Rental houses along Thika Road
These are places you’ll find rental houses along Thika Road:
Category: Travel
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Mirema Drive in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate
Is Mirema a good place to live?
Let’s take a closer look at Mirema.
What is life in Mirema like?
The rent you’ll pay is one piece of the puzzle.
Daily fare, time spent commuting, food prices, water availability, and even security are other factors you should consider.
So what is it like living there? This is what to expect when you relocate to Mirema.
Where do I board matatu to Mirema?
The Mirema matatu stage in Nairobi is located at Imenti Houses along Tom Mboya Street.
How far is Mirema from Nairobi?
The distance from Imenti House to Mirema is 14.6km.
Where is Mirema located?
Mirema is located on the opposite side of Zimmerman, along Kamiti Road.
You can also access it through the Northern bypass from Marurui/Thome.
Where is Mirema Drive?
Mirema Drive starts at Khetia’s supermarket along Kamiti Road and goes all the way to Northern Bypass in Marurui/Thome.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Mirema
Ksh. 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 how 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 fare per month if you decide to live in Mirema.
Traffic jam pain points
The main traffic pain points are Muthaiga area, Globe roundabout, and along Kamiti Road after TRM.
There is also usually a traffic jam from Allsops (GSU Headquarters) to Garden City Mall in the evening.
Water availability
Water is NOT a problem in Mirema. The residents I talked to said water is available throughout.
Food prices in Mirema
7 of the 10 residents I talked to along Mirema Drive said food prices here are high.
The other 3 said they’re average-priced.
Is Mirema safe?
So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity in Mirema reported in the media.
Last year (2023) had many cases of insecurity. Read about one here.
And what about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
They said that inside the estate it’s safe. You only need to be careful along Mirema Drive, especially the drop to Zimmerman at night.
Mirema drop to Zimmerman They attributed the cases of theft to the lack of a police station. The nearest police station is in Kasarani. The next nearest one is in Marurui.
Someone also mentioned the theft of car parts.
Why residents love Mirema
“Sherehe (partying).”
“It’s secure inside the estates. You can walk in at 3 a.m.”
“It’s growing so it’s good for business.”
“Proximity to USIU.”
What residents don’t like about Mirema
“Roads are in bad condition. Inside the estate it’s dusty.”
“Usherati (bad behaviour).”
“A lot of noise, especially on weekends.”
“Not a good place to raise a family.”
Business ideas
Thinking of starting a business on Mirema Drive?
Mirema Drive is a party hotspot.
Revellers have a wide range of choices, from Attic Lounge, Paris, Alton Lounge, Tessara Bistro, One Percent Lounge, 2liza Gardens, Blow Hub, to Ambience Lounge.
Consider setting up any of the following:
•Liquor store
•Airbnb
•Boutique
•Salon or barber shop
•Laundromat
Check out posts for Kasarani and Maternity Kasarani.
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Zimmerman in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate
This post covers the Zimmerman area between KPLC Substation and Base Road.
Here’s what I mean.
Is Zimmerman a good place to live?
So now, let’s take a closer look at Zimmerman.
How is life in Zimmerman?
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 Zimmerman.
Where is Zimmerman in Nairobi?
Zimmerman is sandwiched between Thika Road and Kamiti Road. It stretches from TRM (Thika Road Mall), all the way to Githurai.
How far is Zimmerman from Nairobi?
The distance from Imenti House to Zimmerman is 13.7 Km.
Where do I board matatu to Zimmerman?
The Zimmerman stage in Nairobi is located at Imenti House along Tom Mboya Street.
You can also board the buses along Ronald Ngara Street. FYI, these are the cheapest options for getting to Zimmerman.
Fare from Nairobi Town to Zimmerman
Ksh. 20-50 during off-peak hours. Yes, 20 bob.
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 Zimmerman.
Traffic jam pain points
The main traffic pain points are Muthaiga/Pangani area, and Globe roundabout if you’re heading to the CBD.
Then from Allsops to Garden City Mall in the evening and along Kamiti Road after TRM.
