Ruiru is a satellite town located 25 kilometers north of Nairobi. It sits in Kiambu County, but the proximity to Nairobi and its “urban-like” environment has made it a part of the larger Nairobi metropolitan area. Ruiru began as an industrial town in the 90s but has slowly grown into a residential node over the years. With over 700,000 people, Ruiru is becoming a favorite for many people who want city living but at a lower cost and a slower life pace. In this guide, I will be taking you through Ruiru, who it is for, the various areas, as well as rents being charged. From this guide you will get a deep understanding of the area and places you can get your desired home.
Who lives in ruiru
1. Students
Ruiru sits conveniently, bordering most universities and colleges along Thika Road. Whether you are a student in KU, Zetech, NIBS, or JKUAT, you can comfortably commute in between Ruiru and your school. In Ruiru, you will find bigger but cheap rental options like bedsitters. Moreover, being a semi-urban town means that the cost of living there is lower than in urban centers.
2. Families
Many families have been moving from Nairobi to Ruiru recently. As a family grows, they often need more space for their children and stuff. Upgrading to a bigger space in Nairobi would mean spending more; however, in a town like Ruiru, you are likely to find bigger units at a much lower cost. Ruiru also offers a variety of housing options from 2-bedrooms to 4-bedrooms and even standalone units, which attract many families as the area accommodates their growth.
3. Young professionals
Ruiru is a wonderful place for young professionals starting out in their employment journey. The affordable housing options available and ease of commuting to the CBD address the needs of many young workers. Moreover, Ruiru has many areas to choose from, so if you like a fast-paced life or a slow-paced one, there is something for you.
4. Entrepreneurs
The population of Ruiru has been growing fast. This presents an opportunity for anyone looking to start a business, as the market is already in place. Being a middle-income area, businesses that are focused on consumption or services do well in Ruiru. Ventures like hotels, salons, barber shops, and kiosks will make you a decent monthly income. The booming construction sector has also paved the way for hardware and distributors of fixtures in Ruiru.
5. Couples
This is true for couples who want to be near their parents. I have some friends who either have parents or in-laws in the Muranga, Nyeri, or Kirinyaga areas. Most of them opted to move to Ruiru, as it is near their parents. This means that going for family gatherings becomes a shorter commute. And with aging parents, should there be any emergency call, you are close enough to respond. Your kids will also enjoy regularly visiting their grandparents instead of the usual once-per-year visits.
6. Job Seekers
Job seekers need two things: an affordable place & access to job opportunities. Whether you are a formal or informal worker, Ruiru has got you covered. The area is very industrial, with companies like Ruiru Mabati, DEVKI Steel, Burn Manufacturing, Alliance Concrete, and many more. Moreover, the construction sector in most areas provides casual jobs for unskilled persons.
7. Digital Nomads
There is no denying that the future of work is online. With many people working from the comfort of their homes, the need to stay close to the Nairobi CBD is fading. Ruiru offers larger and more affordable units that are conducive for remote workers. Additionally, the good internet connectivity means that you can work comfortably without any fear of interruptions.
8. Real Estate Developers
Ruiru is also viable to anyone seeking to invest in real estate in the area. Whether you want to buy a plot or build some apartments, Ruiru would be a favorable place to do so. The growing population means sustained rental demand. The government has also made significant investment in infrastructure like roads & sewers in the area. Land here is also way cheaper than most satellite towns, and construction materials are in close proximity.
areas to live in Ruiru
1. Ruiru Town
Ruiru Town is a great place for small business owners that want to tap into the growing market. The town offers various housing options and commercial shop spaces for business persons. It also hosts banks and other crucial support service to businesses. Rent prices can be a bit affordable but most units in Ruiru town are old and may not appeal to renters seeking modern finishes.
Rents in Ruiru Town
| House Type | Rent (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 6,000 – 9,000 |
| 1-Bedroom | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 16,000 – 25,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 25,000 – 35,000 |
A big part of Ruiru town is majorly commercial with office, shops and large retail spaces. So if you are looking to start a business, we have several shop spaces ready for you. Just WhatsApp us on the button below.
