Clash of new and old homes in Kisumu’s Tom Mboya

By Harold Ayodo

Construction of residential flats is changing the face of upmarket Tom Mboya estate in Kisumu.With bungalows in expansive half-acre compounds, the leafy suburb was initially a preserve of the rich in the lakeside town.

Catherine Courts was among the pioneer flats before other developers followed suit, ushering middle-income earners into the estate. Some developers, however, opted to build modern bungalows for rent.

Carroh Courts is one of such estates and it enjoys security via a cemented perimeter wall and security guards.

Tenants in the flats pay at least Sh15,000 per month for three-bedroom units, which is the average rent for most houses in Kisumu. Urban planners and economists concur that the highrise buildings are the best way to solve the shortage of residential houses in the area.

Most of the bungalows in Tom Mboya estate were constructed more than 30 years ago. Instead of demolishing their homes, some owners have opted to refurbish and integrate modern designs while maintaining the antique architecture.

The estate borders Lake Victoria and has a rich history. In the pre-colonial years, Europeans and wealthy Africans lived in the estate while Asians, who were mostly businessmen, settled in Milimani estate.

Regular water supply

Residents of Tom Mboya estate include Cabinet ministers, MPs, permanent secretaries, university lecturers, doctors, engineers, architects and business personalities.

Several non-governmental organisations have leased houses within the estate and converted them to offices. Most of the homes have thick well-kept hedge fences and manicured compounds. They are protected by hired guards whose company logos are stuck on gates to ward off potential intruders.

Regular police patrols coupled with the estate’s proximity to Kondele and Obunga police stations further enhance safety. On the few occasions when residents have suffered water shortage, only those contracted to supply the precious commodity are allowed inside the main gates.

Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company managing director Engineer David Onyango says the firm ensures regular water supply in the area.

There are no pubs in the near vicinity, which would explain the estate’s serenity. A visitor strolling in the morning and evening is likely to meet residents jogging within the estate or walking their dogs.

Security firms operating in the area have barred boda boda (bicycle taxis) operators from entering the estate after 8pm.

Josana Academy and Golden Elites, which are among the top performing private primary schools in Kisumu, are based within the estate.

Further, the Kisumu Town West Constituency offices, Lake Institute of Tropical Medicine, Kisumu Pentecostal Church, privately owned Kibos Road Hospital and the headquarters of Marie Stopes hospital are also in the estate.

The estate is adjacent to the Kisumu-Kakamega Road, the New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital and about 200 metres from Kibuye market.

Worn out roads

Aga Khan Hospital, Aga Khan Primary School and Kisumu Boys High School are a walking distance from the estate.

However, dilapidated streetlight poles and worn out roads are major letdowns in the otherwise posh estate.

Owners are reluctant to sell their property hoping for better prices but those who have sold have relocated to leafier areas like Riat Hills and the upper part of Mambo Leo where mansions are landmarks.