Zimmerman, Roysambu Constituency: A Comprehensive Area Profile.

Zimmerman stands as one of the five key wards within Roysambu Constituency, situated approximately 13 kilometers northeast of Nairobi’s central business district. This thriving suburb has evolved from industrial origins to become a densely populated residential area, offering affordable housing options and strategic positioning within the greater Nairobi metropolitan region. This report explores the area’s facts, current property market dynamics, and recent infrastructure developments.

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Historical Background and Geographical Context.

Zimmerman derives its name from Karl Fritz Paul Zimmerman, a German industrialist who established a taxidermy factory in the area. Zimmerman Limited operated from 1929 until 1977, when the Kenyan government banned hunting, leading to the company’s closure. After operations ceased, the land was sold, but the area retained the Zimmerman name.

Geographically, Zimmerman covers approximately 1.9 km² (0.7 sq mi) and is strategically positioned west of Kasarani, southwest of Roysambu, north of Githurai 44, and west of Mirema. As of the 2019 census, Zimmerman had a population of 49,533 residents, translating to an extremely high population density of 26,359 people per square kilometer. This density reflects its evolution from an industrial zone to a high-density, mixed-use residential area catering primarily to lower-middle-income and low-income residents.

Zimmerman operates within the larger Roysambu Constituency, which spans 48.80 km² (18.8 sq mi) and contains other notable neighborhoods including Garden Estate, Thome, Balozi, Kahawa West, and parts of Githurai. The constituency itself has an interesting etymology, as “Roysambu” evolved from “Royal Suburbs” or “Roy-Subs,” referring to Jewish coffee farms formerly owned by a man named Joreth who later subdivided the land.

Housing Market: Current Prices and Trends.

Rental apartments in Zimmermann: Rental Market.

The rental market in Zimmerman and the broader Roysambu area offers accommodation across various price points, catering to different income segments. As of early 2025, a standard 2-bedroom detached bungalow in Zimmerman was available for rent at KSh 16,500 per month. This represents the mid-range of housing options in the area.

Across Roysambu (including Zimmerman), rental prices generally follow these patterns:

Bedsitters: KSh 6,500 – KSh 10,000 per month
One-bedroom houses: KSh 9,000 – KSh 22,000 per month
Two-bedroom houses: KSh 15,000 – KSh 25,000 per month
Three-bedroom houses: KSh 25,000 – KSh 35,000 per month

These price variations reflect differences in amenities, proximity to main roads, and property conditions within the neighborhood.

House for Sale in Zimmermann, Roysambu: Property Sales Market.

The property sales market in Roysambu has experienced notable price fluctuations over the past two years. As of March 2025, the average house price stood at KSh 35,000,000, ranging from KSh 25,000,000 to KSh 65,000,000. This represents a significant decrease from earlier periods, as evidenced by historical data:

February-January 2025: KSh 65,000,000
May 2024-January 2024: KSh 70,000,000
December-November 2023: KSh 70,000,000
April-February 2023: KSh 82,500,000 (range: KSh 75,000,000-90,000,000)

This downward trend suggests increasing property availability or potential economic factors affecting the real estate market in the area. Houses for sale in the Roysambu area typically average 980m² in size, with most properties featuring parking facilities and gardens, making them suitable for families.

Land Market.

Land for Sale in Zimmermann: Prices and Investment Opportunities.

Land prices in Roysambu and Zimmerman vary significantly based on location, proximity to main roads, and commercial potential. Land for sale in the Roysambu area starts from KES 7 million, with an average price around KES 35.15 million for plots averaging 1,250m². Most available plots are strategically located near essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.

Recent land listings reveal the following price points:

Prime plots at Mirema (off Northern Bypass): KSh 15,000,000
Commercial plot (40×80) behind TRM with ready title: KSh 18,000,000
One acre behind Safari Park Hotel: KSh 158,000,000
Plot less than 500 meters from Thika Road: KSh 65,000,000
Commercial plot opposite USIU entrance: KSh 240,000,000

These prices indicate the premium placed on commercial plots and those with strategic locations near major institutions or transport corridors. The wide price range reflects the diverse investment opportunities available in the area, from smaller residential plots to large commercial parcels.

Recent Infrastructure Developments: KDF Housing Project.

A significant infrastructure development in Roysambu is the ongoing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Housing Project. This initiative aims to address housing shortages among KDF personnel, with the construction of 3,069 modern and affordable housing units across various locations, including Roysambu. As of December 2024, Phase 1 of the project had achieved 59% completion, with the entire project expected to be concluded by June 2025. The development includes both single-line and married quarters, representing a substantial investment in the area’s housing infrastructure.

Storm Water Drainage Improvements.

The Zimmerman ward has been the focus of infrastructure upgrades through the “Improvement of Kamiti Road Storm Water Drainage” project. Initiated in September 2023, this 12-month project encompasses:

Construction and improvement of storm water drainage systems along Kamiti Road.
Development of walkways along the road.
Desilting and improvement of outfall drains
Relocation of services like water within Zimmerman.

This project addresses crucial infrastructure needs in an area where drainage has been problematic during rainy seasons.

Road Infrastructure Challenges.

Despite ongoing development initiatives, road infrastructure remains a challenge in parts of Roysambu. In late March 2025, residents of Lumumba Drive in Roysambu staged demonstrations protesting the poor condition of roads in the area. The protesters highlighted how seasonal rains had exacerbated already deplorable road conditions, creating potholes and flooding that made roads nearly impassable. These protests reflect ongoing infrastructure challenges that affect daily life and economic activities in the area, despite development in other sectors.

Challenges and Future Outlook.

Zimmerman and the broader Roysambu area face several challenges despite their strategic location and ongoing development. The high population density (26,359 people per square kilometer in Zimmerman) places significant pressure on existing infrastructure, particularly roads, drainage systems, and public services. The recent protests over road conditions highlight the gap between population growth and infrastructure development.

However, the area continues to attract investment due to its proximity to major roads and institutions. The KDF housing project and drainage improvements indicate ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, which could positively impact property values and quality of life in the coming years.

Conclusion

Zimmerman in Roysambu Constituency presents a study in contrasts: a densely populated area with roots in industrial history, now transformed into a predominantly residential neighborhood serving middle to low-income residents. The property market shows signs of price adjustments, with housing costs trending downward from 2023 to 2025, potentially increasing affordability. Land prices remain robust, particularly for plots with commercial potential or strategic locations.

Infrastructure development presents both progress and challenges. While significant investments like the KDF housing project and drainage improvements are underway, basic infrastructure like road networks continues to struggle with maintenance and capacity issues. Future development in Zimmerman and Roysambu will likely depend on balancing continued population growth with strategic infrastructure investments to enhance livability and sustain property values.

For residents, investors, and policymakers, understanding these dynamics is essential for making informed decisions about living, investing, or developing in this evolving part of Nairobi.

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1.What are the current infrastructure projects in Roysambu?