Chaani and Bamburi: A Comprehensive Analysis of Two Mombasa County Locations.
Mombasa County is home to diverse residential and commercial areas with varying characteristics and development trajectories. This report clarifies an important geographical distinction: Chaani is a ward in Changamwe Constituency, while Bamburi is located in Kisauni Constituency. Both areas present unique opportunities for residents and investors, with distinct area profiles, property markets, and infrastructure developments.
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Geographical Context and Administrative Boundaries: Chaani Ward in Changamwe Constituency.
Chaani is one of the five wards in Changamwe Constituency, alongside Airport, Kipevu, Port Reitz, and Changamwe wards. Geographically, it comprises part of Chaani sub-location of Mombasa County with a population of approximately 29,138 residents and covers an area of about 2.10 square kilometers. The ward is strategically positioned within Changamwe, a constituency that houses critical national infrastructure including Moi International Airport and the Port of Mombasa.
Bamburi in Kisauni Constituency.
Bamburi, by contrast, is a ward in Kisauni Constituency with a population of approximately 24,918 residents and a larger land area of about 12.30 square kilometers. The name “Bamburi” derives from local Bantu words “Ba” (People) and “Mburi” (Goat). Administratively, Bamburi is one of several wards in Kisauni, alongside Mjambere, Junda, Mwakirunge, Mtopanga, Magogoni, and Shanzu. The area extends from the Indian Ocean coastline to mainland settlements and falls under postal code 80101.
Area Profile and Economic Significance: Chaani's Urban Landscape.
Chaani forms part of the urban fabric of Changamwe Constituency, which serves as a critical economic zone for Mombasa County. Changamwe Constituency as a whole occupies approximately 16 square kilometers with a population of about 147,613. The area’s proximity to major transportation infrastructure makes it economically significant, though historically it has faced housing challenges as evidenced by the Chaani low-income housing programme.
Bamburi's Diverse Character.
Bamburi presents a more diverse character as a commercial, industrial, tourist, and residential area on Kenya’s north coast. Notable features include:
- Industrial presence: Home to Bamburi Cement Ltd, a major cement quarry and factory that stands as an iconic enterprise in the region
- Tourism infrastructure: Houses international and local hotels including Serena International Beach Hotel, Sai Rock Hotel, and Kahamas Hotel
- Natural attractions: Features Haller Park (a rehabilitated quarry turned nature reserve) and Butterfly Pavilion
- Residential clusters: Popular residential neighborhoods include Kiembeni Estate, Nairobi Estate, and Bamburi Mwisho
- Vibrant nightlife: Particularly between Front Line and the Bamburi Cement factory area, populated by clubs, sports pubs, and eateries.
Real Estate Market Analysis: House for Sale in Chaani, Bamburi - Housing Prices.
Chaani/Changamwe Area
The property market in the Changamwe area shows varied pricing depending on property type and specific location:
- A block of 22 one-bedroom flats in Changamwe Miritini area is priced at KSh 35,000,000.
- A 4-bedroom house in Changamwe Miritini with an unfinished flat is available for KSh 8,000,000.
- Historical context indicates that many low-income households in Chaani have struggled with housing completion, with a sites and services scheme previously allocating KSh 15 million for upgrading 200 plots and developing 1,300 serviced sites
Bamburi Area.
Bamburi displays a more developed and diverse property market:
- House consisting of 1 unit of 3 bedrooms and 2 units of 2 bedrooms apartments: KSh 22,000,000
- Block of flats comprising 32 units of 1-bedroom apartments: KSh 52,000,000
- Block of flats in Bamburi Kiembeni (10 units of 1-bedroom flats): KSh 14,000,000
- Block of apartments (4 units of 1-bedroom and 12 units of 2-bedroom): KSh 36,000,000.
- 16 villas a few meters from old Mombasa-Malindi road: KSh 56,000,000
For comparison, the average price of houses for sale across Mombasa is KSh 146,000,000, with prices ranging from KSh 7,500,000 to KSh 390,000,000 depending on location, size, and features.
Land for Sale in Chaani, Bamburi - Land Prices: Chaani/Changamwe Area.
