Background and Location

Historically occupied by the Maasai community, the name Ongata Rongai is a Maasai phrase which translates to “narrow plains”.

It is located in Kajiado North constituency, Kajiado county, 17 km (10.6 mi) south of Nairobi CBD and is one of the most populous urban centres in Kenya. The neighbourhoods of Kandisi, Rimpa, Nkoroi, Merisho, Olekasasi, Tuala, Rangau and Maasai Lodge are located to the south and east of the town

Transport  & Accessibility

Utilizing the recently upgraded Magadi road, the area is adequately served by public transport vehicles with the popular “manyanga” type buses plying the route, a major favourite for the young with their sleek appearance, entertainment and internal décor. Trains also ply the route and motorcycles are available to reach locations away from the main roads.  

Property Developments

Ongata Rongai offers a mix of commercial and residential developments, including industrial, commercial, hospitality and residential developments, with many comprising gated communities. Multi-unit apartment complexes comprise a large percentage of the residential developments.

Personal Amenities

Medical facilities abound here, including the Nairobi Women’s Hospital and Sinai Hospital. Many independently owned outpatient medical services have also been established to serve the community.

Many educational institutions have set up their home around Ongata Rongai, key of which is the Africa Nazarene University. Other institutions include the Multimedia University and the Adventist University of Africa.  Many lower level, highly accredited, institutions also trace their roots here.

Recreation and Shopping

The mall culture has not escaped Ongata Rongai, evidenced by the presence of the Maasai Mall and Mayani Mall. Others are in development. These malls anchor tenants comprise large national chains such as QuickMart and Naivas.

Many formal hotels and restaurants, including informal roast meat (“Nyama Choma”) joints are located here and in the neighbouring suburbs, such as Rimpa and Kiserian,  with the focus on meat emanating from the history of occupation of the area by the Maasai community. Many facilities also cater for children’s entertainment

Utilities

The area is adequately served by the Kenya Power for electricity. The area has had water supply challenges in the past, but thanks to the ongoing construction of the Ongata Rongai-Kiserian Water Supply Project, they will soon enjoy a steady and reliable water supply.

This project, which is financed by the Government of Kenya and the German Development Bank (KfW), involves a host of activities, including drilling and equipping of 16 boreholes, the construction of the Oloolaiser Water operational building, rehabilitation of Mbagathi and Kiserian Water Treatment Plant, laying of 210 kilometers of water distribution networks, construction of 3 water storage tanks, and 9.2 km bulk water pipeline.

Investment Potential

Land prices rose by 8.2 per cent between July to September 2023 due to growing demand, more specifically motivated by the improvements on the Magadi Rd.,  which previously had a history of perennial jams, with hours spent commuting between the satellite town and the Nairobi CBD. The rising cost of land nearer to Nairobi also contributed to the enhanced demand.

As of September 2023, an acre of land was averaging a cost of KShs. 25 million ($200,000). Four bedroom villas were also then selling between KShs. 10 million ($80,000) and KShs. 13 Million ($104,000)

Ongata Rongai will continue to attract high property values, accruing from the vicinity to Nairobi, improvements in accessibility, education and recreation facilities, as well as the proposed investment in water supplies to the area. 

Sam Kagiri (info@buildersedge.co.ke) +254 722 713 264 -06/04/2024