Haven for middle-class in Eldoret’s Kapsoya

By Dedan Okanga

Kapsoya estate is secluded on the eastern margin of Eldoret and is one of the few lofty establishments of the North Rift town. Despite the dusty road that links the estate to the town on a four-kilometre stretch, Kapsoya continues to attract tenants and homebuyers due to its affordable pricing. The skyline above the estate is a meshwork of single storied houses and flats that, on average, occupy half acre spaces across the estate.

Kapsoya estate was designed back in the 1970s as a middle-income estate through a council survey and continues to enjoy good water and sewerage systems. The architectural finesse of the Kenya-Re housing units set within its midst adds the extra sparkle to the 1,200 other houses that make up the estate.

Bad road

Most of the houses feature beautiful landscaped gardens. Photos: Peter Ochieng/Standard

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Kapsoya is generally secure but the surging population is unsettling the comfort of the residents. The monotony of similar architectural designs is broken by the creative designs of the key apple fences and neat rows of bougainvilleas that colour several housing units.

Most homeowners within the estate have rented out their self-contained servant quarters to small families or individuals. The bad road leading to the estate is blamed for the cheap rental prices that go as low as Sh8,000 for a three-bedroom unit.

Ideally the rent should be from Sh15,000 upwards but tenants raise the question of vehicle maintenance due to potholes, says Kipkorir Menjo, a resident.

Nonetheless, Kapsoya remains a favourite particularly among middle-income earners. It also attracts moneyed immigrants from neighbouring countries. Plots in the estate are in high demand and there are several construction works going on. An average three-bedroom house sells for between Sh1.8 million and Sh2.5 million.

Residents find life here relatively cheaper due to the many shopping outlets that have sprout up inside the estate. In addition, there is a cross-section of social amenities including schools and churches. One high school and several nursery and primary units are scattered on different corners of the estate.

The conspicuous absence of a football pitch, a basketball court or a swimming pool subtracts from the ambience of serenity that Kapsoya so much deserves. Children have to make do with available open spaces and the winding roads as their playground.

Undeveloped plots

Mini-pubs and other entertainment spots jostle for revellers giving the estate a livelier nightlife compared to adjacent estates.

Sadly, plastic bags litter some of the unsecured lawns and undeveloped plots.