North of the city, Ruaka and the towns along the Thika Superhighway offer lower rents and newer buildings than central Nairobi. The trade-off is the commute.
The areas
- Ruaka - just outside the county border in Kiambu, near Two Rivers mall and Gigiri. Rapidly built up with apartment blocks.
- Roysambu and Kasarani - along Thika Road inside Nairobi, near Garden City, Kasarani stadium and USIU. See the map.
- Kahawa, Githurai, Ruiru and Juja - further out, cheaper, popular with students and young families near Kenyatta University and JKUAT.
Rents
Rough asking rents in 2026 listings:
| What | Ruaka (KES a month) | Thika Road towns (KES a month) |
|---|---|---|
| Bedsitter or studio | 12,000 - 20,000 | 8,000 - 15,000 |
| One bedroom | 20,000 - 35,000 | 12,000 - 25,000 |
| Two bedrooms | 35,000 - 60,000 | 20,000 - 45,000 |
Newer blocks with lifts, gyms and backup power cost more.
Who they suit
- Workers in Gigiri, Runda or along Thika Road (Ruaka suits people working in the north of the city).
- Students and staff at USIU, Kenyatta University and JKUAT.
- People on a budget who can work around peak traffic.
Getting around
- Thika Road is fast off-peak but jams near Muthaiga, Pangani and Roysambu at rush hour. Matatus and buses run constantly.
- From Ruaka, Limuru Road and the Northern Bypass lead to Westlands and Gigiri. Ruaka’s own roads are congested at peak times.
- Commuter trains run on some routes into the CBD.
Things to check
- Water - fast building has outpaced supply in parts of Ruaka and Thika Road towns. Ask about boreholes and tanks.
- Drainage - some roads flood in heavy rain.
- Building quality - visit several flats and check approvals for new blocks.
Daily life
- Shopping: Two Rivers near Ruaka, and Garden City, Thika Road Mall and others along Thika Road.
- Health: clinics and hospitals along Thika Road, and larger hospitals in the city.