Nakuru Airport Area and Bahati Constituency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Development, Real Estate, and Infrastructure.

The Nakuru Airport area within Bahati Constituency represents one of Kenya’s emerging development hotspots, characterized by significant infrastructure investments, evolving real estate markets, and strategic positioning within Nakuru County. This area is experiencing remarkable transformation driven by airport expansion plans and broader constituency development initiatives that are reshaping its economic landscape and investment potential.

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Geographical and Administrative Context.

Nakuru Airport, officially known as Nakuru Airport (IATA: NUU, ICAO: HKNK) and also referred to as Lanet Military Airstrip, is located in Nakuru County, Kenya. The facility sits at an elevation of 1,900 meters (6,234 feet) above sea level, with coordinates 00°17′59″S 036°09′38″E. Positioned approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) northwest of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by air, the airport falls within Bahati Constituency, one of eleven constituencies in Nakuru County.

Bahati Constituency encompasses a total area of 375.4 square kilometers with a population of 162,985 according to the 2019 census. The constituency is administratively divided into five County Assembly Wards: Bahati Ward, Kiamaina Ward, Kabatini Ward, Lanet-umoja Ward, and Dundori Ward. Currently represented by Hon. Irene Njoki as the Member of Parliament, Bahati’s economic foundation primarily rests on agriculture and quarrying activities, which form the backbone of local livelihoods and development.

Strategic Importance.

The Nakuru Airport area holds significant strategic importance for several reasons. It serves as a critical transportation node for the region, potentially connecting Nakuru to other parts of Kenya and beyond. Additionally, the area’s location provides opportunities for enhanced logistics and transportation of agricultural produce, particularly for the flourishing horticultural sector. The airport’s development is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, urban expansion, and increased investment in the broader Bahati Constituency.

The Nakuru Airport Development Project.

Scope and Investment.

In July 2020, the Nakuru County Government announced an ambitious KES 3 billion expansion project for the Lanet Military Airstrip, aiming to transform it into a modern international airport. This substantial investment represents one of the most significant infrastructure developments in the region and demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing Nakuru’s connectivity and economic potential.

Implementation Phases.

The development project has been strategically divided into two comprehensive phases:

Phase One focuses on upgrading the existing infrastructure, including the construction of a terminal building, a military lounge, development of a 1.7 km runway and taxiways, and rehabilitation of the current runway to bitumen standards. This initial phase establishes the fundamental aviation infrastructure necessary for basic operations.

Phase Two will concentrate on expanding the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft.

The primary objective includes extending the runway from 1.7 km to 3.6 km, which will significantly enhance the airport’s capabilities and allow it to handle more substantial cargo and passenger planes of approximately 40 to 100 tonnes. This phase may necessitate land acquisition from neighboring properties, with plans for compensating affected residents.

Current Status and Timeline.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) selected a contractor for the project in September 2020, with construction expected to begin shortly thereafter. By March 2023, the Bahati Member of Parliament confirmed the national government’s commitment to completing the expansion of the Lanet airstrip and the construction of the civilian terminal. As of April 2025, work continues on the project, with particular emphasis on preparing for the first civilian flights.

Real Estate Market Dynamics.

Residential Land for Sale in Nakuru Airport Area -Land Prices and Trends.

The announcement of the airport upgrade has had a profound impact on land prices in the surrounding area. Prior to the announcement, agricultural land in the vicinity typically ranged from KSh 2 million to KSh 4 million per acre. Following the announcement, prices escalated dramatically, reaching nearly KSh 10 million per acre in some areas. This significant appreciation reflects speculator and investor confidence in the future development potential of the region, driven by anticipated infrastructure improvements and increased economic activity.

Current land listings in the Nakuru Airport Area (as of early 2025) include:

A 50 by 100 plot behind Ndimu Primary school priced at KSh 2,000,000.
Mixed-use land with electricity and water supply connections.

Property experts have expressed varying opinions regarding the sustainability of these elevated prices. Some caution that, unlike properties near train stations that offer convenient commuting options, land adjacent to airports may not necessarily command premium prices due to factors such as noise pollution and aviation accident risks. An official from the county’s Department of Land suggested that inflated prices surrounding the planned airport site might be illogical, though improved infrastructure could eventually justify some appreciation.

Cheap Houses for Sale in Nakuru-Residential Property Market.

The residential property market in the Nakuru Airport area and broader Bahati Constituency displays considerable diversity in terms of property types, prices, and development stages. Current residential property listings include:

A 4-bedroom house in Mwareki, Nakuru Airport Area, priced at KSh 24,000,000 with servant quarters, situated near Mwariki police station.
Properties in adjacent areas of Bahati Constituency range from KSh 3,000,000 for a 2-bedroom house to KSh 56,000,000 for a 4-bedroom mansion in Lanet.

The residential market appears to be developing with varying property types to serve different market segments, from affordable housing to luxury residences. This diversity reflects the area’s transition and growing appeal to a broad spectrum of potential residents and investors.

