The distance from Nairobi Ambassadeur matatu stage to ToalEnergies Donholm via Jogoo Road is 8.8 km.

    Where do I board matatu to Donholm?

    The Donholm matatu stage in Nairobi is located at Ambassadeur.

    Fare from Nairobi Town to Donholm

    Ksh. 30-50 during off-peak hours

    Ksh. 70 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.

    (70×2) x 5 days = 700

    700 x 4 weeks = 2,800

    In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 2,800 in fares per month if you decide to live in Donholm.

    Traffic jam pain points

    The main traffic pain points are the Muthurwa area and Outer Ring Road as you enter Donholm.

    Other Fares

    Fare from Donholm to Fedha

    Ksh.20

    Fare from Donholm to Pipeline

    Ksh. 20

    Fare from Donholm to Allsops

    Ksh. 50

    Fare from Donholm to Cabanas

    Ksh. 50

    Fare from Donholm to Mlolongo

    Ksh. 70

    Water availability

    The residents I talked to told me they get water from Nairobi Water on Thursdays, through Friday. They wished it could be more days.

    Whether you face water challenges in Donholm depends on the size of the building’s water storage tanks or if you have your own water drums.

    Food prices

    9 of the 10 people I talked to said that food prices in Donholm are average priced.

    Is Donholm safe?

    In 2023, there were 3 cases of insecurity in Donholm reported in the media, here, here, and here.

    So far in 2024, there is at least 1. Read it here.

    And what about unreported cases? I talked to the residents.

    9 of the 10 people I talked to said the area is safe.

    Why residents love Donholm

    “Good security.”

    “Accessibility to Nairobi CBD. Many routes to get you there.”

    “Affordable food prices.”

    “Social amenities like the Greenspan Mall.”

    What residents don’t like about Donholm

    “Accumulating dirt in the town.”

    “Is becoming crowded.”

    “Informal structures at town center.”

    “Water challenges.”

    “Traffic jam on Outer Ring Road.”

    Business ideas

    If you are thinking of starting a business in Donholn, I’d recommend the following:

    •Mitumba clothes and shoes

    •Green grocery store (Kibanda ya soko)

    •Fast food joint

    •Salon/nail spa

    •Wines and spirits

    Check out places to find affordable rental houses along Mombasa Road.

  • Limuru Road: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate

    Limuru Road

    These are the areas where you will find houses to buy or rent along Limuru Road: Ruaka, Gacharage Junction, and Ndenderu.

  • Lumumba Drive in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate

    Lumumba Drive, Roysambu

    “Everything you want is here.”

    Welcome to Lumumba Drive.

    I will show you best-deal 1 (one), and 2 (two) and 3 (three) bedroom houses.

    I will also tell you the kind of life you should expect to find, and business opportunities you can exploit.

    Is Lumumba Drive a good place to live?

    How is life on Lumumba Drive?

    The house rent you’ll pay here is one piece of the puzzle.

    Daily fare, time spent commuting, food prices, water availability, and security are other factors you should consider.

    So what is it like living there? This is what to expect when you relocate to Lumumba Drive.

    Where is Lumumba Drive located in Nairobi?

    Lumumba Drive is located in Roysambu, near TRM (Thika Road Mall).

    How far is Lumumba Drive from Nairobi?

    The distance from Imenti House in Nairobi to Lumumba Drive via Thika Road is 12 km.

    Where do I board matatu to Lumumba Drive?

    You can board the matatu to Lumumba Drive at Imenti House. These are the matatus heading to Kasarani, and you’ll alight at TRM.

    Alternatively, you can board matatus heading to Githurai. These are located along Ronald Ngara Street, and they’ll also drop you at TRM.

    You can also board the matatus heading to Kahawa West, they’ll drop you at Lumumba Drive.

    Fare from Nairobi CBD to Lumumba Drive

    Ksh. 30-50  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 fares per month if you decide to live on Lumumba Drive.

    Traffic jam pain points

    You will experience slow-moving traffic at Muthaiga/Pangani and Murang’a Road (Ngara) if you’re heading to Nairobi CBD.

    In the evening, on your way back, the jam is at Allsops (GSU HQ), all the way to Garden City Mall.

    Water availability

    8 out of 10 people I talked to said they had water throughout.

    Verdict: You are unlikely to face water challenges here on Lumumba Drive. Not all buildings are the same, so ask before renting.

    Food prices in Lumumba Drive

    What do residents feel about the cost of groceries here?

    7 out of the 10 people I talked to said they find them average-priced.

    The remaining 3 said they feel the prices here are high.

    Is Lumumba Drive safe?

    In 2023, there was 1 case of insecurity in Roysambu reported in the media here.

    So far in 2024, there has been 1 case of insecurity on Lumumba Drive. Read about it here.

