Mowlem: A Growing Neighborhood in Embakasi West Constituency.

Mowlem is a dynamic, evolving neighborhood located in Embakasi West Constituency, Nairobi County. With significant housing developments underway, changing property values, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, this area represents both the challenges and opportunities found in Nairobi’s rapidly developing urban landscape.

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Geographical and Demographic Profile.

Mowlem is situated approximately 9 kilometers east of Nairobi’s central business district, covering an area of 3.4 square kilometers (1.3 square miles). Named after the British construction company Mowlem, which was contracted to construct Kangundo Road in 1971, the neighborhood has grown significantly over the decades. According to the 2019 census, Mowlem had a population of 88,039 residents with a remarkably high population density of 25,641 people per square kilometer.

The neighborhood forms one of the four electoral wards in Embakasi West Constituency, alongside Umoja I, Umoja II, and Kariobangi South. Embakasi West Constituency itself covers 9.35 square kilometers and was formed prior to the 2013 elections, carved primarily from parts of the former Embakasi Constituency with some areas previously belonging to Kamukunji Constituency. The constituency presents an interesting socioeconomic contrast, containing both relatively affluent areas and some of Nairobi’s most disadvantaged informal settlements.

Mowlem Ward specifically encompasses the areas north of Kangundo Road and forms part of the larger Njiru Sub-county. Its strategic location near major transportation corridors has made it increasingly important in Nairobi’s eastward expansion.

Housing Market and Property Prices.

1 Bedroom Houses For Sale in Mowlem-Affordable Housing Development.

The most significant development affecting Mowlem’s housing market is the government’s plan to construct 4,900 affordable housing units in the area as part of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda. This Sh18 billion project represents Kenya’s first Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Housing Programme. The development is strategically located near the Dandora Station, connecting to Nairobi’s commuter rail system.

The project is being implemented in three phases:

Phase One: 1,200 units.
Phase Two: 2,000 units.
Phase Three: 1,700 units.

The units are priced as follows:

Studio units (880 units): Sh1.8 million.
One-bedroom units (660 units): Sh3 million.
Two-bedroom units (1,680 units): Sh3.7 million.
Three-bedroom units (1,680 units): Sh5.4 million.

This development, handled by Seascan Development Limited, aims to create an integrated community where residents can “live, work, and play” within the development. The TOD model is designed to promote the use of public transport, particularly rail, helping to address Nairobi’s traffic congestion issues.

Property in Mowlem for Rent & Sale-Current Housing Market Prices.

The current housing market in Mowlem reflects its status as a lower-middle to low-income neighborhood. Rental properties show relatively affordable rates compared to Nairobi’s upscale neighborhoods:

A 2-bedroom house rents for approximately KSh 15,000 per month, featuring amenities such as secure compound, ample parking, 24/7 water availability, built-in kitchen cabinets, and instant shower.
1-bedroom houses are available for around KSh 9,500 monthly.

For those looking to purchase apartments in the Mowlem area, recent listings show:

1-bedroom apartments: KSh 3,800,000 (reduced from KSh 4,500,000), with potential rental returns of KSh 17,500 monthly.
2-bedroom apartments: KSh 5,000,000 (reduced from KSh 6,000,000), with potential rental returns of KSh 27,500 monthly.
3-bedroom apartments: KSh 6,000,000 (reduced from KSh 7,500,000), with potential rental returns of KSh 32,500 monthly.

These properties typically include amenities such as ample parking, commercial centers, security features, recreational facilities like gyms and swimming pools, and sometimes educational facilities like kindergartens.

Commercial Property for Sale in Mowlem-Land Prices and Development Opportunities.

Land prices in Mowlem and the broader Embakasi West area vary significantly based on location, size, and intended use. For residential plots in Mowlem, a 40×80 plot with existing structures (7 rooms already built and occupied) was recently listed at KSh 2,500,000.
Commercial land in the broader Embakasi area commands significantly higher prices:
- A 50ft by 80ft commercial plot behind Quickmart with clean title: KSh 12,000,00
- A quarter-acre plot (100″×100″) in Fedha suitable for apartments: KSh 43,000,000.
- A 140ft by 80ft plot in Fedha/Tassia suitable for institutional development: KSh 72,000,000.
These price differences reflect the commercial potential of different locations within the constituency, with areas closer to main roads and commercial centers commanding premium prices. Developers are particularly interested in the area due to its connectivity to transportation networks and growing population.

Recent Infrastructure Development.

Transit-Oriented Development.

The most significant infrastructure development in Mowlem is the aforementioned affordable housing project, which represents Kenya’s first Transit-Oriented Development. This project is not merely about housing but represents a new approach to urban planning in Nairobi, integrating residential development with transportation infrastructure. The proximity to Dandora Station on the Nairobi commuter rail line is a key feature, allowing residents easy access to public transportation.

Road Infrastructure Improvements.

In 2022, Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje launched a comprehensive road upgrading exercise across the constituency, including Mowlem. Working with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA), this initiative aims to improve connectivity within the constituency. The roads upgrade program covers various areas including:

Innercore.
Tena.
Umoja I and II.
Mowlem.
Kwa Maji.
Penyaya.
KCC.
Kariobangi South/Uhuru.
Civil Servant areas.

This road infrastructure development includes comprehensive surveys to provide accurate layouts of roadways, stormwater drainage systems, and other landscape features. The MP has pledged to work closely with relevant roads authorities at national, county, and constituency levels to ensure infrastructure development remains a priority.

Conclusion

Mowlem in Embakasi West Constituency represents the dynamic nature of Nairobi’s urban development. With its affordable housing projects, strategic location, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, the area is positioned for continued growth. The government’s focus on transit-oriented development indicates a forward-thinking approach to urban planning that could potentially transform the neighborhood.

For investors, developers, and potential residents, Mowlem offers an opportunity to participate in an evolving urban landscape with relatively affordable entry points compared to other parts of Nairobi. However, challenges remain, including high population density, infrastructure gaps, and socioeconomic disparities within the broader constituency.

As development continues, particularly with the implementation of the 4,900-unit affordable housing project, Mowlem’s character and property values are likely to see significant changes in the coming years, potentially elevating its position within Nairobi’s diverse neighborhood landscape.

1.What are the current house prices in Umoja I?

2.How much do plots of land cost in Umoja II?

3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Embakasi North?

4.How has the population growth in Kariobangi South affected property prices?

5.Are there any upcoming real estate projects in Embakasi East?