Fare rates are one of the factors considered by Nairobi residents before moving out or choosing a place to reside.
With a majority commuting to work daily, what they spend on matatus and train ultimately influences their choice.
Other than affordability, residents consider the time spent on the road and the safety of the Public Transport System (PSV).
Kenyans.co.ke sampled a few estates with affordable fare rates.
Jamhuri
Jamhuri Estate along Ngong Road is one of the areas with affordable transport costs. From Nairobi Central Business District to the estate, it costs roughly Ksh50.
Residents can also access the area using different matatu Saccos which charge less than Ksh50.
Although using a train can be quite a hassle, some residents opt for the move to pay Ksh35 and then board another bus for Ksh20, bringing the total cost to Ksh55.
Besides the area offering affordable transport charges, it is also a planned leafy estate comprising over 200 whitestone homes.
Jamhuri Estate was built in the late 1960s to model how urban citizens would live in a newly independent Kenya.
It also offers manicured playing grounds for children in the area.
"Staying in Jamhuri is quite affordable in terms of Transport. I rarely struggle when heading to the CBD because it only takes me 20 minutes to get there.
"What also makes it suitable is the fact that I can also cross to Kibera in the event fares are hiked," Arnania Oguto told Kenyans.co.ke.
Woodley Estate and Adams Arcade
Along Ngong Road, Woodley and Adams Arcade are among the estates with affordable fare rates. From Nairobi to the two estates, it costs around Ksh50.
Woodley and Adams Arcade can also be accessed by different matatu Saccos including those heading to Ngong, Dagoretti, Kawangware and Lenana, near Lenana High School.
Despite being affordable, the areas have guaranteed access to electricity connections and an uninterrupted water supply.
Residents can also access different products and goods. Woodley and Adams Arcade are close to Toi Market and Makina market in Kibera.
Residents also enjoy a secure environment guaranteed by different police stations in the surrounding areas.
Woodley Estate was established in 1948 as the first Municipal European Housing Scheme in Nairobi.
It was named after Mayor Alderman F.G.R. Woodley, who was in office then.
Westlands
Despite renting houses being expensive in the Westlands area, the fare is relatively cheap. Boarding a PSV from Nairobi costs roughly Ksh30 to Ksh50.
Residents can also opt to commute from Nairobi CBD, especially during rush hours due to the heavy traffic experienced along Waiyaki Way during peak hours.
People living in Westlands are assured of an uninterrupted electricity supply due to its proximity to office spaces and administrative centres.
Githurai
Githurai is among the affordable estates to live in. From Nairobi to the area, it costs about Ksh30. During off-peak hours, the charge can lower to Ksh20.
Unlike other estates where residents queue or wait for hours to board matatus, in Githurai, matatus are available 24 hours.
Residents can also commute using trains which charge roughly Ksh40 per trip.
"I find the matatus and buses to and from Githurai very affordable. Even with the high fuel cost, they have tried to keep the fare affordable.
“It ranges between Ksh40-Ksh80 depending on the time of the day," area resident Maureen Njeri revealed to Kenyans.co.ke.
Kibera
Kibera is among the estates within Nairobi where residents are charged less by various Matatu Saccos.
For instance, residents board with a maximum of Ksh50 to the CBD. Sometimes, different Saccos can charge less depending on the peak hours.
Additionally, residents also have the option of using the train service which charges Ksh50.
Despite perception of being a slum, Kibera boasts of luxurious apartments as part of the government's affordable housing project in the area.
