By Njoki Chege
A first time visitor to Kahawa Wendani in Nairobi would be forgiven for thinking it is an extension of Kenyatta University. The hood is dubbed wendani which means love, in Kikuyu, as the residents here have learnt to co-exist cordially with each other, students, civilians and military personnel from the nearby Kahawa Barracks.
Directly opposite the Kahawa Barracks, Kahawa Wendani is sandwiched between Githurai 45 and Kahawa Sukari, a few metres away from Kenyatta University.
A lot of the people in this area are either military personnel or students. However, from the houses here, the area could host just about anyone. There are apartments complete with a car park and a tiny balcony, almost the size of a baby’s cot. There are also lacklustre single and double-roomed apartments, which are mostly inhabited by Kenyatta University students.
A one-bedroom apartment in this area rents for between Sh8,000 and Sh9,000 while a two bedroom apartment rents for Sh15,000. A bed-sitter rents for about Sh6,000.
The area is well catered for in terms of transport with matatus charging about Sh40 to the city centre depending on the time. However, from town to Wendani, the fare ranges from Sh60 to Sh80 depending on the options you use. There are deadbeat matatus at Ronald Ngala Street at Sh60 or the ‘pimped up’ blaring ones at Globe Cinema for Sh80. The latter are more popular among students.
People Benefactor
The first thing you will notice in Wendani is the Magunas supermarket, whose name literally means ‘people benefactor’ as the prices are relatively friendly, compared to others around. Next to the market are banking outlets. There are many feeder roads leading into the estate with the main one in dire need of tarmacking. During rainy season, it is completely impassable.
Several joints provide entertainment here with their drinks and nyama choma selling relatively cheaper compared to the neighbouring estate Kahawa Sukari. You can even get a half-litre bottle of wine for as low as Sh90.
