Githurai in Roysambu Constituency: Area Profile, Real Estate Market, and Development Projects.
Githurai stands as a vibrant ward within Roysambu Constituency, characterized by rapid development, diverse real estate options, and significant infrastructure improvements. This report examines the geographical and demographic profile of the area, current real estate market conditions, and noteworthy development projects transforming this dynamic suburban region.
Geographical and Demographic Profile.
Roysambu Constituency, which encompasses Githurai, occupies a total area of 48.80 square kilometers with a population of 202,284 according to the 2009 census. The constituency consists of five wards: Githurai, Kahawa West, Zimmerman, Roysambu, and Kahawa. Roysambu itself is a commercial and residential suburb located within the larger Kasarani area, approximately 11 kilometers northeast of Nairobi’s central business district off Thika Road.
The area has a fascinating history dating back to 1904 when it was leased to an Australian named Henry Hebert Tarlton, who transformed the 4,443-acre parcel into an open-air zoo, livestock farm, and hunting ground collectively named “The Roysambu Estate.” Following Tarlton’s death in 1932, the land was gradually subdivided and developed into the mixed-use estate visible today. The name “Roysambu” is believed to derive from the Maasai term “Soit Sambu” or “Soysambu,” meaning “the place of striated rocks” or possibly referencing cattle of a particular color.
Demographically, Roysambu is densely populated with approximately 4,000 people per square kilometer, primarily consisting of immigrants from the former Central Province and smaller numbers from other parts of Kenya. The area hosts significant educational institutions, including Kenyatta University and United States International University Africa, which attract both national and international students.
Real Estate Market Analysis.
Rental Apartments in Githurai: Housing Prices.
The housing market in Githurai offers diverse options across various price points:
- Rental Properties:
- One-bedroom apartments in Githurai 44 rent for approximately KSh 11,000 per month.
- Properties for Sale:
- Two-storey flats in Githurai 45 (with 1 and 2-bedroom units) generating KSh 85,000 monthly: KSh 9,500,000.
- Flats on Kamiti Road in Githurai 44: KSh 15,000,000
- Apartment blocks with 7 units: KSh 10,000,000.
- Fully occupied blocks of flats in Githurai 44: KSh 40,000,000.
- Rental properties with single and double rooms at Githurai 45: KSh 7,000,000.
- Rental house with monthly income of KSh 60,000: KSh 5,000,0002
- Storey house on prime 60m×60m plot along the busy Githurai 44 highway: KSh 20,000,000.
Land for Sale in Githurai: Land Prices.
Land values in Githurai show significant variation based on location, accessibility, and development potential:
- Average price for lands and plots: KSh 7,783,333.33.
- Price range: KSh 4,000,000 (lowest) to KSh 15,000,000 (highest)
- Premium plots near Thika Superhighway: A 0.38-acre (3/8 acre) prime plot with road access, utilities, and ready title deed: KSh 25,000,000.
Various plot configurations are available:
- 40 by 70 plots near the newly constructed railway station in Githurai 45.
- 75 by 50 plots behind Highview apartment in Githurai 45.
- Quarter-acre plots (100 by 100) near PCEA church in Githurai Kimbo.
- 50 by 100 plots in Mwihoko and Githurai 44, marketed as “commercial residential plots.
- Corner plots in the Kahawa West KU referral area.
Recent Infrastructure Development Projects.
House for Sale in Githurai : Githurai Modern Market.
One of the most significant recent developments is the Githurai Modern Market, which has transformed commercial activities in the area:
- Over 1,000 traders at Githurai 45 Market have occupied the newly constructed modern market facility.
- The market has a capacity of 1,200 stalls and cost approximately KSh 400 million.
- It was officially opened on August 4, 2023, by President William Ruto, after completion under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
- The market comprises seven major sections: Migingo/Muiguithania, Post Bank, Kwa Nyanya, Jubilee, New Jubilee, Gateway, and Pamoja Market.
Additional market development projects include:
- A proposed KSh 850 million Githurai Two Modern Market off Thika superhighway.
- Construction of markets near Githurai Post Office and at Muiganania, each costing KSh 50 million.
- These are part of 20 modern markets planned across Kiambu County.
The Githurai market project has faced scrutiny, with the Parliamentary committee on housing calling for investigations into alleged cost inflation from KSh 827.170 million to KSh 1.026 billion. Housing officials attributed the increase to necessary adjustments in scope and design modifications for the five-storey facility.
Road Infrastructure.
Significant improvements to road infrastructure are underway:
- Construction of Githurai Railway Station Access Roads, covering 1.2 kilometers from the railway station through Mwiki Primary School, Deputy County Commissioner’s office, CDF office to the Bus Park.
- Upgrading from earth roads to proper surfaces to address mobility challenges during rainy seasons when existing roads flood and become impassable.
- The Kenya Urban Roads Authority has issued tenders for Performance Based Routine Maintenance of Githurai Kimbo Roads (Package 25)
Water Infrastructure.
Water supply improvements are also in progress:
- A KSh 5.7 billion project to provide Ruiru Sub-county with capacity for one million liters of water from Kariminu Dam, which will also benefit neighboring areas including parts of Roysambu constituency.
- The project aims to address acute water shortages experienced in Juja and Thika sub-counties.
Educational and Social Development Projects.
The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) has allocated significant resources to Roysambu constituency for various projects:
- Construction of ablution blocks at Kahawa Primary School.
- Renovation of facilities at Garden Estate Primary School.
- Bursary allocations of KSh 27 million for secondary schools and KSh 20 million for tertiary institutions.
- Emergency funds (KSh 7,192,206.90) to address unforeseen occurrences in the constituency.
Conclusion
Githurai within Roysambu constituency represents a rapidly evolving suburban landscape with significant real estate market activity and infrastructure development. The area’s strategic location along Thika Road, proximity to major educational institutions, and ongoing infrastructure improvements continue to enhance its appeal for residents and investors alike. With multiple market facilities under development, road improvement projects, and water infrastructure enhancements, Githurai is poised for continued growth and increased property values in the coming years. These developments address historical challenges while creating new opportunities for commercial activities, improved living conditions, and economic growth in this dynamic part of Nairobi metropolitan region.
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Roysambu?
2.How have land prices in Garden Estate changed over the past five years?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Ridgeways?
4.Are there any upcoming real estate projects in Kahawa West?
5.How does the cost of living in Kahawa compare to other Nairobi suburbs?
Related
1.What are the current house prices in Roysambu?
2.How have land prices in Garden Estate changed over the past five years?
3.What recent infrastructure developments have taken place in Ridgeways?
4.Are there any upcoming real estate projects in Kahawa West?
5.How does the cost of living in Kahawa compare to other Nairobi suburbs?