Other Fares
Fare from Zimmerman to Kahawa West
Ksh. 50
Remember, this guide covers the area between KPLC substation and Base Road.
Water availability
Water availability in Zimmerman has improved. Note that I haven’t said there is no water challenge. It’s just better compared to previous years.
8 out of the 10 people I talked to on the upper side of Base Road said they have no water problem.
They have water almost throughout. The only days they don’t have water are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
One thing, though, is some buildings don’t have a water pump. People who stay on the upper floors suffer because the ordinary water pressure is not strong enough to reach them.
They have to fetch water on the ground floor. And when it cuts out, it suddenly leaves them high and dry.
And most of the older buildings don’t have storage tanks. Buy a 210-litre tank in case you find yourself in such a building.
Market food prices in Zimmerman
8 of the 10 people I talked to said that food prices in Zimmerman are average.
2 felt they were high.
However, they all agreed that it’s cheaper to shop at the nearby Githurai market.
Is Zimmerman safe?
In 2023, there were at least 2 cases of insecurity in Zimmerman reported in the media, here, and here.
So far in 2024, there has been one. Read it here.
What about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
9 of the 10 people I talked to said the upper side of Zimmerman is safe. That’s the area around Cooperative and the immediate surrounding area.
They said security is not good as you go downtown. Residents have witnessed a few cases of muggings.
What residents love about Zimmerman
“Affordable life.”
“Cheap fares.”
“Accommodates both middle and lower class.”
“Good affordable schools.”
“High population is good for business.”
“For young people, it’s the best place to start an independent life.”
What residents don’t like about Zimmerman
“Bad drainage system.”
“Flooding when it rains.”
“Bad inner roads.”
“Frequent power blackouts.”
Business ideas
If you’re thinking about setting up a business in Zimmerman, think of one of the following:
•Grocery store (kibanda). This big, big population gotta eat.
•Salon or barber shop
•Pub, wines and spirits.
•Clothes shop
•Retail shop on the ground floors of apartments.
I will keep updating this post, in the meantime check out Rental houses in Kasarani.
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Ruai in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate
Before we dive into places where you’ll find affordable rental houses, let’s take a closer look at Ruai.
What is it like living in Ruai?
Because 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 Ruai.
Where is Ruai in Nairobi?
Ruai is located along Kangundo Road, after Komarock, Kayole, and Njiru.
The postal code for Ruai is 00520.
How far is Ruai from Nairobi?
The distance from Bus station near Afya Center to Ruai Equity via Eastern Bypass is 26 km.
Where do I board matatu to Ruai?
The Ruai stage in Nairobi is located at Bus Station near Afya Center.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Ruai
Ksh. 100 during off-peak hours.
Ksh. 120 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:
(120×2) x 5 days = 1,200
1,200 x 4 weeks = 4,800
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 4,800 in fares per month if you decide to live in Ruai.
Quite pricey.
Traffic jam pain points
The main traffic jam pain point is the Muthurwa market area.
Other fares at Ruai Bypass stage
These are the current fares at Ruai Bypass matatu stage.
Fare from Ruai to Githurai
Ksh. 80
Fare from Ruai to KU
Ksh. 80
Fare from Ruai to Kahawa
Ksh. 80
Fare from Ruai to Koma
Ksh. 250
Fare from Ruai to Tala
Ksh. 250
Fare from Ruai to Kenol
Ksh. 250
Fare from Ruai to Sabasaba
Ksh. 250
Fare from Ruai to Murang’a
Ksh. 300
Fare from Ruai to Sagana
Ksh. 400
Fare from Ruai to Kangema
Ksh. 400
Fare from Ruai to Karatina
Ksh. 450
Fare from Ruai to Nyeri
Ksh. 500
Water availability
Now, now, now… Ruai has a serious water problem.
6 out of the 10 people I talked to said they receive water only once a week. If lucky twice a week. That is the County Government water.
The other days they buy borehole water at Ksh. 15-20 per 20-litre jerrican.
