The name RUNDA was derived from the name of a coffee estate (Runda Estates Ltd) that existed in the area prior to its conversion to a residential neighbourhood. Runda is a neighbourhood of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city. It is widely regarded as one of Kenya’s wealthiest suburbs.
Runda hosts some of Kenya’s most elite citizens including politicians, ambassadors, top-ranking businessmen and blue-chip CEOs — these are the heads of companies that are well-known, well-established, and economically sound.
When considering your move to Kenya, Runda should be at the very top of the list of eligible locations to relocate to. The estate offers a very serene environment whether you are making the move alone or with your family.
1. Location
Runda is located in Nairobi county, Westlands constituency. It is 12.7 kilometres from Nairobi CBD via Kiambu Road.
Limuru Road runs through the west, Ruaka Road runs through the south, Kiambu Road runs through the east, and coffee estates run through the north.
Closeburn Estate, Mimosa, and Old Runda are on the west side, Mumwe and Whispers are on the south, while New Runda and Muringa are on the east. Runda Mhasibu and Runda Paradise have recently been added to the wider Runda area to the north. Runda is separated by 2,500-acres of Karura Forest from Nairobi city centre.
2. Schooling in Runda
Runda estate is home to some of Kenya’s most prestigious international schools, which primarily teach the British National Curriculum.
This is a list of some of the top international schools in Runda;
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Potterhouse School
Potterhouse School follows an adapted form of the British National Curriculum. Kids, including year eight students, learn the national curriculum subjects throughout primary school. In year nine, students complete a pre-IGCSE year of study. Students in Years 10 and 11 take a two-year course that culminates in an IGCSE.
Email: info@potterhouseschool.ac.ke
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Brookhouse School Runda
Brookhouse School’s Runda campus opened in 2017, including sections for early learning, primary, and middle school pupils. The school adheres to the British educational system, mixing traditional values with a forward-thinking approach.
The school offers a wide range of academic opportunities, with a special emphasis on the performing arts, STEM education, and sports. Experiential education is also promoted in the facilities to guarantee that each child’s full development is achieved.
Email: admissions.runda@brookhouse.ac.ke.
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SABIS International School
SABIS International School provides a stimulating learning atmosphere that encourages academic success and pushes students to realize their best potential. Kindergarten through Grade 12 students get a world-class education in a lively, international community dedicated to helping all students reach their greatest potential.
Email: sabisRunda@sisrunda.sabis.net.
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The Kenya Teachers Training College
The Kenya Teachers Training College is situated in the neighbourhood, and it is one of the greatest tertiary education institutions in the country. The college is a government-run institution under Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Contact; 0707444222/0786444600
3. Healthcare facilities near Runda
Runda does not have many large hospitals. However, the Nairobi Hospital, which is located at the Warwick Center, provides a variety of services such as pharmaceuticals, radiography, and diagnostics, among others.
Runda is also home to both the Aga Khan Hospital and the MP Shah Hospital which are well-equipped, international-standard medical facilities that provide both general and speciality care. At The Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, the best is provided for the children.
4. Social and leisure activities in Runda
Runda is home to a number of malls and several fun spots. In case you are thinking of living in Runda, be sure you will be spoiled with variety when it comes to social and leisure activities.
Here is a list of some spots you can consider;
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Village Market
Village Market, which has a lovely architectural design, is located along Limuru Road. It is surrounded by cascading waterfalls, over 100 retail outlets, and open-air eateries.
You won’t run out of things to do with a bowling alley, swimming pool, water slides, art galleries, jewellery shops, grocery stores, fast food sections, and a mini-golf course. It is one of the largest shopping malls in the city, including a 5-star hotel called the Tribe.
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Warwick Center
The Warwick Center is a commercial and residential complex close to the US Embassy in Gigiri, opposite the United Nations Headquarters. A travel agency, a beauty clinic, a forex bureau, banks, eateries, and a pharmacy are all located there.
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Two Rivers Mall
Nairobi’s Two Rivers Mall is the biggest in East and Central Africa located in Ruaka, Kiambu County, along Limuru Road.
The mall includes residential and commercial constructions, an amusement park, a games arcade, a movie theater, and supermarkets, among other things. This mall is like a metropolis where you can obtain anything you need without having to leave.
The mall is a hive of activity for both children and adults. Supermarkets and all fashion design businesses are located in Two Rivers Mall.
Everything you require is conveniently located within one building.
