Roysambu Constituency: A Comprehensive Profile of Area Facts, Property Prices, and Infrastructure Development.

Roysambu constituency, located in the northern part of Nairobi City County, has emerged as a rapidly developing residential and commercial zone with unique characteristics and ongoing developmental challenges. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the constituency’s demographic profile, real estate market trends, and recent infrastructure developments.

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Geographic and Administrative Overview.

Roysambu Constituency occupies a total area of 48.80 km² (18.8 sq mi), making it the northernmost constituency in Nairobi County. Created prior to the 2013 general election when Kasarani Constituency was divided, it borders Mathare Constituency to the south, Ruaraka and Kasarani constituencies to the east, Ruiru constituency to the north and northeast, Kiambu constituency to the northwest, and Westlands constituency to the west.

The constituency is divided into five wards: Roysambu, Zimmerman, Githurai, Kahawa, and Kahawa West. It falls administratively within Kasarani Sub-county and is currently represented in Parliament by Augustine Kamande of the UDA party.

Demographic and Economic Characteristics.

According to the 2009 population census, Roysambu had a population of 202,284, with a high density of approximately 4,000 people per square kilometer. The population is primarily concentrated in areas such as Githurai, Kiwanja, Njathaini, and Kongo Soweto, with most residents being immigrants from the former Central Province and smaller numbers from other parts of Kenya.

The constituency hosts several prestigious institutions, including:

Kenyatta University (KU).
United States International University Africa (USIUA).
Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.
National Youth Service headquarters.
General Service Unit headquarters.
The main economic activities revolve around service-based businesses catering to the large residential population. The Githurai market serves as a significant commercial hub for farm produce, with the Thika superhighway providing crucial connectivity to Central and Eastern Provinces.

Real Estate Market Analysis.

Houses & Apartments for Sale in Roysambu-House Prices.

Property values in Roysambu have shown notable fluctuations over the past two years. The average price of houses for sale has generally trended downward from early 2023 to early 2025:

March 2025: KSh 35,000,000 (Range: KSh 25,000,000 – KSh 65,000,000).
February-January 2025: KSh 65,000,000.
May 2024-December 2023: KSh 70,000,000.
April-February 2023: KSh 82,500,000 (Range: KSh 75,000,000 – KSh 90,000,000).

This downward trend suggests increased housing supply or potentially changing market dynamics in the area.

Property & Houses for Rent in Roysambu Nairobi-Rental Market.

The rental market in Roysambu offers diverse options across various price points as of April 2025:

Basic 2-bedroom apartments (master ensuite): KSh 28,000 per month.
Mid-range 2-bedroom units at Garden Estate: KSh 55,000-70,000 per month.
Upscale 3-bedroom units with ensuite facilities: KSh 50,000-70,000 per month.
Premium 5-bedroom houses: KSh 120,000-130,000 per month.
Fully furnished 1-bedroom apartments with modern amenities: KSh 80,000 per month.

These prices reflect the diverse socioeconomic makeup of Roysambu’s residents and the varying quality of housing stock available.

Land Prices.

Land prices in Roysambu vary significantly based on location, zoning, and proximity to major amenities:

Lands & Plots For Sale And Rent In Roysambu-Residential Land.

1/2 Acre in Gated Area, Garden Estate: KSh 40,000,000.
Prime 0.5 Acre Plot off Lumumba Drive: KSh 51,000,000.

Roysambu Property for Sale-Commercial Land.

1 acre behind Safaripark Hotel (near TRM mall): KSh 158,000,000.
Commercial 40×80 plots behind TRM: KSh 14,000,000-18,000,000.
Commercial 40×80 plot behind Safari Park Hotel: KSh 28,000,000.
Prime plots at Mirema (off Northern Bypass): KSh 15,000,000-16,000,000.

Commercial plots command premium prices, particularly those near established business hubs like the Thika Road Mall, reflecting their high investment potential.

Recent Infrastructure Developments.

Housing Projects.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Housing Project represents a significant development in Roysambu. As of December 2024, Phase 1 of this project was 59% complete, comprising both single-line and married quarters. The project is part of a broader initiative to construct 3,069 modern and affordable housing units across various locations, with completion expected by June 2025.

Water Infrastructure.

The Northern Collector Tunnel (NCT) project has substantially improved water supply in Roysambu. This 12.6 km concrete-lined tunnel collects water from three rivers (Muranga, Irati, and Gikigie) and directs it to the Thika Dam through the Githika river outfall. This infrastructure enhancement has increased water volume in Roysambu, significantly improving both the frequency of supply and extending service to previously underserved areas.

Road Infrastructure Challenges.

Despite progress in other areas, road infrastructure remains problematic. In March 2025, residents of Lumumba Drive in Roysambu protested over poor road conditions, citing issues such as potholes and flooding that made roads nearly impassable, particularly during rainy seasons. The demonstrations highlighted ongoing concerns about inadequate drainage systems and called for intervention from local government authorities and the area MP, Kamande Mwarfika.

Development Comparison and Challenges.

When compared to more established constituencies like Westlands, Roysambu exhibits notable development disparities. While Westlands has well-structured business areas, organized market spaces, and efficient utilities, Roysambu is still catching up. The “Kibanda system” (informal structures) remains prevalent in Roysambu, with fewer proper commercial stalls than in Westlands.

Other infrastructural challenges include:

Less efficient garbage collection systems
Inadequate sewer and drainage networks
Insufficient security lighting affecting business operations.

Recent Socio-Political Events.

In March 2025, Roysambu gained attention when youths attempted to “occupy” Jesus Winner Chapel in protest against President William Ruto’s Sh20 million donation to the church. The demonstration, which resulted in at least ten injuries following police intervention, reflected broader social tensions and questions about government spending priorities.

Conclusion

Roysambu constituency presents a complex picture of rapid urban development coupled with persistent infrastructure challenges. While housing and water supply have seen significant improvements, road infrastructure and public service delivery systems require additional attention. The real estate market shows diverse pricing ranges, reflecting the area’s mixed socioeconomic profile.

As the constituency continues to develop, addressing infrastructure gaps, improving public service delivery, and creating more planned commercial zones will be crucial for elevating Roysambu’s status as a residential and commercial hub in Nairobi. With its strategic location along the Thika superhighway and significant institutional presence, Roysambu has substantial growth potential if development challenges are systematically addressed.

1.What are the most popular neighborhoods in Garden Estate?

2.How has the infrastructure development in Githurai impacted property prices?

3.Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects in Zimmerman?

4.What is the average price per square meter for land in Ridgeways?

5.How does the cost of living in Kahawa West compare to other Nairobi constituencies?