Why Nairobians are Moving to Ruaka

Ruaka town has undergone a major facelift as the majority of Nairobians are thronging the small town.
Ruaka town has undergone a major facelift as the majority of Nairobians are thronging the small town.
File

Ruaka town has undergone a major facelift as the majority of Nairobians are thronging the small town located in Kiambu County, 15km northwest of Nairobi Bypass on the Nairobi-Limuru road.

The once quiet town has now become a fast-growing suburb within the Nairobi metropolis. The vast expanding town has seen city residents move from the city in order to seek residential apartments at affordable prices. 

Nairobi working population is showing interest in the town due to its proximity to the Central Business District (CBD). The distance is less than 20 kilometers with a motorist taking an average of 20 minutes to arrive to the city.

A section of Ruaka Surburb.
A photo of Ruaka Town, Kiambu County.
The Standard

Further, Nairobians have been drawn to the cheaper rates compared to Ruaka's neighbouring posh areas such as Runda. A report by BuyRentKenya showed that rental prices had increased between the period of 2015 and 2017 due to increased demand and limited supply. 

The prices soon trickled down to an affordable rate between late 2017 and early 2019. This was attributed to the government's efforts, as part of the Big Four Agenda, in reducing the cost of construction materials which led to reduced property prices. 

Further, 80% of the demand for rental property comes from residents looking for bedsitters, one and two-bedroom apartments.

The monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment in Ruaka ranges from Ksh30,000 to Ksh35,000. A 3 bedroom apartment ranges from Ksh50,000-Ksh55,000 and bedsitters have experienced a rise in prices and went from Ksh6,000 to Ksh8,000. 

A report by Hass Consultative Index 2020 revealed that land prices gradually declined in the satellite towns as compared to the posh suburbs in Nairobi.

For instance, an acre of land in Upperhill goes for Ksh525.7million as opposed to an acre of land in Ruaka which amounts to Ksh89.9 million. Further, land prices dropped by 1.21 percent.

The town is home to the largest mall in East Africa, Two Rivers Mall which has opened the town to a number of business opportunities. With different international brands flocking the mall such as Nike, Woolworths, LC Waikiki the Ruaka has established itself as a business hub.

Further, the ongoing construction of the Nairobi Western bypass will link Ruaka to the Nairobi-Nakuru highway at Gitaru.

These roads will connect Ruaka to neighbouring areas such as Westlands, Limuru, Kiambu town, Runda and Waiyaki way environs which would make the area easily accessible.

What was once an area marred by insecurity has in recent years been revamped and crime incidences have reduced. Bordering Gigiri to the south- home to United Nations headquarters in Kenya, Ruaka has experienced enhanced security presence.

An aerial view of Two Rivers Mall in Ruaka town, kiambu County.
An aerial view of Two Rivers Mall in Ruaka town, kiambu County.
File