Kenya’s capital city is constantly growing and evolving, and plenty of new residential estates are popping up to accommodate the ever-growing population. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, there are many promising and upcoming residential estates in Nairobi that you can try out.
Being one of the most rapidly developing cities in Africa, many Nairobi estates spring up across the capital’s satellite regions. From luxury homes to more affordable apartments, there’s something for everyone in these upcoming estates.
And, of course, there are many Nairobi estates one would consider the absolute “best”, such as Runda, Muthaiga, Kitisuru, Gigiri, and Kileleshwa, among other high-affluent suburbs.
But with the United Nations recommending that a person’s rent budget should be at most 30% of a household’s income, the slightly elevated costs of these areas can be a bit of a deterrent for some. This is mainly so now that many Kenyans spend up to 40% of their income on rent largely because of a lack of market, search for posh neighbourhoods to live in, and unhealthy financial decisions.
Luckily, there are many upcoming estates in Nairobi that offer quality homes at more affordable prices. Here are some of the upcoming residential neighbourhoods in Nairobi with good security, easy access to social amenities, and good infrastructure.
15 Upcoming Residential Estates in Nairobi to Consider in 2022
With people having different tastes while hunting for the best Nairobi estates to live in, we have diversified our list to include estates that fit various needs and preferences.
Here are the top 10 upcoming residential neighbourhoods in Nairobi metropolitan area:
1. Utawala
This neighbourhood is located in Embakasi, along the Eastern Bypass. It is 21km away from the city centre and a few kilometres from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Utawala is predominantly a residential neighbourhood offering the best of both worlds in terms of low-rise and high-rise buildings. The area is slowly becoming one of Nairobi’s most sought-after residential estates in Nairobi.
Utawala offers many family homesteads with different designs built uniquely by various developers. It also has typically gated communities, such as the Evergreen Valley-Utawala.
The neighbourhood has many amenities, all ideal for families looking for safe and secure homes in a convenient location. Popular chain supermarkets, petrol stations, schools, churches, healthcare facilities, and shopping malls like the Capital Shopping Mall are all nearby.
What’s more, Utawala is only a 20-minute drive from the city centre, making it a convenient location for those who commute to work.
2. Thika Greens
Thika Greens is a residential land located 5km from Thika town and about 40 minutes drive from Nairobi. It is one of the best upcoming residential estates with lots of attractive features.
For one, if you are a golf fan, Thika Greens has one of the top golf courses in East Africa. The 18-hole golf course traverses 306 acres and has so far held various tournaments.
If that won’t convince you to want to live in the place, perhaps its proximity to shopping places, hospitals, and schools will convince you. The project has upcoming hospitals, a petrol station, a shopping mall, a school, living spaces, and a retirement village.
The residential parts of Thika Greens feature various housing options, including maisonettes, townhouses, and villas spread over 500 acres of land.
The location of Thika Greens is also served by excellent infrastructure with a tarmac road leading to the estate. It is also only a few minutes’ drive from the Thika Superhighway, making it easily accessible. The railway line passing through the region also makes it convenient to travel to Nairobi – if one prefers.
Thika Greens makes it a convenient place to live because of the many amenities available. It is also ideal for investment since it is expected to appreciate in value tremendously in the near future.
Moreover, the estate is only a few minutes’ drive from major town centres such as Juja and Ruiru, making it perfect for those who want to live away from the city’s hustle and bustle but still within reach of important amenities.
3. Syokimau
This neighbourhood is located in Machakos County, about 25km southeast of Nairobi CBD. Syokimau is also 10km away from the JKIA airport and 9km from the Nairobi SGR Terminus.
It is served by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and the recently launched Nairobi Expressway. This means the region has good infrastructure and transport systems, including taxis, trains, and the matatu service.
Syokimau is made of several gated community estates Green City Gardens, Springville Park, and Mavoko Park, among others. It is, therefore, ideal for families and first-time homebuyers looking for trendy and secure neighbourhoods to settle in.
It is also home to many private schools, colleges, and shopping malls, including the Gateway Shopping Mall along Mombasa Road and various recreational facilities.
4. Kiambu Road
Approximately 12km Northeast of Nairobi, the 10km stretch of Kiambu Road from Muthaiga to Kiambu Town is home to more than half a dozen of the top estates near Nairobi.
And it makes sense: Kiambu Road is incredibly well-connected to the rest of the country:
From the connection to the Northern bypass to its short distance from Nairobi’s CBD, as a resident of Kiambu Road, you are always a few minutes away from where it’s happening.