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Wadi Degla Club
Wadi Degla Club Africa is located in Runda. It is a multi-sport complex with a modern Egyptian design. Wadi Degla’s club philosophy revolves around the family in order to provide a decent lifestyle to families when it comes to business, sports and family. This principle guides the club’s design as a day-to-day destination, instilling in members an everyday family club lifestyle.
Football, tennis, squash, swimming, ping pong, basketball, and aesthetics are all available at the club, as well as excellent health amenities such as Gymnasiums, Angsana Spa, Sports Café, and Business Lounge, Kids Pool, Recreational Pool, Training Pool, and Restaurants.
Families usually pay a one-time fee for a lifetime membership that gives them access to all facilities. They have exclusive access to all other Wadi Degla Clubs in Nairobi, as well as those around the world, with this membership.
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The Lord Erroll Hotel
The Lord Erroll, an award-winning French and gourmet restaurant and hotel in Nairobi’s Runda neighbourhood is one of the country’s best hospitality establishments.
The restaurant includes numerous dining rooms that may be reserved privately for groups of six to 100 people for banqueting, conferences, nuptials, conventions, and special events, as well as a lush garden that can accommodate up to 300 people comfortably.
The Lord Erroll hotel is the place to have breakfast meetings, business lunches, calm dinners, or simply a place to enjoy afternoon high tea or a drink with friends, family, and loved ones. The Lord Erroll has developed a devoted local following, as well as an international clientele over the years.
Muthaiga and Windsor golf clubs are also not far from Runda and can easily be accessed by Runda residents. This is just to say that golf lovers are also sorted out.
5. Transport
The suburb is strategically placed along the Northern Bypass and is easily accessible by private transport. Public vehicles are not allowed in Runda and service providers have to be cleared at the entrance before being allowed entry.
The roads are well-lit and guarded if your work entails early mornings and late nights. Most people living in Runda own cars hence the journey to and from Runda is mainly by private means.
To add to the above, another way of getting to Runda from Nairobi CBD is via taxi.
6. Community in Runda
The neighbourhood is well-known for housing diplomats and humanitarian workers with offices nearby. Apart from expats who rent property in Runda based on their job contracts, the majority of people who live in this neighbourhood own most of the properties they live in.
Runda hosts the biggest number of ambassadors in Kenya. It is estimated that at any one time about 20 ambassadors and High Commissioners do reside in Runda. Very senior government officials and CEOs heading multinational companies also reside in Runda
Runda provides homes that are well-developed, well-maintained, and safe. Private corporations provide communal utilities, such as water supply, which is provided by Runda Water Limited, an organization of residents.
This promotes consistent service delivery and a higher living condition. Because of its proximity to the United Nations and the American Embassy, the region is kept under heavy security. These homes, which are tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood, offer comfort and elegance with little to worry about.
7. Buying a house/land in Runda
Although the majority of the properties in this region are privately owned, Runda is slowly gaining popularity among senior business executives, international dignitaries, and expatriates looking for property to lease.
The rental prices range from Ksh 220,000 to Ksh 550,000 per month. These houses are quite sizable, with most being four to six-bedroom residentials. If looking to buy, properties in Runda prices range from Ksh 36 Million up to Kshs 1.4 Billion. In order to relocate to this area, you are required to have a pass from the Runda Residents Welfare Association.
There are also some very high-end hotels in the area which include: Villa Rock, Serene Home, The Bedelle, Runda Serene Accommodation and Imani Suites Runda.
8. Moving House In Runda
Houses in Runda are quite spacious. Nearly all houses have at least 5 bedrooms, a detached servant quarter (sometimes two of them) and since the advent of COVID19, many have home offices and gyms.
Moving home from Runda can be quite hectic and it is rarely done within a day. The relocation process can be done within at least two days. This will allow movers enough time to maintain high levels of orderliness and care of clients’ belongings.
Runda has very high-security standards. When a resident wants to relocate outside Runda they are required to inform their resident association (commonly referred to as Runda Water) in writing and obtain gate passes for the removal trucks to be allowed in. This should always be done at least one day ahead of the moving date in order to save time
Moving trucks are not allowed to move inside or outside of Runda after 6.00 PM. Therefore, you will have to ensure that the moving process starts early to avoid being caught up with time.
Runda is expansive and there are no affordable eating places for the packing and moving crew inside the estate. The moving company either needs to arrange for food delivery to the location or the movers will have to go outside the estate over lunchtime to get food. This can waste time.