Infrastructure Development Initiatives.

Comprehensive Government Investment.

The Nakuru Airport area and Bahati Constituency have received substantial government investment in infrastructure development. The National Government has allocated more than KSh 7 billion for infrastructure upgrades in Nakuru, which includes tarmac roads and airport development. Government Spokesperson Colonel (Retired) Cyrus Oguna emphasized that these projects would directly impact manufacturing, horticultural, tourism, and hospitality sectors, aligning with the government’s Big Four agenda.

Transportation Infrastructure.

Road infrastructure development represents a critical component of the area’s overall development strategy. Under the Imarisha Barabara Program, KSh 1 million has been allocated for grading and murraming roads in Bahati Ward, while Dundori Ward received KSh 5 million for road improvements, including culvert installation. These road enhancements complement the airport development, creating an integrated transportation network that will facilitate movement of people and goods throughout the constituency.

Housing Development.

The Nakuru County Government has initiated a KSh 500 million Affordable Housing Project designed to deliver 220 housing units in Bahati Centre during its first phase. This project addresses the growing demand for quality, affordable housing in the region while contributing to urban development and economic growth. The housing initiative aligns with national housing policies aimed at increasing access to affordable housing across Kenya.

Water and Health Infrastructure.

Water infrastructure has received significant attention, with KSh 8 million allocated for Bahati’s water works, including the drilling of the King David borehole and piping projects in Kamiruri and Gatundura. Dundori has been allocated KSh 6.3 million for water projects, and KSh 5 million has been designated for equipping and piping Thayu borehole. These investments aim to improve water access and quality throughout the constituency.

Health infrastructure has also seen substantial development, including:

Installation of a KSh 5 million digital X-ray machine at Bahati Sub-county Hospital.
Completion of Githiora Health Centre at a cost of KSh 35 million.
Construction of Mugwathi Githiorio Dispensary for KSh 20 million.
Ongoing development of Kiwamu Health Centre project (KSh 20 million).
A KSh 262 million maternity facility in partnership with Kingdom Seekers Church, which is 45 percent complete.

Land Administration and Digital Infrastructure.

A land titling program has been initiated to benefit approximately 400 residents in Bahati Trading Centre and another 800 in Dundori Trading Centre, addressing land tenure security needs. In the digital domain, the county has focused on renewing the N-Computing license and enhancing internet access at Kagoto Digital Hub, while Wanyororo Vocational Training Centre has received KSh 5 million for new equipment.

Economic Impact and Future Outlook.

Economic Transformation.

The development of Nakuru Airport is expected to catalyze economic transformation in the region through several mechanisms:

Enhanced Agricultural Exports: The airport will facilitate faster transportation of horticultural products to international markets. Currently, flower firms rely on refrigerated trucks to ferry produce to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, more than 100 kilometers away, for export. Nakuru County produces close to 70 percent of Kenya’s flower exports, making improved logistics critical for this sector.
Tourism Growth: Improved accessibility will likely boost tourism to Nakuru’s attractions, including national parks and lakes, generating employment and business opportunities for local communities.
Business and Investment Attraction: The infrastructure developments make the area more attractive for businesses and investors looking to establish operations in Nakuru County, potentially leading to increased job creation and economic diversification.

Challenges and Opportunities.

While the development trajectory appears positive, several challenges and opportunities merit consideration:

Challenges:

Managing land speculation and ensuring sustainable property price growth.
Ensuring environmental sustainability amid rapid development.
Coordinating multiple infrastructure projects effectively.
Integrating airport development with broader urban planning.

Opportunities:

Creating an integrated economic zone around the airport.
Developing specialized services to support agricultural exports.
Establishing educational and training facilities to build local capacity in aviation and related industries.
Leveraging improved connectivity to attract conference tourism and business travel.

Conclusion

The Nakuru Airport area within Bahati Constituency stands at a pivotal point in its development journey. The KSh 3 billion airport upgrade, combined with comprehensive infrastructure investments across transportation, water, health, and housing sectors, positions the area for significant economic growth and urban transformation. Real estate markets have already responded to these developments, with substantial price appreciation reflecting optimistic future expectations.

As implementation of these various projects continues, the area is likely to experience further evolution in its economic structure, settlement patterns, and overall development character. The successful integration of airport infrastructure with broader development initiatives will be crucial in determining whether the area can fully capitalize on its potential as an economic hub within Nakuru County and the wider region.

For residents, investors, and policymakers, the ongoing transformation of the Nakuru Airport area presents both challenges to manage and opportunities to harness as Bahati Constituency continues its development trajectory in the coming years.

1.What are the current house prices in Kabatini?

2.How have land prices in Gilgil changed since the upgrade announcement?

3.What recent infrastructure developments have been made in Kiamaina?

4.Are there any new residential projects planned near Maili kumi?

5.How does the Dundori upgrade impact local real estate trends?