The region is best known for its spacious land tracts that have been subdivided into plots and sold to interested buyers who can build their homes.
If you seek luxury living, look no further than Kiambu Road; with a variety of estates/neighbourhoods that are in close proximity to social amenities.
Most of our clients say that they find these estates most favourable:
Muthaiga, Runda, Mushroom Gardens, Thindigua, Runda Evergreen, Fourways, Evergreen, Five Star Gardens, Runda Paradise, KCB Sacco, Iguta Paradise, Kencom Sacco, Ridgeways, and Muthaiga North.
The neighbourhood provides secure and affordable homes with excellent amenities. It is a few minutes’ drive from Ridgeways Mall and – thanks to the Northern Bypass – the largest mall in East Africa, Two Rivers Mall.
The Aga Khan and Gertrude’s Hospitals are also nearby, as well as various schools, including Green Acorn Kindergarten, Braeburn School, Brookhouse Runda, and the United States International University Africa (USIU), among others.
There are also various recreational places, all ideal for leading a tranquil life for different types of people.
5. Sabaki
Sabaki is a neighbourhood located in Machakos County, close to Syokimau and Athi River. It is 4km from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway at the Total Petrol Station Sabaki. It is about 30km southeast of Nairobi CBD and only 10 minutes drive from the JKIA airport.
With the new Nairobi Expressway reaching Mlolongo, it means that one gets to enjoy the luxury of movement to Athi River, Kitengela, JKIA, and CBD, to name a few.
The living options in estates in Sabaki include maisonettes, bungalows, and apartments – all providing an excellent level of security. Nearby are schools such as St. Bhakita Academy and Heritage Mount Olive School, Signature Mall, Gateway Mall (3km away) and Syokimau SGR station, which is only a 10 minutes’ drive.
With the region’s high demand for housing units, Sabaki makes one of the best upcoming residential neighbourhoods in Nairobi. It provides the ambience, comfort, and blissful feeling of quietness outside the city.
6. Athi River
Athi River is a town located in Machakos County, about 32km southeast of Nairobi CBD. It is home to some of the most notable Nairobi estates and detached maisonette houses spread over expansive lands.
As the headquarters of Mavoko Sub-County, Athi River is also served by Mombasa Road, the SGR, and the Athi River interchange, ensuring smooth movement in and out of the region.
Some of the real estate projects in Athi River include the Athi River Green Park Estate, Gateway Gardens, and shopping malls such as Signature Mall and Crystal Rivers Mall.
Athi River boasts many learning institutions ranging from Navo Pioneer Athi River Primary School and Star Sheikh Academy to Daystar University and Athi River Technical Training Institute.
In a nutshell, if you are looking for neighbourhoods providing the best education for children, an attractive lifestyle, and unique opportunities for capital appreciation, Athi River is a perfect place to start.
7. Kitengela
Kitengela is a town in Kajiado County, about 30km south of Nairobi CBD. It sits on the Nairobi-Namanga highway, which makes it easily accessible by both public and private means.
Similarly, the area has affordable plots and many upcoming residential projects. Currently, it is a popular choice for anyone looking to buy a house or build one. There are also several gated communities in Kitengela, including Acacia Estate, Kitengela Greens, and Royal Gates, among others.
Kitengela is also located near companies such as the Kenya Meat Commission, Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Athi River Mining, shopping malls, banks, hospitals and schools ranging from primary schools to colleges. These amenities are fast elevating the region’s status into a metropolitan area.
Some popular schools for kids include Kitengela International School, Greater Grace Academy, Thorn Grove Academy, and Kitengela Girls Secondary School, to name a few.
Regarding investment opportunities, Kitengela provides a suitable environment for real estate development, given the expansive pieces of land and the high demand for housing. The town also benefits significantly from the proposed Standard Gauge Railway, Mombasa Highway, and its proximity to the Athi River.
8. Ruaka
Ruaka is a Kiambu County town located about 20km northwest of Nairobi CBD. It sits on the Northern Corridor route and is one of the fastest-growing satellite towns in Nairobi.
It has lots of different residential properties coming up and other projects that are almost complete such as The Alma by Cytonn. A visit to the region exposes a variety of posh estates with well-manicured gardens and rich social infrastructure.
It is one of the most sought-after places to live in Nairobi, sharing most of the social amenities with its neighbours, including Thindigua.
