Before I start this post, safety first.
There is a black spot in Kahawa West. It’s the road that drops down from the roundabout towards Githurai 44, near Laphila carwash.
This road is the Northern Bypass. Many accidents have occurred here.
Motorists and pedestrians alike, please be careful when you’re on this stretch of road.
All right, let’s dive straight in. If you’re looking for a single room, bedsitter, 1 (one), 2 (two), or 3 (three) bedroom house in Kahawa West, or you want to put up a business here, read this first.
Is Kahawa West a good place to live?
Let’s take a closer look at Kahawa West.
How is life in Kahawa West?
Because the house rent you’ll pay here is just 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 staying here? This is what to expect when you relocate to Kahawa West.
Where is Kahawa West located?
When coming from Nairobi CBD, Kahawa West is located along Kamiti Road after Zimmerman and Githurai 45.
You can also get there using the Northern Bypass from Marurui/Thome or from Membley along the Eastern Bypass.
Is Kahawa West in Kiambu County?
No. Kahawa West is in Nairobi County.
How far is Kahawa West from Nairobi CBD?
The distance from Odeon Cinema in Nairobi to Kahawa West roundabout is 16.4 km.
Where do I board matatu to Kahawa West?
The Kahawa West matatu stage in Nairobi is located at Odeon Cinema.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Kahawa West
Ksh. 50-70 during off-peak hours
Ksh. 100 during morning rush hour; Ksh. 80 in the evening rush hour from Nairobi CBD.
Let’s do the math. If you commute daily to town in the morning and return in the evening, this is your budget:
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 Kahawa West.
Traffic jam pain points
The main traffic jam pain point when going to Kahawa West is the stretch between Allsops and Garden City Mall in the evening, and along Kamiti Road after TRM (Thika Road Mall).
When getting to town, it’s at Muthaiga and Globe Roundabout.
Other fares
Fare from Kahawa West to Bypass
Ksh. 50
Fare from Kahawa West to Githurai 45
Ksh.50
Fare from Kahawa West to Marurui
Ksh. 30
Fare from Kahawa West to Ruaka
Ksh. 50-70
Fare from Kahawa West to Ruiru
Ksh. 50
Fare from Kahawa West to Wangige
Ksh. 100
Fare from Kahawa West to Kikuyu
Ksh. 120-130
Water availability
8 of the 10 people I talked to said they have no water problem.
The other 2 said they get water only once a week, and that is on Fridays.
Food prices in Kahawa West
9 of the 10 people I talked to said that food prices in Kahawa West are average.
They told me if they want cheap food they get it from Githurai, a walking distance from Kahawa West roundabout.
Is Kahawa West safe?
The media reported at least five cases of insecurity in Kahawa West in 2023, with coverage seen here, here, here, here, and here.
So far in 2024, there is one. Read about it here.
And what about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
7/10 of the people I talked to said Kahawa West is safe. The remaining 3 said there were a few cases of theft.
They identified Kware, Soweto, and the lower side of Kamae as high-risk areas.
Verdict: Kahawa West is safe.
What residents love about Kahawa West
“Good security.”
“Plenty of water.”
“Food is affordable.”
“Sufficient street lighting.”
What residents don’t like about Kahawa West
“Hiked fares to town.”
“Inner roads not paved. Inaccessible when it rains.”
“Blackspot near LaPhilla.”
“Expensive rents for shops along the main road.”
“Buyers don’t have strong purchasing power.”
“Old model houses.”
Business ideas
Before I give you some business ideas for Kahawa West, there is something you need to know.
When you get here, you may think this is a high-end town. You know, Kahawa West.
Now, this is a town for “hustlers”. The upper class who live here don’t usually shop here.
So lower your expectations. Yes, there is a high population, but their purchasing power is not that high. Don’t start with high prices, do your research about your competitors’ pricing.
There is high competition among business owners. Everyone has their price. There is no pricing harmony.
All in all, be patient.
If you’re thinking of setting up a business in Kahawa West, set up one of these:
•Kibanda ya groceries
•Nduthi (Motorcycle)
•Butchery
•Pub, wines & spirits
•Malimali