In Eastlands, Jacaranda stands out

By Caroline Nyanga

Like an oasis in a desert is Jacaranda Estate among the neighbouring estates of Kayole, Savannah, Greenfields and Komarock in Nairobi. The gated community clearly stands out in the unequal apartments around.

Situated about eight kilometres from the Central Business District, Jacaranda is home to middle level managers.

The three-bedroomed bungalows have spacious rooms and a servant’s quarter and can fetch up to Sh20,000 in rent. Those keen on buying must be ready to part with between four and six million shillings.

Visitors have to go through rigorous security checks and must leave their identity cards at the main gate once their hosts have been established. In some cases, the security guards will call to confirm with the host whether the visitors should be allowed in.

Just outside the estate’s main gate is a police post that takes care of any threat from the neighbouring Soweto and Kayole slums.

Within the estates are facilities like Internet, shops, bars and supermarkets among others. There is also a school that serves both residents and outsiders.

Most people going to town can either board matatus plying Savannah routes number 33/34. Also, mini-buses plying the Kayole route to town, mainly number 19/60, are reliable. There are also Double M service vehicles from Komarock Estate though they are usually packed to the brim. Some of these vehicles choose to use Kangundo Road through Buru Buru Estate, or use roads the rough road between Umoja and Harambee Sacco estates all the way to Donholm Manyanja.

Jacaranda Estate is credited to have given rise to a number of new estates within the area including Harambee Sacco among other upcoming high profile ones.