The Two Rivers Mall, the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi Women’s Hospital, and Ruaka Catholic Dispensary are all nearby. Also located in the region are Ruaka Primary School and international schools such as Braeburn and Rusinga International School.
With some of the neighbourhoods, including Runda, Brookside Drive, and Gigiri, to name a few,
Ruaka is a perfect upcoming residential neighbourhood in Nairobi with a high demand for housing and the potential for capital appreciation.
9. Tatu City
Tatu City is a planned city located in Ruiru, Kiambu County, about 45 minutes drive from Nairobi CBD. It is a special economic zone developed for businesses and residential purposes.
The city has attracted a lot of businesses and entrepreneurs due to its serene environment, security, accessibility, and proximity to the larger Nairobi metropolitan area.
Some of the businesses that have taken up space in Tatu City include Copia, Uniliver, Bidco, Dormans, and Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), among others.
Two international schools, Crawford International and Nova Pioneer are in Tatu City. It is also close to Kenyatta University (KU) and is accessible through Thika Road, the Eastern Bypass, Northern Bypass, and Kamiti Road.
With its convenient location, Tatu City has seen the development of various completed, partially completed, and ongoing residential projects, including Kijani Ridge, Mchana Estates, Lifestyle Heights and others.
These projects, alongside others, feature single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. The city also has malls, hospitals, and other amenities.
10. Membley
Membley is an upcoming residential neighbourhood in Ruiru, Kiambu County, a short distance from Tatu City and Kenyatta University. It is approximately 1.5km from Thika Road and is quickly being transformed into a region with modern and spacious homes.
The region has several gated communities coming up and completed projects, such as Membley Heights. These projects feature round-the-clock security, perimeter walls, shopping centres, churches, and schools.
Being located in Ruiru means you get access to banks for your financial needs, supermarkets for essential commodities, and a one-stop shopping experience thanks to Spur Mall at Ruiru and the KU Unicity Mall.
Membley has a ton of schools, including Focus Academy, Membley High School, and Top Talents Academy. Kenyatta University, Zetech and NIBS college can easily be accessed from the neighbourhood.
If you are, therefore, looking for a middle-class neighbourhood with all the modern amenities, Membley should definitely be on your list.
11. Kenyatta Road
Kenyatta Road is an upcoming residential neighbourhood in Nairobi, located on exit 14, off Thika Road and 3km from Juja town.
Not long ago, Kenyatta Road was considered one of those rural areas unfit for property investment. But this has changed. It has grown into one of the fastest developing residential neighbourhoods, with individuals and property developers scrambling to purchase land in the region.
Kenyatta Road boasts several gated communities characterized by infrastructural developments and good amenities. These estates include Oak Park, Green Apple, and Pinewood.
The area is also located in a strategic place and surrounded by other satellite towns, including Juja and Ruiru. Learning institutions like Kenyatta University and Zetech University, and their connection with the Thika Superhighway and the Eastern and Western bypasses, make it all the more convenient.
You can access the Rainbow Hotel and the famous Kamakis restaurants along the Eastern By-pass for Nyama Choma from Kenyatta Road. Similarly, you can take care of all your financial needs in Ruiru town and enjoy a one-stop shopping experience at Spur Mall at Ruiru and the KU Unicity Mall.
It is worth mentioning that the land at Kenyatta Road is still affordable, and in the near future, it will be one of the most developed areas. This makes it a perfect place to explore for residential living.
12. Migaa
Migaa is a lush, gated community located in Kiambu County, approximately 30 minutes drive from Nairobi CBD. It is a mixed-use development project with residential, commercial, and recreational facilities sitting on 774 acres.
Capturing the essence of Kenya’s natural beauty, Migaa creates an unparalleled residential community with units ranging from single-family homes, to apartments and maisonettes. These units are designed to high standards and have modern amenities such as solar water heaters for sustainability.
In fact, the homes are built upon the very tenets of green living with 50% open green space, making it the ideal and clean environment to raise a family or lead a healthy life.
Located directly on the path of Nairobi’s urban expansion, Migaa Golf Estate, which is still developing, will have many amenities for every homeowner and his family. This includes a shopping mall, offices, and a hotel. The recreational facilities include a golf course, a gym, and a swimming pool.
Better yet, schools such as Nova Pioneer Girls Secondary School, Crawford International School Kenya, and Radiant Group Hospitals are accessible from Migaa Golf Estate.
