Bondeni: A Transformative Development in Nakuru Town East Constituency.

Bondeni, once characterized by informal settlements and inadequate infrastructure, is undergoing a remarkable transformation that exemplifies the broader development trajectory of Nakuru Town East Constituency. This area is witnessing significant investment in affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, and urban renewal initiatives that are reshaping its social and economic landscape.

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Geographical and Administrative Context.

Nakuru Town East Constituency is one of eleven constituencies in Nakuru County, created in 2010 when the former Nakuru Town Constituency was divided into East and West segments. Located within Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, this constituency forms part of the larger Nakuru County which spans approximately 7,495 km². The constituency itself covers 230.9 km² with a population density of 840 people per square kilometer, making it the second most densely populated sub-county in Nakuru after Nakuru Town West.

According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, Nakuru Town East has a population of 193,926 residents, with 100,960 women slightly outnumbering the 92,956 men. This demographic distribution reflects broader patterns across Nakuru County, which hosts approximately 4.54% of Kenya’s total population.

Political Representation

Since its establishment as a separate constituency, Nakuru Town East has been represented by David Gikaria, who has won three consecutive elections (2013, 2017, and 2022) on Jubilee Party (JP) and subsequently United Democratic Alliance (UDA) tickets. This political continuity has provided some stability for development planning in the area.

The Bondeni Housing Transformation.

From Slum to Modern Housing Estate.

Historically, Bondeni has faced significant challenges as an informal settlement characterized by dilapidated structures, overcrowding, and limited access to basic amenities. Most buildings in the area date back to the 1950s, with decades of minimal development contributing to deteriorating living conditions. The neighborhood has struggled with crime, poor housing, and recurring flooding due to inadequate drainage systems.

However, a remarkable transformation is currently underway through the government’s affordable housing initiative:

Property in Bondeni for Rent & Sale-Affordable Housing Project Details.

The Kenyan government has invested Sh2 billion in constructing nearly 1,000 affordable housing units in Bondeni, implemented through a public-private partnership with King Sapphire Developers, a subsidiary of Royal Group Industries. This ambitious project comprises 605 units distributed as:

45 one-bedroom units.
180 two-bedroom units (64 sqm) priced at Ksh3.1 million.
380 three-bedroom units (85 sqm) priced at Ksh4.2-4.5 million.

For potential homeowners unable to make full payments upfront, the government offers a rent-to-own option with monthly payments of Ksh16,997 for two-bedroom units and Ksh22,933 for three-bedroom units. Interested buyers need to provide a 10% deposit to qualify for purchase.

Housing Affordability Considerations.

When these prices were announced in January 2024, some Kenyans expressed concerns about affordability. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga explained that the Bondeni houses were constructed using a different model from current affordable housing programs, noting they were built “100 per cent with investor funds and zero offtake. The units are also larger than those in newer affordable housing programs, with a two-bedroom unit in Bondeni (64 sqm) exceeding the size of three-bedroom units (60 sqm) in more recent projects.

Recent Infrastructure Developments.

The housing project represents just one aspect of Bondeni’s transformation. Several complementary infrastructure projects are enhancing the area’s livability and economic potential:

Drainage System Improvements.

In April 2025, Nakuru City Management announced an intensified effort to address chronic drainage issues plaguing Bondeni estate. City Manager Gitau Thabanja and technical officers conducted on-site inspections of roads and drainage systems, identifying critical areas requiring immediate intervention. The inspection revealed numerous blockages in drainage channels that significantly heightened flooding risks during heavy rainfall.

This initiative forms part of Governor Susan Kihika’s broader commitment to transform Bondeni’s drainage system as a vital component of urban renewal. Technical teams have mapped key intervention points for both immediate repairs and long-term upgrades designed to effectively manage stormwater and mitigate future flooding risks.

Commercial Infrastructure.

Complementing the housing developments, the government is constructing a Sh600 million ultra-modern market and a matatu and bus terminus in the neighborhood. These commercial facilities are expected to stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, and improve transportation connectivity for residents.

World Bank-Backed Improvements.

The World Bank-backed Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) is implementing additional infrastructure improvements in Bondeni and other informal settlements, including:

Road construction and rehabilitation.
Drainage system upgrades.
Other key infrastructure enhancements.

Economic and Social Impact.

Crime Reduction and Social Transformation.

Residents anticipate significant positive changes in Bondeni’s social dynamics. David Onyango, a local resident, expects a reduction in crime rates as improved living conditions and new employment opportunities reshape community attitudes. “For a long time, Bondeni has been home to criminal gangs and youth who use hard drugs, but this is set to change,” he noted, expressing optimism that the housing and market developments will encourage more productive engagement among previously idle youth.

Investment Opportunities.

Another resident, Mary Wanjiru, hopes the developments will attract investors to an area that has lagged in development since most houses were constructed in the 1950s. This sentiment aligns with broader expectations for Nakuru’s real estate market, where land prices appreciate at an average rate of 12.7% annually.

Broader Affordable Housing Context in Nakuru County.

The Bondeni project is part of a larger affordable housing initiative across Nakuru County that aims to deliver 10,000 housing units. With the 605 units in Bondeni already completed and handed over to new owners, additional phases are underway in Bahati and Molo (Elburgon), with plans to build 2,000 units in Naivasha and 3,000 units in Nakuru City.

As of April 2025, the Sh504 million Bahati Affordable Housing Project was at 85% completion. This project includes 220 housing units: 60 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom units, and 20 three-bedroom units. These developments form part of the government’s ambitious plan to construct more than 50,000 low-cost housing units in Nakuru County within the next decade.

Quarter Acre Plot in Ngong, Bondeni, Touching the Main Rd-Land Prices and Real Estate Outlook.

While specific land prices for Bondeni are not directly provided in the search results, Nakuru’s real estate market has been showing strong growth trends. The elevation of Nakuru to city status in December 2021 is expected to drive significant increases in property values, though analysts suggest the full impact may take 5-10 years to materialize fully.

Overall, real estate in Nakuru appreciates at 12.7% annually according to analysis by Username Properties, making it an attractive investment destination. Land prices across Nakuru vary considerably, with residential plots starting from as low as Ksh650,000 in some areas to as high as Ksh2.5 billion for premium properties.

Conclusion

Bondeni exemplifies the transformative urban renewal taking place across Nakuru Town East Constituency. Through significant investments in affordable housing, drainage infrastructure, and commercial facilities, this once-struggling informal settlement is evolving into a more organized, economically vibrant community. While challenges remain, particularly regarding housing affordability for the lowest-income segments, the ongoing developments represent substantial progress in improving living conditions and economic opportunities for residents.

The comprehensive approach combining housing with supporting infrastructure and commercial facilities demonstrates a holistic urban development strategy that could serve as a model for transforming other informal settlements in Kenya’s rapidly growing urban centers.

Bondeni