Welcome to South B.
Is South B a good place to live?
Before we dive into places where you’ll find affordable rental houses, let’s take a closer look at South B.
How is life in South B?
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 South B.
How far is South B from Nairobi?
The distance from the Bus station to South B shopping Centre through Uhuru Highway is 4.9 Km.
Where do I board matatu to South B?
The South B matatu stage in Nairobi is located at Bus Station near Afya Centre.
Fare from Nairobi Town to South B
Ksh. 30 during off-peak hours.
Ksh. 50 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.
(50×2) x 5 days = 500
500 x 4 weeks = 2,000
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 2,000 in fares per month if you decide to live in South B.
Walking as an alternative
Yes, you can walk to town.
It took me 35 minutes to walk from the South B shopping Centre to the Kenya National Archives.
That’s the route through Railways footbridge, Haile Selassie Highway, and Moi Avenue.
Water availability
Amazingly, most of the residents here said they had water throughout!
That was 7 out of the 10 people I talked to.
There is a borehole at Hazina with water throughout, though the water is salty. But it’s free to use.
There is also water from Nairobi Water that they use to cook and drink.
I found that the ones with water challenges are the ones who reside along Plainsview Road.
Food prices in South B market
6 of the 10 people I talked to said that food prices in South B are low to average.
The remaining 4 said they felt they were high.
Is South B safe?
So far in 2024, there has been at least 1 case of insecurity in South B reported in the media.
What about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
5 of the 10 people I talked to said there are cases of theft targeting market women early in the morning. It’s important to note that these were respondents in Hazina bordering Mukuru Kayaba.
They also talked of thieves using motorbikes to snatch phones and get away. I was told these thieves come from other areas in Nairobi to commit crimes here.
The upper part of South B is safe. Also safe are Sana Sana and Balozi.
Why residents love South B
“Cheap fare to Nairobi CBD.”
“Smart houses (but pricey).”
“Good private schools.”
“It has modernized.”
“Peaceful, even during political demonstrations.”
“High population favors businesses.”
What residents don’t like about South B
“Bad drainage system.”
“Is becoming congested.”
“Water challenges.”
“No consistent street lighting.”
“High rent prices.”
Business ideas
If you’re thinking of setting up a business in South B, think of the following:
•Fruit parlour
•Fast-food joint
•Taxi
•Small retail shop
•Salon
•Mitumba clothes
Rental houses inside estates
Before I wrap this up, there is one more place you’ll find affordable houses here in South B — inside the gated estates.
You may get lucky and find a vacant servant quarter, or an extension.
They’re few, and they also have another characteristic: they’re shaped differently and are usually not spacious.
They are not the standard bedsitter you’re used to. But, hey, this is Nairobi —sometimes you have limited choices.
They usually go for between 9,000 to 12,000.
That’s it! That’s all I got for you in this guide to rental houses in South B. I hope it has been helpful. Send this post link to a friend who is searching for a house in South B.
See places you’ll find cheaper houses in Imara Daima, along Mombasa Road.