Shops Rents in Ruiru
| Shop | Rent (KES) |
| Shops | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Larger Spaces | 40,000 – 80,000 |
2. Ruiru OJ
The Old Junction next to Tatu city is also a popular spot for people. Houses there are a bit pricy but the area offers some of the best executive housing options in ruiru. Ruiru Oj also sits next to Northern bypass so if you frequent Kiambu, this can be a great place to stay.
Rents in Ruiru OJ
| House Type | Rent (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| 1-Bedroom | 15,000 – 22,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 30,000 – 65,000 |
3. Ruiru Kamakis
Kamakis is popular because of its meat joints and sports bar. However, as you move far away from the road, a mix of residential apartments and standalone maisonettes are in abundance. The gated communities in Kamakis are good for families as they give more space, security and privacy. Apartment options are also in plenty, with bedsitters, 1-bedrooms and 2-bedrooms being the popular choices for many renters.
Rents in Kamakis
| House Type | Rent (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 7,000 – 11,000 |
| 1-Bedroom | 13,000 – 20,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 35,000 – 60,000 |
4. Ruiru Wataalam
Ruiru Wataalam is located in between Ruiru bypass roundabout and Ruiru OJ. The area has been growing rapidly since the construction of the Superhighway and its extension. It is more of a high density residential area with affordable units compared to OJ. If you are looking for cheaper units, check for the older apartments in Wataalam. Many students who want a privacy in a place not too far from school prefer Wataalam. Its popular with Zetech and KU students.
Rents in Wataalam
| House Type | Rent (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 7,500 – 8,500 |
| 1-Bedroom | 9,000 – 14,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 15,000 – 22,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 22,000 – 30,000 |
5. Ruiru Mugutha
Mugutha is largely a family oriented neighborhood. It recently began getting attention for its affordable standalone units. Mugutha sits behind NIBS college along the road to Gatundu and before 2020, little was known about the place. As developers began noticing the cheap land in Mugutha, they flocked to the place. One thing to note is that there are few apartments in Mugutha as zoning laws only allow for low density residential developments, this are bungalows and maisonettes. Connectivity from the NIBS underpass is also not that developed but you can board some TukTuks.
Rents in Mugutha
| House Type | Rent (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 6,000 – 8,000 |
| 1-Bedroom | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 30,000 – 55,000 |
6. Ruiru Matangi
Ruiru Matangi is on the right side of the highway opposite NIBS college. If you are a NIBS student, this is the best place for you to stay. It consists of affordable housing options with many apartment blocks. The good thing about Matangi is that even modern houses are affordable. A slight issue is the poor state of feeder roads that leads into Matangi area. Families looking for cheaper and bigger units can find something in Matangi.
Rents in Matangi
| House Type | Rent (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 6,000 – 9,000 |
| 1-Bedroom | 10,000 – 16,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 16,000 – 25,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 25,000 – 35,000 |
7. Ruiru Membley
Membley is where the Rich in Ruiru reside. It is a gated community with several courts and estates. Many of the inhabitants are well-off families looking for a controlled and secure place for their kids to grow up in. Maisonettes are the popular house types in Membley with many of the residents owning their homes. Compared to other gated communities in places like Kiambu road, Syokimau or Mombasa road, I would opt for Membley as it comes with affordable options, a prestigious name and is way affordable compared to many estates around.
Rents in Membley
| House Type | Rent (KES) |
| 1-Bedroom | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 35,000 – 60,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 60,000 – 120,000+ |
8. Ruiru Gwa Kairo
Gwa Kairo is the ultimate student town in Ruiru. Ever since Kenyatta University moved its media campus there, students began flocking the area. Zetech and NIBS are also very near Gwa Kairo and this has led to a boom in student housing. It is a bit fast paced compared to other parts of Ruiru. Apart from students, the area would also be good for young professionals transitioning from Campus to the job market. If you operate a service business that would benefit from a huge student population like cybers, eateries or salons, this could also be a good area for business.
