Dandora Area II: A Comprehensive Profile of Nairobi's Eastern Suburb.

Dandora Area II represents one of the five distinct phases of Dandora, a historically significant eastern suburb of Nairobi that has undergone substantial transformation since its establishment. This report provides an in-depth analysis of Dandora Area II’s geographic context, property market, infrastructure developments, and socioeconomic profile.

Locations > Nairobi > Dandora > Dandora Area II

No properties found in this location.

Geographic and Administrative Context.

Dandora Area II is officially designated as a ward within Embakasi North Constituency, one of the seventeen constituencies in Nairobi County. The entire Dandora region is administratively situated within the Njiru sub-county of Nairobi. Covering a portion of the approximately 5.5 km² that comprises Embakasi North Constituency, Dandora Area II is positioned approximately 11km east of Nairobi’s city center.

Dandora was originally established in 1977 through a World Bank-financed initiative that aimed to provide improved housing standards for Nairobi residents. Historically, Dandora experienced a significant transformation from what residents describe as a clean, well-maintained neighborhood in the 1980s to its current state, with notable deterioration beginning around 1984 when municipal services like street sweeping and infrastructure maintenance became inconsistent.

Surrounding Areas.

Dandora Area II is bordered by other Dandora phases (I, III, IV, and V) and is part of a broader urban network that includes neighboring estates such as:

Kariobangi
Baba Dogo
Korogocho
Kayole
Mathare

House for Sale in Dandora Area II, Dandora: Housing Market and Property Prices.

The real estate landscape in Dandora Area II presents a mix of residential and commercial properties, with significant variation in structure quality and pricing.

Residential Property Prices.

The current housing market in Dandora Area II shows:

A four-story mini flat property (1000 sqm with 10 bedrooms) located adjacent to tarmac road is listed for KSh 11,300,000.
The property is described as “always fully occupied,” suggesting steady rental income potential

These prices reflect Dandora’s position as a middle to lower-income residential area, offering more affordable housing options compared to other parts of Nairobi. The housing stock consists primarily of multi-story apartment buildings that were initially developed as formal housing schemes but have since experienced varying levels of maintenance and development.

Land for Sele Dandora Area II, Dandora Land Prices.

Land values in the broader Dandora area:

A plot in Dandora Phase 5 near White House Place off Muigai Kenyatta Road, with tarmac access, is listed at KSh 3,500,000

While specific land pricing data for Dandora Area II is limited in the search results, the existing information indicates that land values are influenced by factors such as:

Proximity to paved roads
Access to utilities
Security considerations
Distance from the Dandora dumpsite

Recent Infrastructure Developments.

Dandora Area II has been the focus of several significant infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and economic opportunities for residents.

Model Street Project.

UN-Habitat, in collaboration with the Making Cities Together coalition and Dandora Transformation League, implemented a Model Street project in Dandora Phase II that has delivered multiple benefits:

Enhanced accessibility throughout the estate
Created supportive infrastructure for small-scale roadside businesses
Significantly improved perceived safety and security among residents
One resident, Anthony Kwach, noted: “These days even if I alight at midnight I have no worries. I know I will reach home safely without a problem. Because of lighting, I can see someone from 100m away”
Increased economic opportunities through extended business hours for street vendors

Dandora E-Market Extension.

The Nairobi County Government has initiated the development of commercial infrastructure through:

A tender for the “Proposed Construction Of Dandora E-Market Extension” (tender notice number: NCC/BHO/T/479/2024-2025)
The tender submission deadline is March 21, 2025
This project is self-financed by the county government and falls under the 2024/2025 financial year

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 3.

A transformative transport infrastructure project will directly impact Dandora:

- Nairobi has secured Sh43.4 billion (€320 million) in financing from the European Investment Bank, French Development Agency, and European Union
- The first phase involves constructing a 12-kilometer route from Dandora to Kenyatta National Hospital along Juja Road
- The project features electric buses aligned with environmental sustainability goals
- Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025
- This initiative aims to significantly reduce commute times and improve transportation efficiency for Dandora residents

Socioeconomic Profile and Challenges.

Dandora Area II, like other phases of Dandora, faces several socioeconomic challenges that impact quality of life and development potential.

Environmental Concerns.

The proximity to Nairobi’s main dumping site creates significant environmental and health challenges:

The dumpsite serves as Nairobi’s principal waste disposal facility
Waste burning at night causes air pollution and respiratory difficulties
Houses near the site experience smoke infiltration
Residents report increased incidence of skin diseases and other health issues related to toxic waste exposure.

Security Situation.

Historically, Dandora has struggled with security challenges:

The area has been described as having high crime rates, partly attributed to youth unemployment and school dropout rates
Criminal activities have evolved over time, from basic mugging to more organized operations
The dumpsite has been identified as an area where criminal elements hide weapons and conduct illegal activities
The Model Street project has begun to address some security concerns through improved lighting and community engagement

Community Initiatives.

Several positive community-based initiatives are working to improve conditions in Dandora Area II:

Pastor Bonbian Onyango leads the Covenant Pentecostal Church (founded in 2009) and directs the Integrity Education Centre (established in 2013)
These organizations provide education, feeding programs, and community support services
Dandora Area II has been recognized as an International City of Peace, with community leaders working on peace-building initiatives.
The Dandora Transformation League collaborates with other stakeholders on community improvement projects

Conclusion

Dandora Area II presents a complex urban profile with significant challenges but also notable development potential. The residential and commercial property markets offer affordable options within Nairobi’s broader urban landscape, while recent infrastructure investments signal potential for improved living conditions and economic opportunities. The contrast between ongoing environmental and security challenges and emerging community-led revitalization efforts illustrates Dandora Area II’s position at a critical juncture of urban transformation.

The upcoming BRT line and e-market development may serve as catalysts for further positive change, particularly if coordinated with continued community-based initiatives and environmental remediation efforts. For property investors, homebuyers, and policymakers, Dandora Area II represents both current challenges and future opportunities within Nairobi’s eastern suburban development context.

1.What are the current house prices in Dandora Area IV?

2.How have land prices in Dandora Area II changed over the past decade?

3.Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Dandora Area III?

4.What are the most common types of properties for sale in Dandora Area IV?

5.How does the crime rate in Huruma affect property values?