Ngoliba, Thika Town: A Comprehensive Area Profile and Development Analysis.

Ngoliba is emerging as a developing settlement within Thika East Sub-County in Kiambu County, characterized by growing infrastructure investments and increasing real estate activity. The area is currently undergoing significant transformations with multiple government projects underway, though it still retains much of its rural character and historical significance as a settlement scheme established in the 1960s.

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Historical Background and Geographic Setting.

Origin and Historical Development.

Ngoliba’s history dates back to 1964 when it was established as a settlement scheme following Sasini Tea and Coffee Estates’ donation of approximately 8,000 acres of land to accommodate squatters. The area was originally envisioned as a place where settlers would develop a sisal-based economy. However, when the global sisal industry collapsed in the 1970s, Ngoliba’s economic foundation disintegrated, leading to decades of limited economic activity.

The settlement has a complex political history, having been used as what some historical accounts describe as a “dumping ground” for squatters who had previously lived near Kenyatta’s farm in Kasarani. These settlers were relocated to Ngoliba under policies that required them to sell their livestock and adapt to sisal farming—a dramatic transition that proved unsuccessful in the long term.

Location and Accessibility.

Ngoliba is situated approximately 33 kilometers along the Thika-Garissa highway, positioned as a ward within Thika Town constituency in Kiambu County. The area is about 25-30 minutes’ drive from Thika town, making it increasingly attractive to commuters seeking affordable housing outside urban centers.

The settlement’s physical landscape features a rocky valley where farmers cultivate mangoes as a cash crop. The Thika River flows nearby, though historical documents note it has diminished to more of a stream, with small plots of vegetables cultivated along its banks.

Real Estate Market Analysis.

Land Prices and Market Trends.

The land market in Ngoliba demonstrates varied pricing based on size, proximity to the highway, and development potential:

Prime 27 Acres Plot for Sale in Ngoliba-Small Residential Plots:

40×80 prime plots in Ngoliba center: Ksh 399,000 (approximately 500 meters from the tarmac).
50×100 plots in Kilimambogo (near Ngoliba): Ksh 395,000.
50×100 plots in Zawadi Garden-Ngoliba: Ksh 650,000 (600 meters from Thika-Garissa highway).
40×80 plots: Ksh 680,000 (400 meters off Thika-Garissa highway).
50×100 plots: Ksh 700,000 (200 meters from Thika-Garissa highway).
50×100 plots touching the Thika-Makongeni-Garissa road: Ksh 1,300,000.
An eighth acre plot (0.025 acres): Ksh 900,000.

Lands & Plots For Sale And Rent In Ngoliba, Kenya-Large Parcels:

2 acres (subdivided into 1/8 acre plots): Ksh 800,000 (100 meters from highway).
12 acres: Ksh 2,600,000 per acre.
26 acres: Ksh 5,000,000 per acre.
65-acre property with permanent river: Ksh 25,000,000 total (available as whole or in 5-acre plots).

The pricing pattern clearly indicates that proximity to the Thika-Garissa highway significantly increases land value, with roadside plots commanding premiums of up to three times those located several hundred meters away.

Property & Houses for Rent & Sale-Residential Property Market.

The residential property market in Ngoliba is still developing, with limited data on completed homes:

4-bedroom unfinished house in Ngoliba Duka Moja (500 meters from Garissa Road on a 40×80 plot): Ksh 1,900,000.
3-bedroom house at Maguguni village (5km from Makongeni): Ksh 4,500,000.

Most properties available appear to be plots for development rather than completed homes, suggesting that Ngoliba remains primarily an area for future residential development rather than an established housing market.

Recent Infrastructure Development.

Ngoliba is experiencing significant infrastructure upgrades that are likely to increase its development potential and property values.

Transportation Infrastructure.

The most notable transportation development is the construction of a Sh25 million bridge connecting Ngoliba in Thika East (Kiambu County) to Soya village in Gatanga (Murang’a County). This Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) project is designed to be a 100% steel structure capable of supporting heavy vehicles up to seven tons.

The bridge replaces a temporary structure that was swept away by flash floods in December 2024, which had forced residents to either swim across the crocodile-infested Thika River or pay Sh50 per crossing via boat. The new bridge is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and boost inter-county trade between Murang’a, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kitui counties.

Commercial Facilities Development.

The Ngoliba Modern Market represents a major commercial infrastructure investment valued at Sh55 million. The project has become somewhat controversial due to political tensions between Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, with both claiming oversight of the development.

Despite the political drama that disrupted its March 2025 launch ceremony, the market is expected to transform the local economy by providing:

A proper venue for farmers to sell produce locally.

Formalized business spaces for local entrepreneurs.

Enhanced commercial infrastructure for the community.

The market development appears to be part of a broader Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) that includes plans for additional markets in Ngoliba, Gatuanyaga, Kiganjo, Maguguni, and Landless areas.

Urban Improvement Initiatives.

According to the Thika Municipality Annual Development Plan for 2024-2025, Ngoliba is slated for several urban infrastructure improvements, including:

Installation of cabro/bitumen road surfaces.
Street lighting implementation.
Construction of stormwater drainage systems in Ngoliba and Magogoni areas.

These urban improvement projects represent a substantial investment in the area’s infrastructure and are likely to enhance livability and property values once completed.

Future Development Outlook.

Planned Projects and Potential Impact.

The Thika Municipality Annual Development Plan highlights Ngoliba as one of the priority areas for urban development under the county’s planning framework. The consistent inclusion of Ngoliba in various infrastructure development plans suggests continued government investment in the area.

The recent commercial and transportation projects indicate an emerging pattern of development that could gradually transform Ngoliba from its historical characterization as a “sleepy shopping center” into a more vibrant commercial and residential area. The infrastructure investments, particularly the improved connectivity provided by the new bridge, may catalyze further private investment in residential and commercial real estate.

Investment Considerations.

For potential investors or homebuyers, Ngoliba presents an interesting opportunity characterized by:

Relatively affordable land prices compared to Thika town proper.
Ongoing infrastructure improvements that may increase property values.
Proximity to the Thika-Garissa highway provides good accessibility.
Development momentum indicated by government investment in multiple projects.

However, the area’s historical challenges with economic sustainability and current political tensions over development projects suggest potential investors should proceed with careful due diligence.

Conclusion

Ngoliba represents a study in contrasts: a settlement with a challenging historical legacy now experiencing renewed development interest and infrastructure investment. The area has evolved from its origins as a failed sisal plantation settlement scheme to become an emerging residential and commercial zone benefiting from its strategic location along the Thika-Garissa highway.

The ongoing infrastructure developments—particularly the bridge, market, and urban improvement projects—suggest that Ngoliba may be at an inflection point in its development trajectory. For potential residents or investors, the current relatively affordable land prices combined with these infrastructure improvements may present opportunities, though the area’s full development potential remains to be realized.

The political tensions surrounding development projects highlight the complex governance environment that may influence the pace and direction of Ngoliba’s growth. Nevertheless, the substantial government investments indicate a commitment to developing the area’s infrastructure and economic potential that may eventually overcome its historical challenges.

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