Insecurity dogs Jamhuri Estate residents

Insecurity dogs Jamhuri Estate residents

By Allan Olingo

Jamhuri Estate stands at the edge of the famous Agricultural Society of Kenya showground while bordering estates such as Woodley, Adams Arcade and Kibera. Situated about 15 kilometres from the city centre, it is popular with middle-income professionals. Living here, however, is not a rosy affair.

The road linking the estate to Ngong Road is terrible with more potholes than tarmacked places. Drivers are forced to drive slowly and this has contributed to an increase in carjacking incidences.

Constant threat

Once a safe neighbourhood, the estate is slowly becoming a soft target for criminals probably due to its proximity to the Kibera slums. Residents are now under constant threat and the closest police station located at the Jamhuri Show ground is not adequately equipped to serve this expansive neighbourhood.

The other police station within the locality is at Kilimani. The resident’s only hope lies with the new police post currently under construction in the New Jamhuri Estate.

Own house

The houses here mostly comprise apartments and maisonettes though many are apartments.

Rent for a one bedroom house is around Sh18,000 with a two bedroom ranging between Sh23,000 and Sh28,000. A four bedroom maisonette fetches around Sh45,000.

Many residents, especially in the New Jamhuri Estate bought the land and built their own homes. This explains the varying designs and the incomplete houses dotting the area.

The nearest major shopping centre that serves the residents include the Nakumatt Prestige and Junction. Other shopping centres are Uchumi Hyper, Tuskys and Uchumi supermarket at Adams Arcade, the Woodley shopping centre and the Yaya Centre in Kilimani.

Transport

Residents depend on Citi Hoppa and Express Connection buses for public transport to the estate, which charges Sh50 to get to Jamhuri from the city centre while a cab will cost Sh1,000. Schools within this hood are the Nairobi Pentecostal Church Woodley Primary School, St Hannah Academy and the Exchange Centre along Ngong Road.