Old Junction, Ruiru Constituency: A Comprehensive Area Profile.

Nestled within the rapidly growing Ruiru municipality, Old Junction (also known as OJ Junction) represents one of the emerging residential and commercial nodes in Kiambu County. This area sits at the intersection of urban development and accessibility, making it increasingly attractive for residents and investors alike. The following analysis examines the key aspects of this location, from demographic data to real estate values and infrastructure developments.

Locations > Kiambu > Ruiru > Old Junction

No properties found in this location.

Geographic Context and Demographic Overview.

Ruiru Constituency, where Old Junction is located, is one of 12 constituencies in Kiambu County, covering approximately 400 square kilometers. With over 600,000 residents, it boasts the highest population in Kiambu County and ranks second nationally in population density at around 1,500 people per square kilometer. This highly cosmopolitan constituency sits just 20km from Nairobi’s Central Business District, making it an increasingly popular suburban option.

The constituency comprises one sub-county with 2 divisions, 3 locations, and 11 sub-locations, administratively divided into several County Assembly Wards including Gitothua, Biashara, Gatongora, Kahawa/Sukari, Kahawa Wendani, and Kiuu. Old Junction specifically falls within this administrative framework, positioned strategically along key transportation routes.

Ruiru’s historical development traces back to the construction of the Nairobi-Nyeri road in 1908 and the opening of the railway line in 1913, which established the area as a focal point linking the hinterland with major transportation routes. Originally dominated by European-style farming for coffee and sisal on large tracts of leased land, Ruiru evolved from a substation town into a service center for both settler populations and surrounding areas.

Economic Landscape.

The broader Ruiru area has transformed from a sleepy neighborhood into a thriving economic zone. As the fourth-largest urban center in Kenya according to the 2019 census, it has attracted significant industrial investment. The area hosts several major factories including Devki Steel Mills, Super Foam, Spinners & Spinners Garment Factory, and Ruiru Feeds, creating substantial employment opportunities.

In recent years, Ruiru has experienced tremendous growth following improved infrastructure, particularly the road network. The completion of the Thika Superhighway in 2014, along with the Eastern Bypass and Northern Bypass, made the town easily accessible from multiple directions including Murang’a, Nairobi, Machakos, and JKIA. This accessibility has turned Ruiru into “a hive of manufacturing industries, higher learning institutions, gated communities, entertainment joints and a thriving rental market”.

Residential Property Market.

Old Junction’s residential property market reflects the area’s growing popularity, with diverse housing options across different price points:

Houses & Apartments for Rent in Old Junction-Apartment Rentals.

Two-bedroom apartments in OJ Junction typically rent for KSh 25,000 per month.
One-bedroom apartments in OJ Junction range from KSh 16,000 to KSh 20,000 per month.
A one-bedroom apartment in Riara Road, Old Junction reaches KSh 55,000 per month, indicating premium options are also available.
Mini flats in OJ Junction are available for approximately KSh 32,000 per month.

Property in Old Junction for Rent & Sale-Houses and Bungalows.

Two-bedroom bungalows in Ruiru-BTL, Old Junction rent for around KSh 22,000 per month.
Across Ruiru, more luxurious options include five-bedroom mansionettes at KSh 55,000 per month and four-bedroom villas (all ensuite) commanding KSh 100,000 per month.

The housing market continues to expand as many coffee estates are converted into residential areas, with notable developments including Tatu City and the planned Northlands City. The strong demand is evidenced by the construction of various housing types, from affordable bedsitters starting at KSh 8,000 per month to high-end residential units.

Cheap Land for Sale in Old junction Ruiru – Land Prices.

Land values in Old Junction and surrounding areas have appreciated considerably in recent years, varying by location, proximity to infrastructure, and zoning:

Old Junction Specifically.

In Kijani Ridge (Tatu City), a quarter-acre plot sells for approximately KSh 20,000,000.
Commercial plots in Old Junction are priced around KSh 17,000,000.

Residential Land for Sale in Old Junction-Nearby Areas in Ruiru.

Ruiru Greens Estate (in Old Junction) offers residential plots (50×100) for KSh 5,500,000 and commercial plots (50×100) for KSh 6,500,000.
Prime land in Ruiru’s residential zones ranges from KSh 2.9 million to KSh 5 million for a 50×100 plot, depending on proximity to amenities and the town center.

The average property price across Ruiru stands at approximately KSh 17.8 million, with values ranging dramatically from KSh 650,000 for entry-level properties to KSh 320 million for premium developments. This wide range reflects the diverse market catering to various investment capacities.

Recent Infrastructure Developments.

Old Junction has benefited significantly from both local and regional infrastructure investments, enhancing connectivity and service delivery:

Road Infrastructure.

The Ruiru Municipality Annual Development Plan 2024-2025 includes several projects directly affecting Old Junction, including installation of cabro/bitumen roads with drainage works and solar lighting along the OJ road (minus bridge) in Gitothua Membley area.
Similar improvements are planned for Kamakis area and Ruiru town, which will enhance connectivity to Old Junction.
The broader region will benefit from the upcoming Rironi-Mau Summit road upgrade, scheduled to begin in June 2025 and complete by June 2027, improving the transport corridor linking Nairobi to Western Kenya.

Railway Infrastructure.

Kenya Railways Corporation will begin a feasibility study in April 2025 for rehabilitating and expanding the Nairobi Commuter Rail Network, with the first phase focusing on the high-traffic Nairobi-Ruiru route.
This project aims to expand the network from 35 to 53 operational stations and increase daily commuter capacity from 20,000 to 100,000.
The study will take approximately 24 months, with implementation expected thereafter.

Urban Services.

The Municipality Development Budget FY 2024/2025 allocates funding for urban improvement projects including non-motorized transport, storm water drainage, street lighting, market shades, commercial auxiliary shops, bus parks, and urban greenery across Gatongora, Biashara, and Gitothua wards.

Future Outlook.

The future of Old Junction and the broader Ruiru area appears promising, with several major developments underway:

Ruiru has been identified as having the potential to become an “Alternative or secondary centre of the Nairobi Metropolitan Region” and may even become the “Future Centre of the Metropolis” as envisaged in the Nairobi Metropolitan Services Improvement Programme. The entry of large-scale master-planned developments like Tatu City and Northland City, along with strategic transport enhancements, is expected to accelerate this transformation.

The area enjoys inherent advantages including its location at the intersection of major transport arteries, relatively lower land prices and rents, a youthful and educated population, and availability of open land for development. These factors position Old Junction and the wider Ruiru constituency for continued growth and development in the coming years.

Conclusion.

Old Junction represents a microcosm of the rapid urbanization and development occurring throughout Ruiru Constituency. With its strategic location, diverse housing options, appreciating land values, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, the area presents compelling opportunities for both residents and investors. As Ruiru continues its transformation from a dormitory town to a self-sufficient urban center, Old Junction stands to benefit substantially from this evolution, making it a location worth monitoring for those interested in Kenya’s urban development trajectory.

1.What are the current house prices in Gitothua?

2.How much does land cost per square meter in Biashara?

3.Are there any upcoming infrastructure projects in Gatongora?

4.What are the most popular types of properties for rent in Kahawa/Sukari?

5.How has the real estate market in Kahawa Wendani changed over the past year?