The remaining 4 said they had water throughout, but it’s borehole water. And it’s salty.
That means they have to buy drinking water. Refilling a 10-litre jerrican with fresh drinking water costs Ksh.50.
Food prices in Ruai
7/10 people I talked to said that food prices in Ruai are average.
3 said they are high compared to the nearby markets.
Is Ruai safe?
In 2023, there was 2 cases of insecurity in Ruai reported in the media here, and here.
So far in 2024, there have been at least four, here, here, here, and here.
And what about unreported cases?
I talked to the residents.
8 of the 10 of the people I talked to said the area is secure.
Verdict: Security in Ruai in 2024 has improved. Residents have made local arrangements to have security guards man the area.
Be careful at night in those narrow, poorly lit corridors at the town center.
Why residents love Ruai
“Good security.”
“Not densely populated.”
“Good for raising up a family.”
“Peaceful, even during political upheavals.”
“Affordable houses.”
What residents don’t like about Ruai
“Hot weather. Very hot during the day.”
“Water challenges.”
“Borehole water is salty.”
“Lack of a market complex.”
“Lack of City Council sanitation block.”
“Bad drainage system.”
Business ideas
If you are thinking of setting up a business in Ruai, think of the following:
•Fresh water refill
•Green grocery store
•Cereals shop
•Hardware
•Pub
•Mitumba clothes
Ruai outlook: 2024 and beyond
It’s good that Kangundo Road in Ruai is being expanded, although it has created a problem– the market has been pushed to the side.
Traders are not happy. They want a market constructed for them. And public ablution blocks.
Most residents live on the upper side of the town along Kangundo Road. The buildings here are squeezed and there is poor drainage. Dark sludgy water flows down to roadside trenches.
Ruai could be better if the water challenge is addressed. Almost everyone I talked to complained about water availability.
Send this post’s link to a friend searching for a rental house in Ruai.
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Mountain View in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate
Is Mountain View a nice place to live?
Before diving into places where you’ll find affordable rental houses, let’s take a closer look at Mountain View.
How is life in Mountain View?
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 Mountain View.
Where do I board matatu to Mountain View?
The Mountain View stage in Nairobi is located at Super Metro stage near Kenya National Archives.
You can also board at the lower side of Latema Road near River Road.
How far is Mountain View from Nairobi?
The distance from Kenya National Archives to Mountain View is 11.7 km.
Where is Mountain View Estate in Nairobi?
Mountain View Estate is located along Waiyaki Way after Westlands and Kangemi.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Mountain View
Ksh. 30-50 during off-peak hours
Ksh. 60-70 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 fare per month if you decide to live in Mountain View.
Traffic jam pain points
You will experience brief traffic as you leave town to join Waiyaki Way, just before Westlands.
There is also a traffic jam at Kangemi Bridge in the evening.
Other fares
These are the fares from the matatu stage at the nearby Kangemi market.
Fare from Mountain View to Kikuyu
Ksh. 50
Fare from Mountain View to Limuru
Ksh. 100
Fare from Mountain View to Naivasha
Ksh. 300
Fare from Mountain View to Nakuru
Ksh. 500
Fare from Mountain View to Nyahururu
Ksh. 600
Fare from Mountain View to Eldoret
Ksh. 1,200
Fare from Mountain View to Kitale
Ksh. 1,200
Fare from Mountain View to Kisii
Ksh. 1,200
Water availability
Remember, we are talking about the area around Mountain View, not inside the estate.
Residents told me that water was a challenge in 2023 due to many road constructions that interfered with water pipes.
Only 4 out of 10 people I talked to in 2024 said they had water challenges.
They said they only receive water 2 times a week.
When it’s not available, they buy a 20-liter jerrican at… hear this… 40 bob! Sometimes it goes for 50 shillings!
Residents also complained that during the Nairobi Show, they hardly have any water because all water is channeled to the showground. How true is this?
Food prices in Mountain View
6 of the 10 people I talked to said that food prices in Mountain View Estate are average.
3 said they are low.
Only one said they’re high.