Rents in Gwa Kairo
| House Type | Rent (KES) |
| Bedsitter | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| 1-Bedroom | 8,000 – 13,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | 14,000 – 20,000 |
| 3-Bedroom | 20,000 – 28,000 |
Places to have fun in ruiru
1. Ruiru Rainbow Resort
Rainbow Ruiru Resort is one of the most established leisure spots in Ruiru, offering a full hotel + resort experience just off Thika Superhighway. It blends leisure and business making it the perfect place for business meetings not too far from Nairobi. It is easily accessible through Eastern Bypass for guests from JKIA.
Amenities
- Swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna & steam bath
- Fully equipped gym & fitness center
- Restaurant & bar with diverse cuisine
- Conference & event spaces (weddings, parties)
- High-speed Wi-Fi & accommodation rooms
2. Ruiru Dam Resort
The dam resort is slowly becoming a city escape for most-young Nairobians. Its coastal vibes including water sports has made it very attractive. If you are craving Diani but are on a budget, this is the place to be. It also offers a family-friendly experience, however, if you have kids just take extra care of them because of the water body.
Amenities
- Open chill areas with scenic water views
- Boat rides / jet ski experiences
- Food joints and drink spots
- Picnic and “park & chill” spaces
3. Mark Hotel Ruiru
The Mark Hotel is a modern boutique hotel offering a more upscale and entertainment-focused experience. I like its blend of corporate and entertainment which has made it popular with events and business meetings. It is also more affordable compared to hotels in Nairobi CBD and offers an even better experience.
Amenities
- Indoor & rooftop swimming pools
- Spa, sauna, steam room & wellness center
- Gym and fitness facilities
- Restaurant with international cuisines
- Nightlife features like karaoke and live entertainment
4. Spur Mall
This is one of the earlier Malls in Ruiru, blending lifestyle and shopping in one. It hosts retail stores like Naivas, offices and hotels. The best part about the Spur mall is that it is not overcrowded with unintentional window shoppers or idlers. Its positioning makes it attract people who are there to buy, get entertained or transact in one way or the other not idlers.
5. Nord Mall
It is one of the newest malls located in Ruiru town and has been attracting a lot of shoppers due to the tenant mix. From retail giants like Carrefour, restaurants and even hospitals, Nord mall is the definition of convenience in the 21st century era. Plus, I think it is a breath of fresh air to the old Ruiru town.
Pros of Living in Ruiru
- One of the biggest advantages of living in Ruiru is the affordability of housing compared to Nairobi.
- In addition to being affordable, Ruiru offers significantly larger housing units compared to what you would typically find in Nairobi. Tenants can access more spacious one-bedrooms, larger living rooms, and even standalone houses with compounds at relatively reasonable prices.
- Ruiru enjoys excellent connectivity to Nairobi’s Central Business District via the Thika Superhighway, one of the most developed road networks in the country.
- As a transition town between urban and peri-urban living, Ruiru offers a more relaxed and less chaotic lifestyle compared to Nairobi.
- Ruiru presents numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs due to its rapid population growth and expanding demand for goods and services. The cost of setting up and running a business is relatively lower than in Nairobi, whether it is rent for a shop, labor, or operational expenses.
Cons of living in Ruiru
- Internal roads are poor in some parts, during the dry season they can be dusty and during rains they become muddy.
- Owing to the unprecedented growth, infrastructure like power and water has not been able to keep up with the growing population. This makes some areas are prone to power outages and water issues.
- Being along Thika Road, just like many other towns sharing this corridor, traffic congestion is a big issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which county is Ruiru located in? – Ruiru is located in Kiambu County.
- How much is Ruiru from Nairobi? – Ruiru is approximately 20–25 kilometers from Nairobi CBD, depending on your exact starting point.
- How far is Ruiru from KU? – Ruiru is about 10–15 kilometers from Kenyatta University (KU).
- Where do I board matatus to Ruiru? – You can board matatus to Ruiru from Tea Room Bus Stage or Khoja Bus Stage in Nairobi CBD.
