Unbelievable comfort in isolation

By Wangeci Kanyeki

Kenya Pipeline Estate, which borrows its name from the company that developed it in the years 1989 to 1992, was perfectly thought out to cater for the privileged needs of its senior management staff.

Tucked away in an isolated spot, the lush estate is adjacent to Karura Forest and can be accessed from Thika Road or Kiambu Road. The white washed houses are conspicuously spacious with two types of houses; a four and five bedroom all-ensuite houses with each bedroom boasting a balcony.

The master bedroom has added features such as a fireplace in its balcony! Each house has two detached servant quarters with a front and back yard.

The estate has 48 housing units interlinked with a well-defined tarmacked road network.

The mini shopping centre that serves the residents. [PHOTOS: WANGECI KANYEKI/STANDARD]

In 2007, according to a former resident, Kenya Pipeline Company decided to sell off the houses to its staff, who bought 40 of the houses while third parties purchased the other eight. Currently, the houses fetch rent of between Sh60,000 and Sh75,000 while buying a house here will set you back some Sh25 million.

The estate enjoys peace and quietness not common in Nairobi estates. The adjacent Karura Forest provides flora and fauna that comes with forest cover and releases crisp clean and fresh air. A social centre in the estate holds two squash courts, an adult swimming pool and baby pool, two meeting rooms, a barbeque area with a fully equipped kitchen and a custom made bar.

Tranquility

Initial challenges of poor access road and insecurity have now been addressed as roads have been tarmacked while others are paved in carbro.

Security has since improved as more neighbouring residential houses come up. Residents rely on the mini depot shopping centre situated adjacent to the estate entrance.

It houses a grocery shop, a salon, butchery, veggie and fruit stall, and other small businesses. Also included is a business centre with a meeting room that can cater for 20 persons as well as a pub, terrace and kitchen.

On top of the mini depot are two executive guest rooms and four standard rooms for guests. Tucked away are streams of bed-sitters for letting.

It’s difficult to believe that all this happens in the quiet vicinity of Muthaiga Pipeline Estate.