I could confirm that food commodities at the nearby Kangemi market were really cheap.
Is Mountain View safe?
In 2023, there were many cases of insecurity around Mountain View reported in the media, one of them here.
So far in 2024, there is one.
And what about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
6 of the 10 of the people I talked to said that there are bodaboda gangs that snatch mobile phones from people.
They also said that during the political demonstrations (maandamano) of 2023 there were many cases of theft from protesters.
But I was told in the consequent maandamano, the protesters were barricaded from reaching Kangemi.
Be careful with the following areas, especially at night: Thiong’o, Dallas, Barabara ya carwash, Kangemi flyover, Dam.
The gated Mountain View estate is safe.
Why residents love Mountain View
“Affordable food prices.”
“It’s touching Waiyaki Way. Easy access.”
“Cheap fares to Nairobi CBD.”
“Cabro-paved roads.”
What residents don’t like about Mountain View
“Expensive house rents.”
“Most houses ni za mabati.”
“The market area at Kangemi is too muddy when it rains.”
“No proper planning of the town.”
“Youth lost in alcoholism.”
Business ideas
If you’re thinking of setting up a business in Mountain View, think of:
•Duka (small shop)
•Hotel
•Mitumba clothes and shoes
•M-Pesa
•Pub
•Bodaboda
•Kibanda
Most houses here are behind closed gates, showing they are serious about security.
Mountain View outlook: 2025 and beyond
Most affordable houses around Mountain View are mabati houses. And they’re not cheap.
A mabati single room goes for Ksh. 4,500. In other places that’s a bedsitter.
So why don’t the owners build modern stone houses? It’s the same problem I found in Uthiru.
Those working in Westlands, Loresho, and Lavington prefer to stay in Mountain View.
When demand for houses rose, the landlords simply increased the rents, and they continued to do so every year.
Few are interested in building stone houses.
When I asked why the owners don’t get a loan from commercial banks to put up one, I was told they fear “watanyang’anywa title deed” (they may lose the title to the bank).
Probably they’ve seen one such case (they do happen when you fail to pay the loan) so they may be justified to say so.
Then there are pieces of land that you find the owner has simply refused to develop.
What do you think will help Kangemi modernize? Let me know.
Check out rental houses in Uthiru.
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Waiyaki Way: Rental Houses & What to Expect When You Relocate
Rental Houses Along Waiyaki Way
I’m going to cover these areas: Mountain View, Uthiru, and Kinoo.
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Uthiru in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate
“The Uthiru curse.”
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
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.
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Kinoo in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What To Expect When You Relocate
Kinoo is quiet, and green, with cool, fresh air. But I couldn’t help but notice this is a middle-class settlement.
And a place mainly for people with families.
Is Kinoo a good place to live?
Before diving into places where you’ll find affordable rental houses, let’s take a closer look at Kinoo.
How’s life in Kinoo?
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 Kinoo.
Where is Kinoo located in Nairobi?
Kinoo is located along Waiyaki Way past Westlands, Kangemi and Uthiru.
How far is Kinoo from Nairobi
The distance from the Kenya National Archives to Kinoo is 16.9 km.
Where do I board matatu to Kinoo?
The Kinoo matatu stage in Nairobi is located at the Super Metro stage near Kenya National Archives.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Kinoo
Ksh. 30-50 during off-peak hours.
Ksh. 100 during the 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.
200 x 5 days = 1,000
1,000 x 4 weeks = 4,000
In addition to rent, you’ll spend approximately Ksh. 4,000 in fares per month if you decide to live in Kinoo.
Other fares
Fare from Kinoo to Gitaru
Ksh. 30
Fare from Kinoo to Kikuyu
Ksh. 30
Fare from Kinoo to Wangige
Ksh. 50
Water availability
The people I talked to on the ground complained of water challenges.
If you stay on an expensive apartment you may not experience water problems because the owner has either sank a borehole or buys water from vendors to fill in the tanks.
Otherwise, those who stay in houses with no borehole or such an arrangement have to buy a 20-liter jerrican at Ksh. 20 or 30.
