Ongata Rongai also commonly known as Rongai or Ronga is a town in Kajiado county located in the southern part of Nairobi and West of the Ngong Hills. The town was purely filled with the Maasai people who had huge pieces of land and cattle farming. However, it has seen a rise in social amenities and properties.
Living in Nairobi is both costly and there is congestion in the town. More people are moving to satellite towns which provide more affordable options in terms of housing compared to Nairobi.
READ ALSO: Why Are Wealthy Kenyans Opting to Move to Satellite Towns?
Rongai has several well-known banks, hotels, schools, and malls to cater to the growing community in the town. Some of the estates in Rongai include Nkoroi, Tuala, Rangau, Rimpa and more.
Table of Contents
Map
Property Prices
Community
A huge percentage of people living in Rongai are middle-income earners. The suburb is home to a mix of long-term residents and newcomers, including young professionals, families, and students. Due to this more businesses are coming up providing social amenities such as restaurants and shopping complexes with a variety of stalls.
Culture
Mention Rongai to many people and the first thing that will come to mind is the flashy matatus also known as nganyas. They are public means of transport with free wifi, loud music and big screens in them. On the outside, it’s difficult to miss the graffiti on the body of the matatu. We can’t forget to mention that a number of local entertainers live in Rongai. The area is also known for its lively music scene, local art and cultural festivals that celebrate Kenyan heritage. Traditional crafts, performances and markets add to the rich cultural experience, making Rongai a culturally vibrant place to live.
Schools
There are different learning institutions in Ongata Rongai for different levels of education. These include:
| University/College | High School/Secondary | Primary School |
| African Nazarene UniversityAdventist University of AfricaMultimedia University of KenyaAdventist University. | Laiser hill SecondaryNakeel Secondary SchoolNkaimurunya Mixed Day | Magadi Road PrimaryThorn Tree SchoolOngata Primary School. MaxwellAdventist AcademyOlerai School |
Restaurants
The dining scene in Ongata Rongai is diverse, offering a variety of cuisines to cater to different tastes and preferences. Some popular restaurants include:
| The Smith Hotel Beatus Chicken Coffee House GiMor Restaurant, Siron Place Restaurant Club Legend | Hornbill Bar & Restaurant Choma Place Inn Bar And Restaurant, Pizza Inn Chicken Inn |
Hospitals
Ongata Rongai is well-served by several healthcare facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care. Key hospitals and clinics include:
- Nazarene Hospital: A well-equipped hospital providing a wide range of medical services.
- Rongai Health Centre: Offers outpatient services, maternity care, and immunizations.
- Afya Bora Medical Centre: Known for its excellent patient care and modern facilities.
These hospitals and clinics provide comprehensive healthcare services, from routine check-ups to emergency care. Other hospitals include: Ongata Rongai, Mount Olive Sinai Hospital, Ongata Rongai Health Center, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Avenue Healthcare, Fatima Maternity Hospital and Meridian Equator Hospital.
Malls
With the growing population in satellite towns like Ongata Rongai, there has been an increase in the social amenities in the area..
One of the big malls that has come up is the modern Maasai Mall which has top retail stores, ATMs, restaurants that offer cuisines such as Italian, Chinese and Ethiopian. You can also do house hold shopping ar Quickamart, Naivas and Eastmatt supermarket. These supermarkets are conveniently located throughout Rongai, making daily shopping easy and accessible.
Transport
It is difficult to ignore the traffic headache when you think about going to Rongai. It’s so bad to the point that people turn down an opportunity to go to Rongai because they are scared of getting caught in traffic. You need to plan accordingly to avoid being late for any commitments.
For instance, people who work in the city center and want to get to the office on time will usually start their journey early in the morning at 4 or 5 a.m. Returning home is the same story. The traffic situation is as a result of Magadi Road being too narrow to accommodate all the cars entering and leaving Rongai.
Things to Do
Kajiado is a scenic county with hills, valleys and plains. Over the weekend, take a road trip to Ngong Hills and enjoy the view while enjoying the scenic view of the green trees and huge turbines. How about going for a hike with friends to climb the steep hills? Depending on your fitness levels, it can take you close to 5 hours to complete the hike.
READ ALSO: What to Expect When You Invest in Ngong
Another gorgeous place you should consider visiting is Kitengela Glass. Before you get to the actual place, you could see wildlife because it is right next to the Nairobi National Park. When at the venue, you will see glass art, sculptures, home decor and jewelry.
Conclusion
Living in Nairobi is both costly and there is congestion in the town. More people are moving to satellite towns which provide more affordable options in terms of housing compared to Nairobi.
Known for its affordability and accessibility, Rongai offers a unique blend of urban and semi-rural living which has attracted a diverse population
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