Frere Town: A Historical Neighborhood in Nyali Constituency, Mombasa.
Frere Town, a historic settlement in Nyali Constituency, presents a fascinating blend of colonial history, cultural heritage, and modern development. This area with its unique past as a settlement for freed slaves has evolved into a residential neighborhood with increasing property values and ongoing infrastructure developments. This report explores the area’s background, current real estate market, and recent development projects transforming this part of Mombasa.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.
No properties found in this location.
Historical Background and Geographic Context.
Frere Town is a historic settlement located in Nyali Constituency, one of six constituencies in Mombasa County. Named after Sir Bartle Frere, who played a crucial role in ending the slave trade, the area has a rich and complex history dating back to the 19th century. It was established as a settlement for freed slaves who were rescued from Arab merchants by British Royal Navy forces in the 1840s.
The settlement is situated on the mainland north of Mombasa County and is connected to Mombasa Island by the New Nyali Bridge. Specifically, Frere Town is located in the area of Kisimani along the Mombasa-Malindi highway. It serves as one of the administrative wards within Nyali Constituency, which had 12,154 registered voters as of September 2005.
Originally, Frere Town occupied approximately 600 acres of land between Kongowea, Mkomani, Nyali, and Junda in Mishomoroni. However, following disagreements between missionaries and freed slaves in 1830, much of this land was sold to a company called Nyali. Subsequently, the descendants were resettled on approximately 50 acres in what is now known as Frere Town in Kisimani.
The area contains several historical landmarks that reflect its unique heritage, including:
- A large bell at Kengeleni that symbolizes the bells once used to warn of approaching slave ships.
- Kengeleni Church (also referred to as Emmanuel Church), built in 1875, one of the first Anglican churches in Kenya.
- Chandaria Hall, which continues to serve as an important community meeting place.
Community and Demographics.
The population of Frere Town is estimated at approximately 5,000 people, while the broader Nyali constituency has a population of 216,577 according to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census. The residents of Frere Town have a distinctive cultural identity, identifying themselves as “Freretownians” or descendants of freed slaves.
Unlike most Kenyan communities, Frere Town residents historically lack a specific tribal affiliation and are simply called “Freretowners”. Many have ancestral origins from regions that are now Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. Common surnames within the community include Manasse, Mbotela, Gondwe, Kapeku, and Uledi, reflecting these diverse origins.
Real Estate Market: House and Land Prices.
Property & Houses for Rent & Sale in Frere Town Nyali -House Prices.
The real estate market in Nyali Constituency, including Frere Town, offers a wide range of housing options with varying price points. High-end properties in the broader Nyali area command premium prices:
- Luxury 5-bedroom villas are listed for approximately KSh 45,000,000.
- Other premium residential properties in the Nyali area are priced around KSh 35,000,000.
- Various mansion-style properties and townhouses are available, with prices depending on location, size, and amenities.
For more affordable housing options in Frere Town specifically:
- A standard 2-bedroom apartment in Mlaleo, Frere Town, rents for approximately KSh 17,000 per month (excluding service charges).
- These more affordable units typically offer basic amenities including 24-hour security and reliable water supply in gated communities.
The significant price variation reflects the economic diversity within Nyali constituency, which is noted for having “a high disparity between the rich and the poor” with some areas featuring “shanties separated by walls from maisonettes in some high-end residential estates”.
1/4 an Acre~ Kisauni, Frere Town: Title Deed Available-Land Prices.
Land values in Frere Town and surrounding areas have appreciated significantly over time, with current listings showing:
- A 900 square meter plot in Frere Town priced at KSh 8,154,000 (discounted from KSh 8,554,000)2
- A larger 1,400 square meter plot in Frere Town listed for KSh 24,457,600 (discounted from KSh 26,457,600)2
Historical valuation data from 2011 provides context for land value appreciation in the area:
- Plots of approximately 0.1 hectares (1,000 square meters) were valued between KSh 2.3-2.7 million.