    There was another one on the neighboring TRM Drive reported in the media. Read about it here.

    And what about unreported cases on Lumumba Drive?

    For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.

    9 out of 10 people said it’s safe, and that you can walk to your house at any time of the night, even at 3 a.m.

    1 person said that the lower side (2nd Avenue) has had few cases of insecurity. They attributed this to the lack of street lighting.

    Lumumba Drive when it rains

    While the main Lumumba Drive is tarmacked, the streets inside the estate are not. Here is an example of what it looks like during the rainy season.

    Lumumba 1st Avenue when it rains
    Lumumba 1st Avenue when it rains

    It gets even worse. Some places have dark sludgy mud. It doesn’t look good at all.

    Why residents love Lumumba Drive

    I asked the residents what they love about Lumumba Drive and here’s what they had to say:

    “It’s secure.”

    “It’s near the Thika superhighway.”

    “People love each other.”

    “It’s full of life. Young people make it exciting.”

    “Sherehe kwa wingi”

    Business ideas

    Thinking about setting up a business on Lumumba Drive?

    Two businesses stood out when I visited Lumumba Drive. One, there is a clothes shop every few meters.

    Following closely in popularity are beauty parlors, salons, nail spas, and barber shops. It seems there is a ready market for beauty and fashion.

    Not to be left behind are wines and spirits and chemists.

    Then, the food business is also thriving.

    What residents don’t like about Lumumba Drive

    I asked the residents what they don’t like about Lumumba Drive and here’s what they had to say:

    “Bad roads.”

    “There’s no street lighting.”

    “Bad drainage system.”

    “No public school.”

    “No public hospital.”

    “Nothing. We have a mall (TRM), USIU is just here, PAC university… we have very good entertainment spots… Everything you want is here.”

    That’s all I’ve got for you in this guide on Lumumba Drive. I hope it has been helpful.

    Share this with a friend who wants to relocate to Roysambu.

  • Roysambu in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate

    Roysambu

    Is Roysambu a good place to live?

    Let’s take a closer look at Roysambu.

    What’s life in Roysambu like?

    The rent you’ll pay is one piece of the puzzle.

    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 Roysambu.

    Alright! Let’s dive in.

    Where is Roysambu located in Nairobi?

    Roysambu is located along Thika Road from USIU Road up to Mirema Drive off Kamiti Road.

    TRM (Thika Road Mall), TRM Drive, Lumumba Drive, and Mirema Drive are all located in Roysambu.

    How far is Roysambu from Nairobi?

    The distance from Imenti House to TRM via Thika Road is 11 km.

    Where do I board matatu to Roysambu?

    The Roysambu matatu stage in Nairobi is located at Imenti House along Tom Mboya Street.

    In fact, any matatu heading to Kasarani, or Githurai, or Kahawa West will drop you at TRM. Of the three, the cheapest one is the Githurai bus (Ksh. 30-50), followed by the Kasarani bus (Ksh. 30-80).

    The one to Kahawa West will charge you the fare they charge to Kahawa West (mostly Ksh. 60-80).

    Fare from Nairobi CBD to Roysambu

    Ksh. 30-50 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 fares per month if you decide to live in Roysambu.

    Traffic jam pain points

    You will experience traffic jam as you commute to the CBD in the morning at Muthaiga/Pangani, and Murang’a Road (Ngara).

    In the evening, it’s from Allsops (GSU HQ) to Garden City Mall.

    Other fares

    Fare from Roysambu to Kahawa West

    Ksh. 50

    Fare from Roysambu to Githurai

    Ksh. 20

    Is Roysambu safe?

    In 2023, there was 2 cases of insecurity in Roysambu reported in the media here, and here.

    So far in 2024, there has been a murder case. Read about it here.

    And an arrest of a police officer demanding bribes. Read about it here.

    Affordable Houses in Roysambu

    Here are best-deal rental houses in Roysambu.

  • Affordable Rental Houses near TRM (Thika Road Mall)

    TRM

    If you’ve just secured a job or internship at or around TRM, congratulations! Here are some things you need to know.

    Matatu fares

    Fare from Maternity, Kasarani to TRM

    Ksh. 20-30

    Fare from Seasons/Equity Kasarani to TRM

    Ksh.20

    Fare from Mirema Drive/Khetia’s Zimmerman to TRM

    This is a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, take a Ksh. 20 matatu. Hakuna stage ya kumi. Or take a Ksh. 50 bodaboda then.

    Fare from Lumumba Drive/TRM Drive to TRM

    Walk to work, bwana. It’s just a few steps.

    Places you’ll find affordable houses near TRM

    Here are the nearest areas to TRM where you’ll find affordable houses.

  • Which is the Best Place to Stay Near Nairobi CBD in 2025? Ngara or South B?

    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.

    Compare the two and decide for yourself.