From red mud stains to concrete

By Allan Olingo

Famed for its abattoirs and a cheap agricultural foods market, Dagoretti estate is among the largest hoods in Nairobi.

A generally affordable area, Dagoretti estate has become one of the most sought after residential areas by many low-income earners who shy away from living in informal settlements but would rather get some decency and affordable housing.

New apartment blocks are replacing old shanties.

Due to its proximity to Kikuyu with rich soils, this estate has become popular for its affordable and readily available foods supplied from farms within the surrounding Kikuyu area.

Bordering the more upmarket suburbs such as Lavington, Waithaka, the famous sprawling Kawangware and Riruta Satellite, Dagoretti Corner is one of the mini estates within the larger Dagoretti estate and is a darling to upcoming middle income earners due to its proximity to the basic amenities within Ngong Road.

Dagoretti Corner is a faÁade for the larger Dagoretti, which was once known for its red soil-stained tin houses with rusty roofs.

A new face, however, is emerging as investors overcome land tenure issues to build permanent decent structures.

Old and new

Dagoretti can be accessed from both Ngong Road and the intersection of Kangemi-Waiyaki Way.

Dagoretti Corner is sub-divided into an up-market area with posh homes mixed with a few old fashioned maisonettes with servant’s quarters, and a low-class residential area characterised with a mix of new high-end apartments and old shanties.

A two bedroom apartment attracts a monthly rent of Sh18,000 in Dagoretti Corner and Sh7,000 in the area that borders Satellite.

Landlords here are ambitious as you will not miss a ‘For Sale’ signboard on apartment blocks.

A section showing the newer face of Dagoretti.

The Dagoretti Corner area enjoys easy access to the Nakumatt Prestige and Junction shopping complex. The Uchumi Hyper on Ngong Road and the Yaya Centre in Kilimani are other major shopping centres within reach. One can also buy the required household essentials from the numerous kiosks and smaller supermarkets within this hood.

Amenities

Other social amenities that are within reach from this estate include Dagoretti market, Dagoretti Social Hall, Impala grounds along Ngong Road, the Ngong Racecourse and the Ligi Ndogo grounds. Schools within this hood are Dagoretti Primary School, Dagoretti High School, St Hannah Academy and Forest View Academy.

There is also the Africa International University and Emma Girls High School.

Public transport services are offered by Citi Hoppa, Kenya Bus Management Company and various privately owned matatus, which are boarded at the Railways Station.

Churches accessible by residents of Dagoretti include the St James Anglican Church, the Dagoretti Corner Baptist Church and the PCEA Church on Uthiru Road.