Banana Ward, Kiambaa Constituency: A Comprehensive Profile.
Banana ward, located in Kiambaa Constituency of Kiambu County, represents one of the growing satellite urban centers near Nairobi. This report explores the demographic characteristics, real estate market, and recent infrastructure developments in this rapidly evolving area.
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Geographic and Demographic Facts
Banana Hill, the main commercial center of Banana ward, is a suburb of Karuri town in the eastern part of Kiambu County. The area is situated approximately 20 kilometers north of Nairobi at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level. It can be accessed via Limuru Road through Runda Estate or through alternative routes such as the Limuru, Kiambaa/Kiambu and Ndenderu/Redhill all-weather roads.
The ward comprises several small estates including Banana town, Mombasa, Gacorui, Ndunyu, Miberethi Inana (‘Eight Pipes’), and Thimbigwa. The area received its name from British colonial soldiers who observed banana plantations looking downhill towards Nairobi as they traveled to Limuru.
Population Statistics
Banana has a total population of 15,238 residents living within an area of 1.743 square kilometers, resulting in a high population density of 8,740 people per square kilometer. The gender distribution is nearly balanced with 7,486 males (49.1%) and 7,752 females (50.9%). The population has shown significant growth, increasing by 107.1% between 1975 and 2015, with a more recent increase of 19% from 2000 to 2015.
The broader Kiambaa Constituency, which contains Banana ward, has a population of 236,400 according to the 2019 census, with projections showing growth to 269,293 by 2025 and 279,150 by 2027. The constituency has a high population density of 2,595 people per square kilometer.
Age Demographics
Banana ward has a relatively young population with a median age of 23.6 years (24.2 years for males and 23 years for females). The age distribution shows the largest segment of the population is under 30 years, with significant portions in the under-5 age group (1,935), 20-24 age group (1,789), and 25-29 age group (1,856).
Real Estate Market
Land For Sale & Lease In Banana-Land Prices
Land prices in Banana ward vary significantly based on exact location, plot size, and proximity to main roads:
- A 50×100 plot in Kiambaa/Thimbugua area (Banana Hill Kambara Community Residence) is priced at KSh 1,600,000
- A plot in Kaspart estate in Kiambaa is listed for KSh 4,500,000
- A half-acre residential plot along Banana-Raini Road commands a premium price of KSh 24,000,000
These price variations reflect the desirability of different locations within the ward, with plots along major roads commanding significantly higher prices.
Banana Kenya Homes For Sale-House Prices
The housing market in Banana offers various options primarily targeting middle-income earners:
- A 3-bedroom house on a 40×80 plot along Banana Raini Road is listed for KSh 7,000,000 (slightly negotiable)
A 3-bedroom maisonette with master ensuite, three floors, and domestic staff quarters (DSQ) in a gated community at the heart of Banana Hill is priced at KSh 7,800,000 (negotiable)
Recent Infrastructure Development
Road Infrastructure
One of the most significant recent infrastructure projects is the construction of the 3km Kanunga-Banana road in Kiambaa Sub-county, which was reported to be 79% complete. This Sh 78 million project includes the construction of a bridge over river Geche.
Upon completion, this road will reduce the distance between Kiambu Township and Banana trading center by approximately 10 kilometers, significantly improving connectivity and reducing travel time. This enhancement is expected to stimulate economic growth in the area and increase property values along the corridor.
Utility Services
The area has seen improvements in essential utility services:
- Electricity connectivity: Kenya Power has installed street lighting masts, improving security and enabling extended business hours
- Firefighting infrastructure: Banana has one operational fire station supported by 11 firefighters, enhancing emergency response capabilities
- Water supply: The area is served by both underground water (boreholes) and water from the Sasumua pipeline provided by Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company
Development Planning
Banana ward falls under Kiambaa Sub-County’s Integrated Strategy Urban Development Plan 2020-2030 (ISUDP). This comprehensive plan aims to direct development to appropriate locations, addressing challenges related to rapid urbanization. The plan has identified several action areas and quick-win projects to be implemented in its first year, setting the foundation for medium and long-term development.
Economic Activities
Historically, coffee farming has been an important revenue source for the Banana Hill area, though it has declined as landowners increasingly convert agricultural land to real estate and rental properties due to global coffee price fluctuations. The area is also known for dairy farming and horticulture, including small-scale flower growing.
The municipality continues to witness high rates of conversion of agricultural lands to urban developments such as residential and commercial uses, particularly along major road corridors including the Banana-Raini road.
Conclusion
Banana ward in Kiambaa Constituency represents a rapidly urbanizing area experiencing significant population growth and infrastructure development. The completion of the Kanunga-Banana road project is expected to further catalyze economic activity and real estate development in the area. While land and house prices remain relatively affordable compared to Nairobi, the increasing demand for housing and commercial space is likely to drive continued appreciation in property values.
The implementation of the Kiambaa Sub-County’s Integrated Strategy Urban Development Plan offers opportunities for more structured growth, potentially addressing challenges related to unplanned development and inadequate infrastructure. As Banana ward continues to develop, balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability and adequate service provision will be crucial for its long-term prosperity.
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