“The Uthiru curse.”
This is a guide to rental houses in Uthiru (including matatu fares).
If you’re struggling to find affordable houses in Uthiru and want to steer clear of fake agents, this is exactly what you need.
I will show you where to find affordable single rooms, double rooms, bedsitters, 1 (one), and 2 (two) bedroom houses in Uthiru.
I’ll also tell you what businesses you can set up here.
Say, for example, you want a Ksh. 7,000 bedsitter. Use this guide to identify the places that have a bedsitter going for Ksh. 7,000 or less, then go there and see if one is vacant. Or send someone to check for you.
Please note that all prices are in Kenya Shillings (Ksh.) per month.
Highlights
I’ll show you where to find:
•Single rooms 5,500
•Double rooms 7,000
•Bedsitters 7,000
•1 bedroom 14,000
•2 bedroom 40,000
Is Uthiru a good place to live?
Before diving into places where you’ll find affordable rental houses, let’s take a closer look at Uthiru.
How is life in Uthiru?
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 Uthiru.
Where is Uthiru located in Nairobi?
Uthiru is located along Waiyaki Way, after Westlands and Kangemi.
The postal code for Uthiru is 00605.
How far is Uthiru from Nairobi CBD?
The distance from the Kenya National Archives to Uthiru roundabout is 13.2 km.
Where do I board matatu to Uthiru?
The Uthiru stage in Nairobi is located at the Super Metro stage near the Kenya National Archives.
You can also board at the lower side of Latema Road near River Road.
Super Metro will drop you at the Uthiru bus stop along Waiyaki Way.
The ones at Latema Road will take you to Uthiru roundabout.
There is something I didn’t like about the Uthiru minibuses at Latema Road. When they get to Kangemi market, they stop to pick up fresh passengers.
For example, the one I boarded, we spent around 30 minutes at Kangemi waiting for it to fill and resume the journey.
All this while Super Metros zoomed past us, one after another!
Okay…😒
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Uthiru
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 Uthiru.
Other fares
Fare from Uthiru to Limuru
Ksh. 100
Fare from Uthiru to Flyover
Ksh. 200
Fare from Uthiru to Naivasha
Ksh. 300
Fare from Uthiru to Nakuru
Ksh. 500
Fare from Uthiru to Nyahururu
Ksh. 600
Fare from Uthiru to Eldoret
Ksh. 1,300
Fare from Uthiru to Kitale
Ksh. 1,600
Fare from Uthiru to Kisii
Ksh. 1,500
Water availability
Now, Uthiru has a serious water problem. Only 2 out of the 10 people I talked to said they had water throughout.
There is a borehole at the Chief’s camp serving those who live nearby. I noticed people had lots of yellow water jerricans in areas far from this borehole.
Food prices in Uthiru
5/10 people I talked to said that food prices in Uthiru are average.
4 said they’re high.
1 said they’re low.
Is Uthiru safe?
So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity in Uthiru reported in the media.
What about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
7/10 said Uthiru is safe, with only a few cases of theft heard of.
The other 3 said bodaboda gangs are snatching mobile phones from people.
Why residents love Uthiru
“Houses are affordable.”
“Affordable food.”
“Fresh air.”
“It touches Waiyaki Way.”
“Not congested.”
“Training ground at Kabete Technical Institute.”
What residents don’t like about Uthiru
“Water challenges.”
“Power outages.”
“Dirty trenches.”
“Discrimination of businesses by the natives.”
“Insecurity.”
“Low business.”
“No market complex.”
“Too many bars. The youth is lost in alcoholism.”
“Very old houses at the town center.”
Business ideas
If you are considering setting up a business in Uthiru, think of the following:
•Duka (small shop)
•Mitumba clothes
•Grocery store
•Hardware
•Mali mali for plastic products
Alright! Let’s dive in.
Places in Uthiru you’ll find affordable rental houses
These are places you’ll find affordable rental houses in Uthiru town.
Rental houses along Mugi Road
Along Mugi Road, before you reach the bend, you will find:
•Single rooms 5,500
•Double rooms 7,000 ; 8,000
•Bedsitters 7,000 ; 10,000
•1 bedroom 14,000 ; 15,000
•2 bedroom 40,000
After this bend, before you reach Uthiru Muthua Health Center or the booster, you will find:
•Single rooms 5,100
•Bedsitters 7,500 ; 8,300
•1 bedroom 15,000
The Uthiru curse
What’s the future for Uthiru?
According to one person I spoke to, this town never grows. Visit the town center and you’ll find incredibly old houses.
So what’s preventing this town center from growing?
Curses.
The native residents can’t sell land to investors for fear of curses from their forefathers.
It’s understandable.
But then why don’t they build modern buildings themselves?
It seems they either are not willing (or capable) of doing that. They are okay with the status quo. They are still collecting rent, anyway.
Maybe there will come a generation that doesn’t care about curses. Gen Z has shown disregard for long-standing traditions, so who knows how Gen A will act?
That, or the natives will step up and build a modern town themselves, and then Uthiru will rise.
Check out rental houses in nearby Kinoo.