- For example, a 0.1073 hectare plot was valued at KSh 2,546,000 and a 0.1064 hectare plot at KSh 2,528,000.
The substantial increase in land prices between the 2011 valuations and current listings indicates strong appreciation in property values over the past decade, making Frere Town an increasingly valuable real estate market within Mombasa County.
Recent Infrastructure Developments.
Affordable Housing Project.
A significant development underway in Nyali Constituency is the Affordable Housing Project, which includes comprehensive social infrastructure. In 2023-2024, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development initiated the “Proposed Construction of Associated Social Infrastructure for Affordable Housing Project in Nyali Estate, Nyali Constituency, Mombasa County”. This project encompasses:
- Construction of a new market facility.
- Development of a commercial center.
- Building of school facilities.
This initiative falls under Kenya’s national affordable housing program and is expected to significantly enhance the residential amenities available to residents of Nyali Constituency, including those in Frere Town.
Environmental Improvements.
In 2024, Mombasa County took a major step to address long-standing environmental concerns in Frere Town by officially shutting down the Frere Town dumping site. This action followed years of complaints from local residents about health and environmental hazards. The closure was accompanied by:
- An extensive cleanup operation led by Deputy Governor Francis Thoya.
- A community awareness campaign focused on environmental conservation and public health.
- Commitments to prevent future unauthorized waste disposal in the area.
The deputy governor expressed optimism that residents would “now experience a more peaceful life in a healthier environment” and mentioned potential support for youth who had previously depended on the site for waste disposal activities.
Educational Infrastructure.
Educational facilities in Frere Town have also seen developments, though not without challenges. A notable case involved Frere Town Primary School, where efforts to secure and develop school property led to legal proceedings. In January 2025, the High Court in Mombasa ruled in favor of the school in a dispute with the county government.
The case centered around:
- Land that had been reserved for expansion of the school and used as a playground.
- Efforts by the school’s management to fence the property with assistance from the Nyali Constituency Development Fund.
- Attempts by the county government to halt construction of the perimeter wall.
Justice Nelly Matheka of the Environment and Land Court affirmed that the school’s land “falls within the land that was planned for a playing field” and as a public institution, “is therefore public utility and is not available for allocation”. This ruling protects educational infrastructure in Frere Town and ensures space for future expansion of school facilities.
Administrative Facilities.
In August 2024, construction began on new local administration offices within the Frere Town Social Hall compound. The development includes:
- A chief’s office for local administration.
- An office for the Frere Town assistant county commissioner.
This project has generated some controversy among local residents, particularly members of the Frere Town Descendants community who have expressed concerns about the development process and land ownership issues. The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding land rights and community consultation in development projects within the area.
Conclusion.
Frere Town presents a compelling case study of a neighborhood with deep historical roots experiencing modern development pressures and opportunities. The area’s unique heritage as a settlement for freed slaves has created a distinctive community identity that persists to this day, even as the neighborhood evolves within the broader context of Nyali Constituency and Mombasa County.
Real estate values in Frere Town have appreciated significantly over time, with current land prices many times higher than those recorded just a decade ago. Housing options range from affordable apartments to luxury villas, reflecting the economic diversity of the constituency.
Recent infrastructure developments, including the affordable housing project, environmental improvements, educational facility protection, and new administrative offices, signal ongoing investment in the area’s growth. However, these developments sometimes intersect with complex questions of land rights and community identity that date back to the area’s founding.
As Frere Town continues to develop, balancing respect for its unique historical significance with the demands of modern urban growth will remain a key challenge for local authorities, community leaders, and residents alike.
Related
2. How much does land cost per square meter in Mkomani?
3. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects in Kongowea?
4. What are the most popular types of properties in Kadzandani?
5. How has the real estate market in Tudor changed over the past five years?
Related
2. How much does land cost per square meter in Mkomani?
3. Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects in Kongowea?
4. What are the most popular types of properties in Kadzandani?
5. How has the real estate market in Tudor changed over the past five years?