Upmarket residence where flats are unwelcome

By Wangeci Kanyeki

Muthaiga North is situated off Kiambu Road with its main entrance through Rock City Amusement park. What was previously a large-scale coffee plantation has evolved to a developed estate that would probably surprise the farmers.

Homes in Muthaiga North. Developments are controlled with each plot allowed to have only one house. Photos: Martin Mukangu/Standard

Developments here are controlled with each plot allowed to have only one house as dictated by estate by-laws, which also restrict erection of flats and apartments. As a result, residents have built large houses.

According to the former Muthaiga North Association Chairman, Joseph Theuri, the original owners of the coffee farms subdivided the land among themselves and developed half-acre plots. These were then sold to private developers in the late 1980s with infrastructure including internal tarmac roads, water and street lighting developed as per the requirements of the Nairobi City Council (NCC).

However, the main roads from Rock City to Coffee Gardens right through to Balozi and Garden Estate as well as the road extending from Postbank to Thika Road were left undeveloped.

In 2004, residents who bought half-acre units joined effort basically to secure the place by employing security. As a result, residents formed an association and registered it in 2006 as Muthaiga North Residents Association. The association deals with the estate challenges such as the poor road network, security and street lighting. At the time, the access road was dusty and bumpy during the dry season and muddy when it rained.

Between 2008 and last year, the association mobilised resources from residents who were requested to pay Sh60,000 per household to tarmac the access road. Upon completion, the property prices shot from below Sh2 million to more than Sh15 million currently.

The association also organised security to patrol the entrance from Kiambu Road.

Crisp fresh air

The Ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan Development in conjunction with NCC supported the association and upgraded the remaining portion of the road to Coffee Garden and Balozi Drives and installed streetlights.

"Currently, the road from Coffee Garden to Balozi Drive is being upgraded. It includes construction of drainage and a footpath from Kiambu Road to Balozi Drive. There are also plans to put up signage for internal streets in the area," says the current chairman, Dr Paul Mbugua.

Residents enjoy living in the high-class development with crisp fresh air from adjacent Karura Forest in a quiet, country-like setting, which is only 7km from Nairobi Central Business District.

Construction and subsequent expansion of Thika Road has seen vehicles filter through Kiambu Road and Coffee Gardens causing traffic congestion on the roads in this area. However, when the construction is completed, traffic jam on Kiambu Road is expected to reduce significantly.