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

    Kasarani Nairobi

    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?

    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.

  • The story of sunflowers and their little visitors

    The story of sunflowers and their little visitors

    Sunflowers have a way of capturing the heart with their vibrant yellow petals and striking dark centers, reminiscent of the sun itself. But these beauties are more than mere decorations; they are thriving ecosystems, supporting countless insects and playing a vital role in nature. The image above captures this perfectly, as a small beetle delicately balances on a sunflower petal, revealing a hidden world of interconnected life.

    At Fleurs, we believe flowers are not just ornaments—they are invitations to explore the wonders of the natural world. Sunflowers, for example, symbolize loyalty and adoration, but they also provide nourishment and shelter to small creatures. Every bloom we deliver is a reminder of this intricate relationship. Through our flower arrangements, we hope to bring a piece of nature into your home, encouraging appreciation for the small yet significant moments in life.

  • The delicate charm of bloodwort blooms

    The delicate charm of bloodwort blooms

    Some flowers, like the unassuming yet striking bloodwort, captivate with their understated elegance. With clusters of tiny pink buds, bloodwort offers a subtle beauty that whispers rather than shouts. This wildflower reminds us of the beauty that can be found in nature’s quieter corners, celebrating simplicity and calm in its gentle bloom.

    Every flower has a unique story to tell, from the grandest rose to the smallest wild bloom. Arrangements that include delicate flowers like bloodwort encourage a deeper appreciation for all forms of floral beauty, highlighting the charm of even the most modest blossoms. These natural touches invite a moment of reflection and calm into our lives, celebrating the intricate wonder of nature and reminding us of the peaceful, often-overlooked beauty that surrounds us every day.

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

    Ruiru Kimbo

    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?

    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

  • 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.

  • 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?

    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?

    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

  • 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.

  • Why Your Safaricom Data Bundles Get Depleted Fast in 2025

    Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa
    Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa at a past event. Source: Twitter.

    A customer care representative from Safaricom explained to me why data bundles get depleted so fast.

    “Data usage is a device function. What this means is Safaricom doesn’t use your bundles. It only counts what you use (or what your device uses), and then bills you accordingly.

    —Safaricom customer care representative

    Okay, so what exactly is ‘eating’ my Safaricom data bundles? Why do they get depleted so fast?

    Most of us have been in this situation: You buy a Safaricom data bundle. You get distracted and put your phone down (so you don’t browse).

    Moments later, a message pops up: “Your data bundle balance is 45mb…”

    “Ah, Safaricom!” You say to yourself.

    A few minutes later… “Your bundle is below 2mb.”

    “What!?” Now you’re FURIOUS. You call the customer care service. You probably don’t get hold of a representative immediately. The prompts are giving you self-service options, but YOU WANT TO TALK TO A REAL CUSTOMER REP… NOW!!!

    You hang up. Your conclusion: “Safaricom ni wezi.”

    It turns out… you could be wrong.

    Let’s get back to what the customer rep told me “… Safaricom only counts what you use, or what your device uses, and then bills you accordingly.”

    What is “eating” your Safaricom data bundles

    It’s your phone.

    Your phone can use data bundles even when you’re not using it.

    How?

    It’s in the settings. I’ll explain.

    Most of us are familiar with the Data Saver. We think that switching it on does all the magic of saving our data bundles.

    The thing is, it helps, but it’s not enough.

    Other settings contribute to the quick depletion of your data bundles.

    Walk with me.

    The number one culprit is within your Play Store settings.

    The screenshots below were captured on an Infinix NOTE 4 device. They could appear differently on other devices.

    How to solve fast depletion of Safaricom data bundles

    •Head over to the Play Store

    •Click on your photo

    •Click on Settings

    •Look for Network Preferences. Click on it.

    •Click on App download preferences.

    •If it’s set to Over any network, change to either Over Wi-Fi only or Ask me anytime.

    •Click Done.

    Step number 2:

    How to solve fast depletion of Safaricom data bundles 2

    •Click on Auto-update apps. If it’s set to Over any network, change to Over Wi-Fi only or Don’t auto-update apps.

    •Click Done.

    That’s the most common reason your data bundles are depleting fast.

    If you set the update preferences to any network, pending app updates will start downloading as soon as a data bundle becomes available.

    You only know something has happened when you get an alert from Safaricom, notifying you that your data bundles are depleted.

    Most people don’t know this. I didn’t either. For the 10 years I’ve used a smartphone, I’ve never bothered to change these settings, until the customer care representative brought it up.

    Another setting you need to check

    Head over to Data Saver settings

    How to ensure Safaricom Data bundles don't get depleted fast

    Check what apps have unrestricted data access. Toggle them off.

    Unrestricted data access means that apps can continue to use data in the background even if Data Saver is on.

    Ideally, you want to see all apps you’ve set to use background data and turn them off, especially Google Play Services and Google Play Store.

    Lastly, ensure that you do not connect your phone network to your laptop through tethering or hotspot unless you’re using it.

    Windows updates can gobble up 2Gb of data bundles within no time. I’m sure you know this.

    You can alternatively pause the updates in the Windows Settings.

    How to check your Safaricom data bundle usage

    How to check your Safaricom data bundle usage

    Just note that you will have to be using Safaricom data with the line you want to check usage on.

    You can adjust the period to filter only the period you are interested in. The minimum is a day (24 hours).

    For me, I found out HTTPS, Telegram and QUIC_IETF, whatever that is, were the biggest consumers of my data that day. Specific apps are listed immediately below.

    So, yes, those simple settings on Google Play are responsible for the quick depletion of your Safaricom data bundles, according to the Safaricom customer representative.