Ruiru is a sub-county town within Kiambu County located within the greater Nairobi region. It is one of the largest urban centers in Kenya and is best known for its vibrant and thriving community and rapidly growing industrial-based economy.
Ruiru is a quieter environment to move and settle with family or set up a business because it’s affordable and offers access to essential amenities.
Even though Ruiru is moderately industrialized, the town has its fair share of greenery being once a coffee and sisal plantation. The town has luxurious and affordable residential units suitable for the expatriate and diplomatic community in Kenya.
7 Top Reasons for Moving to Ruiru
1.Proximity to Nairobi CBD and Major Towns
Getting to Nairobi CBD takes at least 40 minutes via the Thika Superhighway, and you can also connect to other towns and counties like Thika, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, or Nyeri. You can easily reach Mombasa Road and the JKIA via the Eastern By-Pass if you need to book a flight. You can also access Limuru Road and Ruaka through the Northern By-Pass at Membley.
2. Serene Environment
Ruiru was historically a sisal and coffee farm. The area’s moderate weather and black cotton soil give it a serene, rural atmosphere. You can move to Ruiru and grow vegetables, rear fish, or even keep a few goats – things you may not easily do in upmarket Nairobi estates.
3. Access to Public Utilities
Ruiru is well-served by the Ruiru-Juja Water and Sewerage Company in conjunction with the CDF-funded community borehole water projects. In fact, the County Government of Kiambu recently appointed new members to strengthen water and sewerage services to address Ruiru’s growing population.
The town is relatively secure, with police distributed evenly in the area. Newer estates are adopting gated-community models to keep residents and businesses even safer.
4. Affordable Cost of Living
Ruiru is relatively affordable and most people can live within their means. When moving to Ruiru, expect rent to range between KES 25,000 – KES 30,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and KES 35,000 – kKES 40,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment. Buying a 4-bedroom house could cost between KES 15 million – KES 20 million, depending on the design and finishing. Stalls and supermarkets are available for food and clothing, and some stay open even on Sundays.
5. Easy Access to Basic Amenities
Ruiru is close to Kenyatta University, Zetech University, and NIBS. Kamakis restaurants along the Eastern By-Pass are common weekend hangouts if you wish to entertain. The Rainbow Hotel and the BTL Christian Conference Center in the Membley area are also common destinations.
Other dining and recreation venues around Ruiru include KFC, Ruiru Rainbow Resort, Artcaffe, and Simbisa.
The KU Unicity Mall, China Square, and Spur Mall are also accessible for all shopping needs.
6. Growing Industrial Center
For companies considering office relocations, especially those in the manufacturing industry, Ruiru makes a compelling case. Many manufacturers are based in Ruiru, from iron sheets or ‘mabati’ maker Devki Steel, Mill Bakers, Dr Mattresses factories, and Hotpoint appliance suppliers.
The construction of the ultra-modern Bidco Industrial Park, – a KES. 20 billion facility- is further evidence of Ruiru’s expanding economy. This makes the Ruiru atmosphere conducive for diverse enterprises to thrive.
7. Future Developments
Ruiru is poised for rapid development and expansion with the upcoming Northlands City and Kings Boma Estate.
Kings Boma Estate is an affordable housing project set to provide a variety of studio to three-bedroom apartments with children’s play areas, green spaces, and gated access. The project is designed to attract families and people looking for quality, reasonably priced homes and communal living to Ruiru.
Northlands City, an 11,000-acre is designed to be a self-sufficient metropolitan center that offers residential, commercial, and industrial areas to about 250,000 people. The project aims to blend domestic comfort with economic vibrancy and serve as a monument to creative urban design.
These large-scale initiatives aim to develop the Ruiru community even better and give locals a sense of pride and belonging. With better economic prospects and greater standard of living, Ruiru is better poised to enjoy these developments.
Top Neighborhoods to Consider When Moving to Ruiru
1. Moving to Membley Estate, Ruiru
Membley is an upper middle-class estate very close to Kenyatta University just 1.5 kilometers from Thika Road. The suburb is a typical symbol of the recent migration of the middle class from high-rise apartments to the secure, exclusive gated communities. The estate has tarmacked roads, well-manicured lawns, shopping centers, schools, and churches.
Movers to Membley can expect to find high perimeter walls and round-the-clock security personnel. Moving trucks are often restricted on entry or exit, unless you’ve spoken to management and security before the day of your move.
2. Moving to Ruiru Sunrise Estate
Ruiru Sunrise Estate is located off the Eastern Bypass near the Thika Road junction close to Kamakis restaurants. The estate has various housing options for residential and commercial rent and sale, from affordable apartments and luxury standalone houses. If you’re moving to Ruiru Sunrise Estate, expect a quiet environment with ample greenery and recreational amenities.
3. Moving to Kijani Ridge/Tatu City
Kijani Ridge covers over 350 acres of land overlooking a green expanse and a scenic dam within the larger Tatu City. The neighborhood offers exclusively urban living and modern architectural designs. Kijani Ridge offers secure and comfortable living with fully integrated amenities in a quiet environment with easy access to the rest of the city.
When moving to Tatu City, expect to find residential apartments and commercial units for rent and sale within the Tatu Industrial Park. The area boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure where different companies operate, including an airstrip for fast and convenient air travel.
Besides Kijani Ridge, movers to Tatu City recommend checking out other residential units within, such as Lifestyle Apartment and Unity Homes. Tatu City also hosts companies such as Sea Gas Company, Davis & Shirtliff, Copia, and Forward Freighters, making it a suitable location for corporate relocation.
4. Moving to Toll Estate
Toll Estate is located along Thika Road, near the toll station at Ruiru. The Estate is a common destination for those looking to move houses to more affordable, spacious units. The estate is close to hospitals, schools, malls, and recreational centers.
Housing options in Toll Estate for rent and sale include apartments, mansions, bungalows, and plots. The area is well-served with a good road network and reliable public transport systems, being close to the proposed Greater Eastern Bypass that connects Toll to Mombasa Road and the CBD.
5. Moving to Tumaini Estate
Tumaini Estate is located close to the Eastern Bypass, about 20 kilometers away from the CBD. The estate offers affordable, serene living away from the busy city. Housing options include apartments, bungalows, and plots for rent and sale security , water, and electricity are available. Security is managed by round-the-clock guards and the nearby Ruiru Police Station. The area’s well-tarmacked roads make it a top destination for movers to Ruiru.
Some more serene estates for those moving to Ruiru include Red Soil Estate, Pioneer Estate, and Bamboo Villas. They all offer round-the-clock security and access to the best international schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and recreational centers.
Moving to Ruiru with Nellions
Moving to Ruiru from any part of Nairobi or Kenya can be an exciting, yet challenging process. A well-laid strategy must consider the unique features and living environment of Ruiru and its diverse estates to ensure a smooth, hassle-free transition. Understanding these nuances is key to finding a home that resonates with personal needs.
Whether you’re moving your company or family, relocating to Ruiru is a hectic process that demands adequate planning and expert assistance from professional movers. At Nellions, we are committed to helping individuals, families, and corporations with their house moving needs in Nairobi and beyond so they can focus on settling in their new environment. We handle expert packing, transportation, and on-time delivery, along with additional services such as storage for a seamless transition.
Are you moving to Ruiru soon? Book a free survey today.
Call us at +254 700 000 002 or email move@nellions.co.ke for a free quote.
