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 to a friend searching for a rental house in Ruai.
