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Elijah Oenga, the visionary behind Ubuntu Eco Farm, has transformed a once-arid seven-acre plot in Ongata Rongai just 24 kilometres from Nairobi into an eco-friendly haven.
A strategic management consultant for an international organisation, Elijah vied for the Dagoretti North parliamentary seat in 2022.
Inherited from his father during his high school years, the land has been meticulously cultivated into a lush oasis, reflecting Elijah’s passion for conservation and organic farming.
The design of Elijah’s house evokes a nostalgic feel of the African Heritage House, blending similar architectural elements with a modern and compact twist. Remarkably, Elijah did not work with an architect or a quantity surveyor.
“My father is an engineer, and throughout my life, I have learned a lot about structural design. This gave me the confidence to build this home,” he says.
His journey began with planting trees, prioritising natural light as the guiding principle for his design. The main entrance of his living room features floor-to-ceiling glass, divided by wood, creating an airy space bathed in light.
The white walls serve as a perfect canvas for vibrant African-themed art pieces, adding colourful touches to the country home. The mahogany floors exude warmth and character, complemented beautifully by a striking grey rug, which ties the space together with an elegant touch.
Natural light
Elijah was intentional in incorporating wood beams into the flat ceiling, a critical design choice that adds personality to his space. His preference for wood is evident throughout, giving the home a warm, rustic charm.
The living room features artistic light fixtures, including a guitar-shaped piece and a fish-inspired design, which he imported, while some of the wall lighting was sourced locally. The eclectic living room showcases luxurious velvet black recliners, a comfy couch, and a tyre DIY table crafted by a local carpenter.
Elijah’s commitment to eco-living and frugal innovation shines through in his DIY and repurposed decor. Many pieces in his house, including the dining table, were created by his talented carpenter. Colourful Moroccan-inspired cushions add vibrant touches.
The home features outstanding art pieces with intricate details that celebrate African heritage, each telling a unique story done by his artistes further highlighting his resourcefulness and creative vision. Indoor plants infuse life into the space.
“My country home offers good lighting, plants, and fresh air, which are important for mental wellness. It fosters moments of joy,” says Elijah.
The open kitchen, designed to be light, and airy, overlooks the garden.
After constructing the house, Elijah used the leftover wood to create sleek kitchen cabinets, which he painted black. “Frugal innovation has saved me a lot of money; I get artisans to make most of the furniture in this house,” he says.
The four ensuite bedrooms are crafted with glass and wood. The glass bedrooms are strikingly beautiful, surrounded by trees in a 360-degree panorama, allowing the lush greenery to take centre stage. The ornamental banana plants are particularly lush and beautiful, providing a soothing, natural ambience.
When I ask Elijah about his courage to build the breathtaking ensuite bedrooms entirely out of glass, he says: “Kenyans often build from a place of fear, worried about security. I am big on secondary security measures, and I encourage people to embrace them.”
The bedrooms feature huge cream curtains that drape from ceiling to floor, and the beds are crafted from tree stumps. Moroccan cushions add vibrant pops of colour against the white linen beds, and a beautiful mirror enhances the space’s depth.
Yet, nothing compares to the jaw-dropping view outside. He calls his breathtaking orchard garden the Garden of Eden. This expansive green space is home to an array of fruits, including guavas, oranges and mangoes. The garden features day beds, an outdoor dining area, a pavilion, a fully-fledged kitchen and another art gallery.
When Elijah saw the influx of birds to his farm, he knew he had successfully created a green oasis. “There were no birds when I first arrived, and now I have over 20 species dwelling here,” he says.
What should one consider in creating something similar?
“Think about fruit trees, both indigenous and exotic. Research the history of your area to determine which trees will thrive there. For example, I have planted acacia trees, which are beloved by birds, as well as exotic Brazilian trees,” Elijah says.
The gallery, built with makuti, overlooks the lush garden, and Elijah is actively working with local artists to create pieces with community children.
- Catch Ubuntu Eco Farm country home episode on KTN YouTube channel and watch Art of Living every Thursday at 8pm on KTN HOME
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