Viwandani Ward in Makadara Constituency: Area Profile, Property Market, and Infrastructure Development.

Viwandani stands as a significant electoral ward within Makadara Constituency, characterized by its urban landscape, industrial proximity, and ongoing development efforts. This report examines the key aspects of Viwandani and the broader Makadara area, exploring its geographical features, demographic composition, property market trends, and recent infrastructure initiatives.

Locations > Nairobi > Makadara > Viwandani

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Geographical Context and Demographics.

Viwandani is one of four electoral wards within Makadara Constituency, located in the eastern part of Nairobi County. The name “Viwandani” is derived from Kiswahili, literally meaning “at the industrial zone,” reflecting its location adjacent to Nairobi’s Industrial Area. The ward forms part of the larger informal settlement network in eastern Nairobi and is included in demographic surveillance programs due to its unique urban characteristics.

Within Makadara Constituency, Viwandani covers approximately 5.7 square kilometers, making it the largest ward by area in the constituency. According to available census data, Viwandani has a population of approximately 44,881 residents, forming part of Makadara’s total population of 160,434. The ward consists of thirteen distinct villages or neighborhoods, including Jamaica, Kingstone, Lunga Lunga Centre, Lunga Lunga Donholm, Milimani, Paradise A, B, and C, Riverside, Sinai, Sinali Reli, Tetrapak, and Uchumi.

Makadara constituency as a whole spans approximately 13-20 square kilometers (sources vary) and is bounded by Embakasi South to the south, Kamukunji and Starehe to the west, Embakasi East to the east, and Mathare to the north. The constituency comprises four wards: Viwandani, Harambee, Maringo/Hamza, and Makongeni, with Viwandani accounting for nearly 44% of the constituency’s land area.

Property Market Analysis.

Property in Viwandani for Rent & Sale-House Prices and Trends.

The housing market in Makadara Constituency has shown interesting fluctuations over recent periods. According to market data from 2023, the average price for houses for sale in Makadara stood at KSh 10,000,000, reflecting a stabilization after higher prices of up to KSh 20,000,000 observed in late 2022. This downward adjustment aligns with broader Kenyan housing market trends, which showed a 3.4% overall decline in prices in recent quarters.

The Kenya Bankers Association Housing Price Index indicates that house prices dropped by 1.1% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, with a more significant 14.28% year-on-year decline. This price correction has been attributed to reduced speculative buying and changing financing conditions, creating opportunities for potential homeowners while presenting challenges for developers.

Residential Plots in Viwandani -Land Prices.

Land prices in the Makadara area vary considerably based on location, size, and development potential. Several listings provide insight into the current market:

A prime 0.5-acre plot near Langata Road in Makadara is listed for KSh 150,000,000, marketed as ideal for residential development.
A 0.25-acre (40×100) plot in Makadara is advertised for KSh 2,000,000, though the description mentions an asking price of KSh 20,000,000, suggesting significant variability or a potential listing error.
A quarter-acre parcel touching Jogoo Road in Makadara, located 900 meters from Makadara Law Courts, is priced at KSh 100,000,000. This plot includes existing structures that could be renovated or demolished for new development.
A 0.27-acre property near Huruma Girls High School and Makadara Law Courts, along Nyasa Road off Jogoo Road, is listed at KSh 40,000,000.
A substantially larger 5.88-acre plot located 600 meters from Jogoo Road in Ofafa features perimeter walling and utility connections, though the price is not specified.

These listings demonstrate the wide range of land prices in the area, with factors such as proximity to main roads, existing structures, and development potential significantly influencing valuations.

Infrastructure Development Initiatives.

Road Network Improvements.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has initiated a significant project focused on the “Improvement of Makongeni Estate Roads Lot 2” in Makadara Constituency as of August 2024. This project aims to enhance connectivity within the constituency, particularly benefiting the Makongeni Estate adjacent to Viwandani. The tender documentation suggests this is part of a broader urban mobility transformation effort.

County-Level Infrastructure Projects.

While not specific to Viwandani in Makadara, Nakuru County’s infrastructure development provides a model of what similar counties are implementing:

The 2021/22-2023/24 period saw extensive road improvements, with over 1,600 kilometers graded and more than 1,000 kilometers graveled.
Additional infrastructure improvements included 47 motor-able footbridges, maintenance of 145.77 kilometers of drainage networks, construction of 32.13 kilometers of new drainage, and installation of 1,243 floodlights.

These initiatives mirror potential development paths for urban areas like Viwandani, which face similar infrastructure challenges.

Housing and Urban Development.

The broader Nairobi real estate market has seen increased emphasis on affordable housing solutions, with developers responding to growing demand from middle-income families. This trend is particularly relevant for areas like Viwandani, which combines informal settlements with potential for formal development.

The integration of technology in property development is advancing rapidly in Nairobi, with features such as virtual property tours, AI-driven valuations, and property management tools enhancing market efficiency. These innovations are gradually reaching constituencies like Makadara, improving access to housing information and services.

Conclusion

Viwandani ward in Makadara Constituency presents a complex urban landscape characterized by its industrial adjacency, diverse settlements, and evolving property market. As one of Nairobi’s electoral wards with significant informal settlements, it faces unique challenges but also opportunities for development and improvement.

The property market in Makadara shows signs of price correction, potentially making homeownership more accessible while creating challenges for developers. Land prices remain highly variable, reflecting the different development potentials across the constituency. Recent infrastructure initiatives, particularly road improvements, signal ongoing efforts to enhance the area’s connectivity and livability.

As Nairobi continues to grow and evolve, Viwandani and the broader Makadara Constituency stand at the intersection of urban challenges and opportunities, with potential for improved infrastructure, housing, and services to benefit its diverse population in the coming years.

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