Land pricing in the Changamwe area includes:
- A residential/commercial plot in Kipevu is listed at KSh 10,000,000.
- A plot in Khamisi Estate, 300m from Changamwe Police Station, is also available, though the price wasn’t specified in the available data.
Bamburi Area.
Bamburi shows more varied land pricing options:
- Land in Bamburi Kiembeni (plot size 60×40) located near Bamburi Naivas: KSh 650,000.
- Plots with title deeds in Kiembeni Estate: From KSh 1,100,000 per plot
- Land prices in Bamburi vary significantly based on proximity to main roads, beaches, and commercial centers.
The broader Mombasa land market features residential plots priced from KSh 650,000 to over KSh 140 million, with pricing heavily influenced by location, especially proximity to the beach and ocean views.
Infrastructure Development: Chaani/Changamwe Area Developments.
Recent and ongoing infrastructure developments in and around Chaani include:
- Non-Motorized Transport Facility: Construction of NMT infrastructure at Kalahari in Chaani Ward.
- Changamwe Interchange: A Sh16 billion three-deck interchange that forms a crucial section of the Mombasa-Mariakani road project.
- Six-lane Mombasa-Mariakani Road: A Sh22 billion project aimed at reducing traffic congestion.
- LPG Terminal: Proposed construction of a 15,000 metric ton common-user Liquefied Petroleum Gas terminal, positioned 208 meters away from residential areas adjacent to the Port of Mombasa.
Bamburi Area and Broader Mombasa Developments.
While specific infrastructure projects for Bamburi aren’t detailed in the available data, the area benefits from broader Mombasa County infrastructure initiatives:
- Red Paved Walkways: Implementation of “red carpet” walkways for pedestrians.
- Cycle Infrastructure: Dedicated cycling infrastructure and parking facilities at key locations.
- Digital Transport Solutions: Digitalization of Public Service Vehicle routes and implementation plans for an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in partnership with JICA.
- CBD Restoration: Marking of main streets in the CBD using thermoplastic paint
- Makupa Bridge: The Sh4.5 billion, 457-meter bridge replacing the historic Makupa causeway that links Mombasa Island to the mainland
- Dongo Kundu Bypass: The Sh22 billion Mombasa Southern Bypass project
These infrastructure developments aim to ease congestion, reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and boost overall economic activities in Mombasa County.
Historical Context and Social Dimensions: Chaani's Housing Challenges.
The Chaani low-income housing programme offers historical context for understanding the area’s development challenges. As detailed in available research:
- Many low-income households allocated plots had enormous difficulties completing construction
- Despite materials loans ranging from Kshs 3,000-10,000, most found the assistance insufficient
- A distinct economic shift occurred in parts of the settlement originally meant for low-income households.
- Some original low-income residents who sold their plots moved to an area called “maboromokoni” (shanties) as tenants or squatters.
- Basic infrastructure installed included a main road, water connections, street lighting, electricity connections, a trunk sewer, and surface drainage.
Bamburi's Evolution.
Bamburi has evolved as a multi-faceted area with:
- A transformed quarry area: Rene Haller transformed parts of the cement and quarry complex into Haller Park nature reserve in 1971.
- Diversified economic activities: From cement manufacturing to tourism, residential development, and nightlife.
- A cultural melting pot: The area features diverse cultural influences and vibrant commercial activities.
Conclusion.
Chaani in Changamwe Constituency and Bamburi in Kisauni Constituency represent two distinct areas within Mombasa County with different developmental trajectories and economic profiles. While Chaani forms part of the strategically important Changamwe area with its proximity to key national infrastructure, Bamburi offers a more diversified landscape combining industrial, residential, and tourism elements.
The real estate markets in both areas reflect their different characters, with Bamburi generally showing more varied and developed property options. Both areas stand to benefit from Mombasa County’s ambitious infrastructure development projects, which aim to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost economic activities across the region.
For prospective residents or investors, understanding these distinctions is crucial for making informed decisions about property acquisition and development in these two noteworthy areas of Mombasa County.
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