Living in an urban town like Nairobi is expensive. The cost of living together with rental prices continues to rise. That is why many people are escaping from the city centre and opting to live in places such as Kiambu.
The town is rapidly growing in terms of infrastructure and real estate developments which are coming up. Kiambu is surrounded by hilly farmland which gives the area a peaceful and calming feel to it.
Kiambu County is made up of different sub-counties: Limuru, Ruiru, Juja, Kiambaa, Gatundu North and South, Githunguri, Kabete Lari, Kikuyu, Kiambu and Thika.
Table of Contents
Map of Kiambu
Culture
Most of the people who reside in Kiambu are Christians who are either Anglican, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Catholic, Baptists or Methodist. A small number of residents are Islamic while others believe in Hinduism.
The vast majority of the inhabitants are Kikuyu people who speak Gikuyu, a language widely used in the town even with the predominant language which is Swahili. However, they use English to teach and perform business transactions.
Property Prices
Major Towns
Limuru
Limuru deals with both tea processing and production zone with major factories such as Kambaa Tea Factory, Karirana Estates and Maramba Tea Estates. The tea plantations which were started in 1903 set the foundation that made Kenya the largest tea export industry.
Limuru is home to Bata Shoe Company, one of the largest shoe factories in East and Central Africa. Because of the good climate and soils, other companies have come up in the area such as Proctor and Allan, Fresh an Juici, and Beyond Fruits.
Limuru town serves as a zone for milk processing for small-scale farmers in various areas.
Thika
The first thing that comes to mind when people talk about Thika is pineapples. The biggest growers of pineapples in the country, Del Monte is based in Thika. Major companies such as Bidco Oil Refineries, CMC Motors, Thika Coffee Mills and Broadways Bakery are all based in Thika.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu is the business hub for most of the locals who reside there. Here, you will find Kikuyu Hospital, Alliance High Schools (girls and boys) and the Kenya Forest Research Institute.
Ruiru
Between Juja and the Kenyatta University is Ruiru town which is along Thika superhighway. It has a well-connected rail and road network. Home to Devki Steel Mills, Thuku Water Treatment Plant, Brookside Dairy Limited, and a textile manufacturing company known as Spinners and Spinners.
Schools in Kiambu
Kiambu has some of the best schools in the country. Whether you are looking for a kindergarten, primary or high school, there is a huge selection of schools to pick from. This list of kindergartens in Kiambu explains them pretty well.
Other notable schools in Kiambu are Alliance High School, Loreto Girls High School, Mangu High School, St. Ann’s Girls Lioki, Limuru Girls High School, Membley High School and many more.
Some of the top universities and colleges in Kiambu include Gretsa University, St. Paul’s University, Jomo Kenyatta University, Mount Kenya University, Kenyatta University and many more.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the schools in Kiambu, however, the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) have done a good job in compiling a list for you.
Hospitals in Kiambu
There are over 250 healthcare facilities in Kiambu. Some of the leading ones include Immaculate Heart of Mary Hospital, Kiambu District Hospital, Kijabe Hospital, PCEA Kikuyu Hospital, Thika Nursing Home, The Aga Khan Hospital, Mt. Sinai, Githunguri Hospital among others.
The Ndeiya Health Center in Limuru provides exceptional services in addressing family planning issues as well as cancer screening.
Transport System
Public service vans, taxis and minibuses play a huge role when it comes to transportation in Kiambu. Another common mode of transport is using motorbikes also known as “boda bodas” which are convenient to use especially when you are in a rush or want to beat traffic.
Kiambu has an active railroad system managed by the Rift Valley Railways. It usually transports both passengers and goods around the town.
Restaurants in Kiambu
Most of the eating spots in Kiambu offer local delicacies such as nyama choma, ugali, mukimo, and more. Some of the eating spots in Kiambu include: Club Sidai Oleng, Loswani Place, Java (Ciata Mall), Ridgeviews Leisure Gardens, Woody Gardens and Lounge, Kigwa Conference Hotel and Debonairs.
Hotels
Depending on your budget, there are a variety of resorts, golf clubs, and hotels to pick from in Kiambu. Some of which include Windsor Golf and Country Club, Sovereign Suites, Elysian Resort, Brackenhurst Hotel and Conference, Blue Post Hotel, Phoenicia Hotel Kiambu, Rainbow Ruiru Resort, Ridgeways Park Hotel, Hotel La Mada, and Kentmere Club.
Shopping Malls
There is a network of retail stores, wholesale suppliers and malls in Kiambu. Some of them include Village Market, Cleanshelf, Tuskys, Ciata Mall, Naivas, Ushirika Mall, Twiga Mart and Smart Home Supermarkets.
Things to Do
Whenever you have free time or you’re looking for something to do with your friends, pick any of the below activities.
Paradise Lost, which is along Kiambu Road, is a great picnic spot for you and your family. Enjoy the scenery, or visit the Mau Mau caves which were used to hide the Mau Mau fighter during colonial times.
Other activities include camping, boat riding, bird watching, and camel riding.
The Great Rift Valley Viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley together with antique curio shops. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy their day breathing some fresh air while enjoying a spectacular view?
For the art lovers looking for contemporary and modern artwork which includes sculptures and paintings, visit the Banana Hill Gallery or the Redhill Art Gallery.
Kiambethu Tea Farm
If you’re a tea lover who is looking for something out of the ordinary, take a tour at the farm to learn about the history of tea and coffee farming in the area. During the tour, look out for monkeys that wander around the gardens. There is also a variety of flowers and birds to enjoy looking at.
Learn more about Nairobi by reading the Thika Road Neighbourhood Guide.
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