Bahati in Makadara Constituency: A Comprehensive Analysis of Development, Housing, and Land Trends.

Bahati, once the official name of what is now Makadara Constituency, represents an important historical and evolving urban district in Nairobi County. This report examines current area characteristics, housing market trends, land valuation, and infrastructure development initiatives shaping this dynamic region through early 2025.

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Historical Context and Geographic Profile.

Makadara Constituency, which includes Bahati, has undergone several identity transformations since Kenya’s independence. Originally established as Doonholm Constituency during the 1963 and 1969 elections, it was later known as Bahati Constituency until 1997, when it acquired its current name of Makadara. This area holds historical significance as former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki once served as its Member of Parliament before relocating to Othaya Constituency.

Geographically, Makadara Constituency occupies approximately 13-20 square kilometers in the central eastern and southern portions of Nairobi County. It borders Embakasi South to the south, Kamukunji and Starehe to the west, Embakasi East to the east, and Mathare to the north. The constituency is currently represented by Hon. George Aladwa of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Administrative Structure and Demographics.

Makadara Constituency is administratively divided into four wards:

Maringo/Hamza (2.9 km², population 52,293).
Viwandani (5.7 km², population 44,881).
Harambee (2.6 km², population 32,238).
Makongeni (1.8 km², population 31,022).

According to the 2019 census, Makadara Constituency had a population of 189,536 residents. Population projections indicate growth to approximately 211,489 people by 2025, with a relatively balanced gender distribution of 107,907 males and 103,597 females. While Bahati is not currently designated as an official ward, it remains recognized as a distinct neighborhood within the broader administrative boundaries of Makadara.

Housing Market Analysis and Trends.

Property & Houses for Sale in Bahati -Current Housing Prices and Market Conditions.

The housing market in Makadara and surrounding areas reflects broader Kenyan real estate trends. As of February 2025, the Kenya Bankers Association Housing Price Index reported a 1.1% quarterly decrease in house prices and a substantial 14.28% year-over-year decline. This correction stems from reduced speculative buying and evolving financing conditions, though financial institutions have begun adjusting lending policies to support potential homebuyers.

Residential rental properties in the Bahati/Makadara area demonstrate considerable variation in pricing:

Monthly rental rates for 4-bedroom maisonettes in nearby Buruburu Estate average KSh 45,000.
Short-term accommodation options include daily rates of KSh 3,500 for 1-bedroom units and KSh 6,600-6,800 for 3-bedroom units in the Jogoo Road/Kimathi Estate vicinity.

Affordable Housing Initiatives.

The area has become a focal point for ambitious affordable housing development. President William Ruto recently announced the construction of 4,600 housing units in Makadara as part of the Shauri Moyo B Affordable Housing Project, emphasizing the government’s commitment to urban renewal despite political opposition. This initiative forms part of a broader plan to deliver approximately 100,000 housing units across Nairobi over the next three years.

The Eastlands Urban Renewal Plan envisions a dramatic expansion of housing stock in the region from approximately 16,569 units to over 125,508 units through strategic densification. This comprehensive development approach incorporates diverse housing typologies including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units designed to accommodate various socioeconomic groups. The estimated investment for developing houses in Makadara Rental Housing alone approaches KSh 1.6 billion.

Land Valuation and Investment Opportunities.

Prime 1-Acre Land for Sale in Bahati-Current Land Prices.

Land values in Makadara Constituency reflect the area’s strategic positioning within Nairobi’s urban landscape. Current market listings reveal significant investment opportunities with varying price points:

A 5.88-acre development parcel off Jogoo Road in Ofafa, Makadara is valued at KSh 420 million.
A 3/4-acre commercial plot near Mbotela shopping center along Jogoo Road is priced at KSh 100 million.
A 1/2-acre plot with an existing 3-bedroom bungalow near Uchumi along Jogoo Road is available for KSh 95 million.
A smaller “prime plot” measuring 50×70 feet opposite Makadara railway station, which includes 8 housing units, is listed at KSh 11.5 million.

These valuations position Makadara land prices significantly above national rural averages (KSh 500,000 to KSh 2 million per acre) but remain more accessible than Nairobi’s central business district properties, which can command up to KSh 100 million per acre.

Investment Considerations.

The varying land prices reflect several crucial factors including proximity to transportation corridors, existing infrastructure, development potential, and current zoning. Commercial plots along major arteries like Jogoo Road command premium prices, while smaller residential parcels offer more accessible entry points for investors. The ongoing infrastructure developments and affordable housing initiatives may significantly impact future land valuations in this region.

Infrastructure Development and Urban Renewal.

Current Development Projects.

Makadara Constituency is experiencing substantial infrastructure investment across multiple sectors:

Housing Development: The Jogoo Road-Phase 2 Affordable Housing Project represents a flagship development initiative within the constituency. President Ruto’s administration has designated a 12-acre plot in Shauri Moyo for 4,600 new housing units, underscoring the government’s urban renewal priorities.
Environmental Restoration: The recently launched Nairobi River Regeneration project includes a 60-kilometer sewer expansion to prevent waste contamination of the Nairobi River. This environmental initiative interconnects with plans for 50,000 social housing units on reclaimed riverfront areas and promises employment opportunities for approximately 30,000 young people from Nairobi.
Community Development: The National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) for Makadara has issued multiple tenders for local projects as of February 2025, indicating ongoing investment in community infrastructure.

Strategic Urban Planning Initiatives.

The Eastlands Urban Renewal Plan outlines comprehensive development strategies for Makadara and surrounding areas, focusing on:

Healthcare and Education: Proposals include establishing a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and a Level 4 Hospital in Makadara as flagship projects for improved community services.
Transportation Enhancement: Plans incorporate Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors alongside Non-Motorized Transport infrastructure to improve connectivity.
Economic Development: The urban renewal strategy aims to increase employment opportunities more than six-fold, from approximately 67,692 to 407,352 positions. Key commercial nodes identified for development include Makadara, Jericho, Buruburu, and other shopping centers, with high-rise mixed-use developments proposed to maximize economic potential.

Conclusion

Bahati within Makadara Constituency stands at a transformative junction in early 2025, balancing its historical identity with ambitious development initiatives. The region’s housing market reflects national price corrections while benefiting from significant government investment in affordable housing. Land values remain attractive relative to other parts of Nairobi, potentially offering investment opportunities as infrastructure improvements progress.

The comprehensive urban renewal strategies targeting transportation, environmental restoration, economic development, and community services position Makadara for substantial growth. For residents, investors, and policymakers, the convergence of these initiatives suggests Bahati and broader Makadara will experience continued evolution as a vital component of Nairobi’s urban landscape, with particular emphasis on increased housing density, improved infrastructure, and expanded employment opportunities.

1.What are the current house prices in Hamza?

2.How much does land cost per acre in Jogoo Road?

3.Are there any recent infrastructure developments in Mathare North?

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5.How has the real estate market in Mbotela changed over the past five years?