Kyuna's whiff of affluence

By Allan Olingo

A generally lavish area with most roads covered in bougainvillea, Nairobi’s Kyuna Estate has become one of the most sought after residential areas by expatriates. The estate borders the more upmarket suburbs such as Loresho and Spring Valley. The nearby Kibarage slum provides casual labourers to the estate.

It is located north of Westlands between Waiyaki Way, Loresho Ridge and Kyuna Road with the main access road being the Lower Kabete Road.

Kyuna is largely viewed as an upmarket area with a few old fashioned houses complete with servants’ quarters.

Massive gates and electric fences are common in the area. Lush green vegetation add to the natural beauty. [PHOTOS: JENIPHER WACHIE/STANDARD]

Lately, new mansions coming up in the area, which are home to prominent personalities and shares many of the same facilities with Spring Valley and Loresho such as the Aga Khan and MP Shah hospitals, Kyuna Academy, Kyuna Kindergarten, Nairobi School and the International School of Kenya among others.

The shared social amenities include the Sarit Centre, the Westgate Mall and the ABC Place with its arcade of shops and pharmacies. The Vetlab Golf Club in Loresho is a favourite with the residents.

Mansions

This estate has few apartments, but is dotted with many mansions, double storey homes and villas with beautiful gardens. However, a few older buildings can be spotted. Most of the houses here are four and five bedroomed.

Secure area

The selling price of each villa, according to real estate agents, could cost up to Sh35 million, with the rental figure for a five-bedroom maisonette set on a mature manicured garden with a panoramic view, a swimming pool, spacious sitting room, fitted kitchen, a family room, a study, servant’s quarters and ample parking going up to Sh250,000 per month.

Most residential homes here are fenced and gated with security staff from security companies patrolling the area. The Spring Valley Police Station, the Kabete Police Station on the junction with Waiyaki Way and the Muthangari Police Station on James Gichuru Road offer the area ample security.

The churches accessible to Kyuna residents include the All Africa Conference of Churches on Waiyaki Way, and the Little Daughters of St Joseph located on Mwanzi Road.