Food prices in Kinoo
7/10 people I talked to said that food prices in Kinoo are high.
The remaining 3 said they are usually average.
Is Kinoo safe?
In 2023, there was at least one case of insecurity.
So far in 2024, there have been 0 cases of insecurity in Kinoo reported in the media.
And what about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
8 of the 10 people I talked to said there are very many cases of phone theft by bodaboda gangs.
The town center is safe. There is a police post nearby and they make lots of patrols. Insecurity increases as you head to Muthiga and also Kanyariri.
Some businesses are forced to close shop as early as 8.30 pm.
Why residents love Kinoo
“Green with cool, fresh air.”
“Spacious houses.”
“Welcoming people.”
“Affordable food.”
“Not crowded.”
“Barbara ya Chief is now tarmacked.”
What residents don’t like about Kinoo
“Lack of a market complex.”
“Water challenges.”
“Borehole water is salty.”
“Insecurity on the upper side towards Muthiga.”
“Flooding of Barabara ya Chief near Leestar Supermarket.”
“No footbridges across Waiyaki Way.”
“Pockets of insecurity.”
“Slow businesses.”
“No sewer line.”
“For Government services, you’ll have to go to Kikuyu or Nairobi GPO.”
“Alcoholism.”
Business ideas
If you’re thinking of setting up a business in Kinoo, think of the following:
•Kibanda ya soko
•Hardware
•Duka (small shop)
•Mitumba clothes
•Mali mali (small diversified trader)
•Water refill
•Laudromart
I hope it has been helpful. Send this post’s link to a friend who is searching for a rental house in Kinoo.
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Marurui in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate
You could be in Nairobi and maybe you’ve never heard of Marurui.
I’ll tell you where it is, showcase houses available for rent, and tell you what to expect if you relocate to this area.
I’ll also tell you the type of businesses you can set up here.
Is Marurui a good place to live?
So, let’s take a closer look at Marurui.
How’s life in Marurui?
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 Marurui.
Where is Marurui located in Nairobi?
Marurui is located 3.7 Km off Thika Road from Roasters. When you get to Roasters, take a Ksh. 20 matatu. It will take you to Marurui.
If you are around Kasarani or Roysambu, a shortcut would be to use Mirema Drive, then join the Northern Bypass.
Where do I board matatu to Marurui?
The Marurui stage in Nairobi is located along Moi Lane, near Imenti House.
Fare from Nairobi CBD to Marurui
Ksh. 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 Marurui.
Traffic jam pain points
The main traffic pain points are Muthaiga and Globe Roundabout.
Water availability
6 out of 10 of the people I talked to said they had water throughout.
The remaining 4 said water availability is sporadic.
Food prices in Marurui
6/10 people I talked to said that food prices in Marurui are high.
4 said they’re average.
Is Marurui safe?
So far in 2024, there has been 1 case of insecurity in neighboring Thome estate reported in the media.
What about unreported cases?
For the unreported cases, I talked to the residents.
8/10 of the people I talked to said insecurity on the lower side of Marurui “the ghetto” is high.
They said the theft of mobile phones is rife in the area and that it’s unsafe from 10 p.m.
What residents love about Marurui
“The serenity.”
“Life is affordable.”
“Conducive for business.”
“Good schools.”
“Affordable houses.”
What residents don’t like about Marurui
“Dusty feeder roads.”
“There’s no playing ground.”
“Green-eyed residents.”
“The lower side is unsafe at night.”
“Small entrance to Marurui. Not big enough for simultaneous car, motorcycle, and pedestrian use.”
Business ideas
Thinking of starting a business in Marurui? Think of the following:
•Kibanda ya soko (Grocery store)
•Small hotel
•Salon or kinyozi (Barber shop)
•Mtumba (Thrift) shop
Lacking business
•A bank.
Send this post’s link to a friend who is searching for a rental house in Marurui.
See the house guide for Roysambu.
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South B in 2025: Rental Houses, Business Ideas & What to Expect When You Relocate
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.