Mathare North, Ruaraka Constituency: Area Profile, Property Market, and Development.
Mathare North, located within Ruaraka Constituency in Nairobi, represents a complex urban landscape with a rich history, evolving property market, and significant ongoing infrastructure developments. This report explores the key characteristics of this area, current property values, and recent development initiatives transforming the neighborhood.
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Historical Background and Geographic Context.
Mathare has deep historical roots dating back to Kenya’s pre-independence era. In the late 1950s, the area served as a hideout for “mau mau” freedom fighters who concealed weapons and conducted oath ceremonies in the region. Following Kenya’s independence, numerous landless citizens migrated to Nairobi seeking employment opportunities, with many ultimately settling in Mathare Valley due to affordable housing options.
The broader Mathare area covers approximately 157 hectares, stretching from Pangani to Gitathuru river. It represents an agglomeration of 13 informal settlement villages with a combined population estimated at 500,000 residents. Mathare Valley alone, the oldest section of these settlements, houses approximately 180,000 people.
Administratively, Mathare North falls within Ruaraka Constituency, which was created following the 2013 electoral boundary changes when Kasarani Constituency was subdivided. This northern portion of Mathare was previously part of Kasarani Constituency until these administrative changes took effect. The adjacent Mathare Constituency (which includes other parts of the informal settlement) covers approximately 3.00 km² and contains six administrative wards: Hospital, Mabatini, Huruma, Ngei, Mlango Kubwa, and Kiamaiko.
Property Market Analysis.
Rental Apartment in Mathare North – Residential Property Prices.
The residential property market in Mathare North and surrounding Ruaraka areas presents a diverse range of options and price points:
- Apartment Units in Ruaraka: A typical 3-bedroom apartment in Ruaraka sells for approximately KSh 13,500,000. These units average around 135 m² in size, putting the price per square meter at approximately KSh 100,000. Developments like 360 Pavilion place estate offer amenities including backup power, gated security, and convenient access to both Thika Superhighway and Northern By-pass.
- Income-Generating Residential Properties: A block of 51 single-room rental units in Mathare North Area 4 was recently listed for KSh 15,000,000. This property spans approximately 3,000 square feet (30 by 80 feet) and generates a monthly rental income of about KSh 200,000, with individual units renting for between KSh 3,000-5,000 monthly.
- Townhouses: More upscale 4-bedroom townhouses in Ruaraka are available for approximately KSh 17,000,000. These typically feature modern architectural designs with open-plan layouts, spacious bedrooms, and contemporary amenities.
Farm Land for Sale in Mathare North - Commercial and Land Properties.
Commercial property and undeveloped land in the area command premium prices, reflecting the development potential:
- Prime Development Land: A 3/4-acre freehold property in Mathare North was recently listed for KSh 55,000,000. Located approximately 1 kilometer from landmarks such as De LaRue and the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, this land features existing structures that could be demolished for redevelopment. The property benefits from proximity to tarmac roads (about 50 meters away) and connected utilities including electricity and water.
- Commercial Property Market: While comprehensive commercial property data is limited, the significant price of development land suggests strong commercial potential in strategic locations within Mathare North.
Recent Infrastructure Developments.
Mathare North and the broader Ruaraka area are experiencing substantial infrastructure investments aimed at improving living conditions and economic opportunities:
Government-Led Projects.
In March 2025, President William Ruto launched several transformative projects in the Mathare and Ruaraka constituencies, including:
- Construction of an 800-bed dormitory at St Teresa’s Secondary School
- Development of 12 new classrooms at Mabatini Primary School
- Construction of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center
- Implementation of a last-mile electricity program to improve power connectivity
- Development of affordable housing units
- Establishment of a modern gateway market in Ruaraka constituency
Commercial Infrastructure.
The “Proposed development of Mathare North modern market in Nairobi County” represents a significant commercial infrastructure initiative. This project was tendered in November 2021 with a substantial bid security requirement of KES 1,500,000, indicating the scale of the development. The project continues to be included in the 2024/2025 Development Budget, suggesting ongoing commitment to its implementation.
Digital and Administrative Infrastructure.
February 2025 saw the publication of a tender for the construction of the “Jitume Huduma Centre, ICT Hub and Administration Chiefs Office at Ngei Ward,” representing an investment in digital infrastructure and administrative services for the community.
Broader Urban Renewal Initiatives.
The Mathare area benefits from comprehensive development strategies outlined in the Mathare Zonal Plan, which recommends:
- Investment in valley-wide trunk and household-level connections for water and sanitary infrastructure
- Improvements to roads, pathways and drainage systems
- Expansion of electricity connections to households and lighting for public areas
- Organization of a Mathare civil society network to improve implementation of infrastructure investments
- Participatory monitoring of infrastructure upgrading impacts
Additionally, the Nairobi River Regeneration project, while not specific to Mathare North, will significantly impact the area as the river traverses the broader Mathare constituency. This initiative includes construction of a 60-kilometer sewer stretch to prevent waste deposition into the river and plans for 50,000 units of social housing on reclaimed areas.
Conclusion
Mathare North in Ruaraka constituency represents an area in transition. While maintaining its historical identity as an informal settlement, it is experiencing significant infrastructure investment and property development. The residential property market shows diverse price points ranging from KSh 13.5-17 million for formal housing units, while investment properties like rental blocks command prices around KSh 15 million. Prime development land remains valuable at approximately KSh 55 million for a 3/4-acre parcel.
Recent and ongoing infrastructure developments – including educational facilities, market spaces, administrative centers, and basic service improvements – reflect substantial public investment in the area. These developments, combined with the active property market, suggest continued transformation of Mathare North into a more integrated and developed section of Nairobi’s urban landscape.
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