Where clustered flats reign

By Carol Nyanga

Mention the name Donholm Estate and it conjures up images of endless traffic gridlock and numerous high-rise flats that don’t even have lifts.

On one side, the estate borders Outering Road, the main road that leads from Thika Road to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The estate is divided into two sections — Donholm One and Two. Donholm One consists of owner-occupier mansions while the other one comprises rented flats.

Donholm is widely regarded as a middle class estate. Rents for the flats range as from Sh10,000 and above depending on the kind of house. Some flats even provide free Dstv for their tenants but charge slightly higher.

In most cases, water and electricity are inclusive of the rent.

transport

Like the neighbouring estate Buruburu, Donholm may be described as a town on its own considering the numerous businesses and educational institutions that have been established here over the last few years.

From the Caltex Petrol station, shopping centres, food outlets such as Steers, banks and numerous entertainment joints line up the roads in the estate.

Transport varies with time and destination. For example, people going to town have a variety of vehicles at their disposal. Matatus and buses plying Komarock, Kayole, Umoja, Embakasi and Savannah estates use this route to town and are, therefore, available to Donholm residents.

convenience

Fares to the city centre range from Sh20 to Sh50 depending on the time of day. During the peak hours (7am to 9.30am), the fare is usually fixed at Sh50 except for the Kayole minibuses that are known to charge less.

Anytime after 10am will cost Sh20 or Sh30 to the city centre, depending on the vehicle. But on return, fares are fixed at Sh50 by minivans and the Double M buses.

Another major attraction in Donholm is the ever-busy open market that sells all kinds of merchandise and foods to residents and pedestrians.

All in all, the estate is a favourite in terms of convenience in all aspects. Of particular attraction is the pricing of house rentals and purchase prices, which many people find reasonable.