Upper Savannah Ward: A Comprehensive Profile of Embakasi East Constituency.
Upper Savannah is one of the five wards that make up Embakasi East Constituency in Nairobi County, Kenya. This report explores key aspects of this area including demographic information, real estate trends, land values, and ongoing infrastructure developments that are shaping this rapidly evolving section of eastern Nairobi.
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Geographic and Administrative Context.
Upper Savannah serves as a crucial administrative ward within Embakasi East Constituency, which is one of seventeen constituencies in Nairobi County. Embakasi East was carved out of the former Greater Embakasi Constituency during the implementation of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya. The constituency is currently represented in Parliament by Honorable Owino Paul Ongili (popularly known as Babu Owino).
The constituency comprises five county assembly wards:
- Upper Savannah.
- Lower Savannah.
- Embakasi.
- Utawala.
- Mihango.
Each of these wards forms a distinct administrative unit with elected representatives at the county assembly level. Upper Savannah Ward itself is strategically positioned within the eastern corridor of Nairobi, connecting to key infrastructure including roads that link to the wider metropolitan area.
Demographics and Population.
According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Nairobi County has a population of 4,397,073 with a remarkably high population density of 6,247 people per square kilometer. This makes it one of the most densely populated counties in Kenya.
Upper Savannah Ward specifically has a recorded population of 78,081 residents according to available data, with 24 elected representatives. The ward is part of the densely populated eastern corridor of Nairobi that has experienced significant population growth in recent decades.
Housing and Real Estate Market.
The real estate market in Upper Savannah and the broader Embakasi area showcases diverse housing options catering to different income segments:
Property & Houses for Rent & Sale in Embakasi -Rental Properties.
Rental properties in Upper Savannah offer affordable housing options:
- Bedsitters (single rooms) in Upper Savannah rent for approximately KSh 5,500 per month.
- 2-bedroom apartments in nearby Donholm Savannah Road are available for KSh 20,000 per month.
As of April 2025, there were 256 one-bedroom properties listed for rent in the broader Embakasi area, indicating a robust rental market.
Houses & Apartments for Sale in Embakasi-Properties for Sale.
For those looking to purchase homes in the area:
- 3-bedroom maisonettes in Greenspan estate (Embakasi) sell for approximately KSh 15,000,000. These properties typically offer 2900 square feet of living space with amenities including CCTV, electric fencing, gardens, and parking.
- 4-bedroom properties in Embakasi range from KSh 11,000,000 to KSh 15,000,000, with an average price of KSh 14,000,000.
Land Prices and Investment Opportunities.
Land remains a premium asset in Upper Savannah and the surrounding Embakasi area, with prices reflecting the strategic location and development potential:
30.5 Acres Commercial Land for Sale-Commercial and Industrial Land.
- Commercial land in Donholm, Embakasi East sells for approximately KSh 55 million per acre, with a 30.5-acre parcel listed at KSh 1.68 million.
- Industrial land in Embakasi Kyangombe Area commands prices of approximately KSh 100 million per acre.
- A 7.5-acre parcel behind Nice Lovely on Mombasa Road was listed for KSh 85 million, suitable for industrial development.
These land parcels are strategically positioned, with some touching major thoroughfares like Donholm Road and Manyanja Road, making them ideal for residential developments, commercial centers, or industrial establishments.
Recent Infrastructure Development.
Embakasi East Constituency, including Upper Savannah Ward, has seen significant infrastructure development in recent years:
Educational Facilities.
The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) has funded numerous educational infrastructure projects:
- Construction of three classroom blocks with slabs at Embakasi Primary School (2023/2024).
- Construction of three classroom blocks with slabs at Embakasi Garrison Primary School (2023/2024).
- Purchase of school buses for Embakasi Primary School, Edelvale Primary School, and Donholm Primary School (2023/2024).
- Renovation of classrooms and administration blocks at Edelvale Primary School (2022/2023).
Security Infrastructure.
- Construction of an office block at Embakasi Police Station (2018/2019).
- Development of water infrastructure at Upper Savannah Chiefs Office.
Public Works and Climate Initiatives.
- Climate change mitigation activities at Utawala Primary School, including planting 1,000 tree seedlings.
- Water infrastructure development with 10,000-liter water tanks at various institutions.
Future Development Plans.
The area is poised for transformative development with several major initiatives underway:
SGR Embakasi Railway Station Area Development.
A major development project focused on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus area is set to reshape the region:
- The Inter-County Physical and Land Use Development Plan for the Nairobi SGR Terminus Sub-Centre and Adjoining Areas (2020-2035) aims to create an integrated and sustainable world-class gateway.
- This development spans both Nairobi City County and Machakos County, situated within Embakasi East and Embakasi South constituencies.
- The project aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 and contributes to achieving the “Big Four” outlined in the Third Medium Term Plan 2018-2022.
- It builds on the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan (NIUPLAN) strategy of decentralizing services away from the Nairobi CBD.
Informal Settlement Improvement.
The Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project II (KISIP II) includes developments in Embakasi area:
- Roads and drainage: upgrading road networks to bitumen standards and constructing storm water drains.
- Street lighting and electrical power improvements.
- Sewerage system enhancements.
Conclusion
Upper Savannah Ward in Embakasi East Constituency represents a dynamic area experiencing significant growth and development. With its strategic location in eastern Nairobi, affordable housing options, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, the area continues to attract residents and investors alike. The upcoming SGR terminus development and other planned projects suggest a bright future for this part of Nairobi, with potential for increased property values and improved quality of life for residents.
While challenges remain, particularly in terms of providing adequate services to its growing population, the concerted efforts of both national and county governments, along with private sector participation, are gradually transforming Upper Savannah into a more developed and connected urban space within the greater Nairobi metropolitan area.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Utawala?
2.How much does land cost per acre in Embakasi?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Lower Savannah?
4.Are there any upcoming real estate projects in Mihang’o?
5.How does the cost of living in Nyayo Estate compare to other areas in Nairobi?
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Utawala?
2.How much does land cost per acre in Embakasi?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Lower Savannah?
4.Are there any upcoming real estate projects in Mihang’o?
5.How does the cost of living in Nyayo Estate compare to other areas in Nairobi?