Dandora Area III: A Comprehensive Profile of Embakasi North's Urban Ward.

Dandora Area III represents one of the five electoral wards within the Embakasi North Constituency of Nairobi County. This detailed analysis explores the socioeconomic characteristics, real estate market trends, and recent infrastructure developments that define this dynamic yet challenging urban area.

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Geographic and Administrative Context.

Dandora Area III is officially one of the five electoral wards in Embakasi North Constituency, alongside Kariobangi North, Dandora Phase 1, Dandora Phase 2, and Dandora Phase 4/5. The constituency spans approximately 208 square kilometers and borders Embakasi West, Mathare, Ruaraka, and Kasarani constituencies. Embakasi North houses an estimated population of 181,388 registered voters, with Dandora Area III containing a significant portion of this demographic.

Historically, Dandora was established in 1977 with partial financing from the World Bank to provide improved housing standards for Nairobi’s growing population. Located less than 20 kilometers from Nairobi’s central business district, Dandora has evolved significantly from its initial planned settlement status. The ward is part of the broader Dandora estate, which is divided into five phases, with Dandora Area III representing Phase 3 of this urban development.

Socioeconomic Landscape.

Dandora Area III faces several socioeconomic challenges typical of low-income neighborhoods in Nairobi. The area is predominantly characterized as a lower-income settlement, with surrounding neighborhoods including informal settlements such as Kariobangi, Baba Dogo, Gitare Marigo, and Korogocho.

The community has weathered significant social challenges, including:

Health Concerns.

The proximity to Nairobi’s main municipal waste dump significantly impacts public health in Dandora. Residents commonly experience skin diseases and respiratory issues due to toxic substances from the dumpsite. The burning of waste, particularly at night, creates choking conditions in nearby homes, making breathing difficult for residents.

Economic Activities.

Many residents without formal employment collect and sell waste materials from the dumpsite as a source of income. Small businesses, including barber shops (kinyozi), are common economic activities in the area. The informal economy plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods throughout Dandora.

Social Institutions.

Despite economic challenges, Dandora Area III hosts several community development initiatives:

Prince of Peace School, established in 2015 to support orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS and political violence.
St. Benedict Community Centre, founded in 2008, which rehabilitates children from the dumpsite, provides education, and supports women in establishing small businesses.
Dandora Hip Hop City, part of the area’s vibrant cultural scene, reflecting Dandora’s reputation as the birthplace of Kenyan hip hop.
Dandora Uprising Library and cyber cafe, providing educational resources to local residents.
Ragos Gym, run by former Mr. Kenya Body Building Champion Mickey Ragos.

Real Estate Market.

The real estate market in Dandora Area III and surrounding phases presents a mix of residential and commercial properties at significantly lower prices than more affluent parts of Nairobi.

50 by 100 Plot in Dandora Area III: Residential Properties.

Housing in Dandora typically consists of apartments, single rooms, and small residential blocks:

Single-bedroom house in Dandora Phase 4 (comprising 8 single rooms on a 40×60 plot): KSh 1,850,000.
Block of flats in Dandora: KSh 8,000,000 to KSh 11,000,000
One-bedroom block of flats in Canaan A Court, Dandora Area II: KSh 4,500,000
Rental rates for mini flats in Dandora Area IV: approximately KSh 6,000 per month

50 by 100 Plot in Dandora Area III – Commercial Properties.

Commercial real estate in Dandora includes various business premises:

Operational supermarket on commercial property: KSh 11,000,000
Kinyozi (barbershop) in Dandora Area I: KSh 160,000
Commercial plot with 8 single rooms generating monthly income of KSh 25,000: KSh 3,300,000

Land for Sale in Dandora Area III, Embakas: NorthLand Prices.

Vacant land prices in Dandora reflect the area’s position in Nairobi’s real estate hierarchy:

Commercial plot in Dandora Area II: KSh 3,300,000
Vacant land in Dandora Phase 5 near White House Place: KSh 3,500,000

Standard plot prices range from approximately KSh 3,300,000 to KSh 3,500,000 depending on location and zoning.

Recent Infrastructure Developments.

Dandora Area III has been the focus of several significant infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions and urban mobility:

Road Infrastructure.

The Nairobi County’s Ward Development Program (WDP) has undertaken substantial road improvements in the area:

Asphaltic concrete works along Joy Villa Samco Road in Dandora III Ward (as of April 2024)
This road serves the residential areas of Joy Villa and Kwa Chief in Dandora III5
Part of a broader KSh 1.9 billion investment across Nairobi’s 85 wards for the 2023/2024 financial year.
Governor Sakaja’s administration increased the Ward Development Fund from KES 1.4 billion to 2 billion specifically to accelerate such infrastructure projects

Public Transportation Enhancements.

A major transportation project will significantly improve connectivity between Dandora and other parts of Nairobi:

Secured funding of Sh43.4 billion for the Green BRT Line 3 project
Phase one will construct a 12-kilometer route from Dandora to Kenyatta National Hospital along Juja Road
The second phase will extend connections from Tala to Dandora and KNH to Ngong.
The system will feature electric buses, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025

Environmental Management.

Plans for the remediation of the Dandora Dumpsite will significantly impact the neighborhood:

Comprehensive closure plan for the Dandora Dumpsite with a total cost of KSh 1,539 million
Implementation includes waste leveling, soil covering, onsite road construction, and rainwater drainage works
Installation of gas exhaust equipment to limit harmful gases and accelerate waste stabilization
Plans for a new landfill site at Ruai to replace the Dandora facility

Conclusion

Dandora Area III presents a complex urban landscape within Nairobi’s eastern region. Despite facing significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges, the area shows signs of positive transformation through community initiatives and government infrastructure investments. The upcoming BRT system and environmental remediation efforts signal potential improvements to quality of life, while the relatively affordable real estate market continues to provide housing options for Nairobi’s working-class population. The ongoing infrastructure developments, particularly in road construction and public transportation, suggest a trajectory toward greater integration with Nairobi’s broader urban fabric and improved conditions for residents of this historically underserved community.

1.What are the current house prices in Kariobangi North?

2.How much does land cost per acre in Dandora Area I?

3.Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Dandora Area II?

4.What are the health risks associated with living near the Dandora Area IV dumpsite?

5.How does the crime rate in Imara Daima compare to other areas in Nairobi?