Komarock: An island of security

By Caroline Nyanga

The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of Komarock is that it borders Kayole, which in many people’s minds denotes insecurity. Komarock is, however, a middle class residential estate just like Buruburu and Langata. Inside the different phases are courts.

What stands out here is the clean environs and tarmac roads that cut across the different courts and phases. Each court has cleaners to ensure cleanliness is maintained daily. There are also garbage collectors who go round the estate weekly. For this service, they charge each house Sh100 or Sh150 per month (depending on the service provider).

One of the secure gated entrances to a court in Komarock estate. Photo: Jenipher Wachie/Standard

Although the nearest police station is in Kayole Estate, the level of security within Komarock is tight. There are guards at each gated phase and court at all times. As a visitor you may not find your way easily around Komarock unless you give proper details such as the house number and the person you want to see.

The estate mainly comprises single dwelling maisonettes and bungalows although there are sections that have multiple dwelling apartments. The first of four phases were started in 1990 as a mortgage-housing scheme that was developed by Kenya Building Society (KBS) under sponsorship from the then Housing Finance Company of Kenya (HFCK). There are more than 3,000 housing units in the estate and they range from bedsitters to four-bedroom houses.

Purchase Price

Nearly half the houses within the estate have been rented out. Some homeowners, too, live in their own houses. Strategically located within the estate are schools, numerous pubs, clubs, restaurants, supermarkets, chemists, hospitals saloons, beauty parlours and hotels.

A few years ago, the rent was affordable ranging from Sh7,000 to Sh15,000 but the presence of Somali and Sudanese immigrants, who are ready to pay any amount, has prompted owners to double the rental charges. To let a two-bedroom house today, one has to pay Sh14,000 up from the Sh7,000 charged a few years ago.

The purchase price of a three-bedroom maisonette is about Sh3.5million while a one-bedroom house costs Sh1.7million.

The distance from Komarock to the Central Business District is about 18km. However, the journey may be long or short depending on the means of transport you use. Newly pimped matatus plying route 19C, otherwise known as manyangas, charge between Sh60 and Sh70 one way. These matatus get right into the city centre and take a few minutes to get there when the traffic jam is not too crazy.

Then there are the old ones, commonly referred to as mitumbas, whose final stage is the infamous Muthurwa market. These charge Sh30 during off-peak and Sh60 during peak hours. However, they take about 30 minutes or more to get to the city.

Double M buses have a way of luring customers because of their fair price, access to the city centre and professional organisation of the fleet. Their prices range from Sh30 to Sh60, depending on the time of day.