The region can be accessed from the Thika Superhighway and the Northern Corridor Expressway. This makes reaching the various parts of Nairobi and the rest of Kenya easy.
13. Ruiru-Githunguri Road
Githunguri Road is an upcoming residential neighbourhood in Ruiru, Kiambu County. It is located just off the Thika Superhighway and is approximately 20 minutes drive from Nairobi CBD.
The area features extensive residential spaces ideal for luxurious homes ranging from apartments to maisonettes. Some luxurious maisonettes include The Manna Annex houses, which feature everything modern and fitting for a family.
Being 3km away from Ruiru and a few minutes’ drive from the Thika Superhighway, the neighbourhood enjoys access to various amenities. This includes schools, churches, hospitals, clubhouses, and communal areas within the gated communities.
The neighbourhood is rapidly growing in terms of infrastructure and real estate developments. And with its affordability, residential estates on Ruiru-Githunguri Road attract all types of investors and individuals looking for a serene environment to build a home.
The beauty of Ruiru-Githunguri Road is its convenient location, allowing one to access amenities in places such as Ruiru town. Various malls, including the Spur Mall at Ruiru, KU Unicity Mall, and famous supermarket chains, can be easily reached from the neighbourhood.
There are also several restaurants, cafes, and other businesses operating in the region plus, you can easily travel or commute to Nairobi for work via the Ruiru train station or by road, through the Thika Superhighway.
14. Kikuyu, Kidfarmaco Area
Kikuyu is a town located in Kiambu County, approximately 30 minutes drive from Nairobi CBD. It is one of the fastest-growing towns in Kenya, and its neighbourhoods are quickly becoming popular residential neighbourhoods.
The town is mainly composed of middle-class families. It has several estates and gated communities that are perfect for families. The Kidfarmaco area, in particular, is a popular choice for those looking to buy or rent a home.
That is because it is a fast-developing residential neighbourhood suitable for leading a quiet life away from the city. Be it plots for home construction, apartments, or bungalows, you can find them all in the Kidfarmaco area.
The region also has all the necessary amenities in a lush green environment. For instance, there are several schools and research institutes in the area, such as the Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School, as well as the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).
This makes it ideal for anyone working in these institutions to access it from the Kidfarmaco area. Plus, the Southern Bypass passing through Kikuyu, which has spurred growth in the neighbourhood, makes it all the more convenient to access other places, including Karen, Bomas, Lang’ata, and other regions.
The Nairobi-Nakuru Highway also provides quick and easy access to various parts of Nairobi.
The Gardens Kikuyu Mall, Jallen Shopping Mall, Lifecare Hospital Kikuyu, and PCEA Kikuyu Hospital all contribute to a complete living lifestyle with all the support amenities a family could require.
15. Ngong
Ngong is a town located in the southern part of Kenya’s capital Nairobi. It sits on the city’s outskirts and is about 20km from the city centre.
Ngong is an ideal place to live for those who want to experience rural Kenyan life but still be close enough to the city.
Ngong is home to several tourist attractions, such as the Ngong Hills, which overlooks the Nairobi National Park game reserve from the east and the Great Rift Valley from the west.
It is also home to several schools, including CITAM school, CherryHill Academy, Oloolaiser High School, and Liser Hill Academy Secondary School, among others.
The town has several estates, such as the Heritage Villas and Ngong Hills View Estate, to name a few. These estates provide residents with a safe and secure place to live. And with a nearby police station and good infrastructure, the region makes it ideal for building or buying a home.
Ngong has several shopping places, such as the Ngong Town Centre and malls, including Ngong Milele Mall.
Overall, the town makes a convenient place to live, work, and invest mainly because of its suitable and tranquil environment.
The town is served by the Ngong Road, which connects it to Nairobi with several matatus plying the route. It also has the SGR Ngong Station, which ensures easy transit to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and out of the city and town.
Wrap up
There are many factors to consider when it comes to finding the best places to live in Nairobi. With the list of upcoming residential neighbourhoods above, you can easily find a neighbourhood that suits your budget and preferences.
So, whether you are looking for an affordable or luxurious neighbourhood, you are sure to find something that suits your needs. Just make sure to do your research before settling on any particular setting.
Once ready to move, you can contact Nellions Moving and Relocations for a hassle-free house-moving experience at affordable rates.
We also offer a wide range of services, including packing and unpacking, furniture assembly and disassembly, office moving, local and long-distance moving, storage services, and much more. Reach out today for more information.
