Syokimau is one of the most popular satellite towns outside Nairobi. It is located in Machakos County and is adjacent Mombasa road. The area has really grown with infrastructure expansions such as the express-way and dualling of the road network in the area. Syokimau borders Nairobi to the west, Mlolongo to the East and Nairobi National park to the South.
History of the area
This area has one of the wildest historical stories out there. Legend has it that the name Syokimau was derived from the Kamba prophetess living in the area. Her name was Syokimau and she is known to have prophesied the coming of Whites and the Railway station. This rich history shows how traditionally engrained most of our areas are.
Area Overview
Syokimau rests on a huge area of flat land just next to JKIA airport. It is largely characterized by gated communities and estates which form a bulk of the real estate there. Majority of the inhabitants in Syokimau are of the upper-middleclass and primarily consists of families. Recent developments have also resulted in development of Apartments that are also family friendly but also attract young working professionals.
Who is syokimau suited for?
1. People working in CBD or Mbs road
If you are a professional working in CBD, Mombasa road or Westlands and crave more living space and community living, Syokimau has got you covered. The expressway lets you beat traffic and lightens your commute.
2. People with large families
If you have a big family and care about controlling the environments your kids grow in, Syokimau would also work for you. Many of the satellite towns in Nairobi lack structure, it then becomes easy for your children to join bad company as they are exposed to people you can’t control. The gated communities in Syokimau offer you this control and security. Plus, the resident association is quick to kick out any businesses that promote vices outside the residential zones.
3. People always travelling abroad
If you are always engaged in business that requires you to travel outside the country, being near the airport could definitely be an added advantage. You get to arrive early for flights, get home faster after flights and incase of delays, you can just spend time at you home awaiting another flight.
4. Retirees
Retired people who don’t want to go back to the village would also enjoy Syokimau. The gated estates are very quiet. The standalone homes are also big enough to accommodate your children and grandchildren. The weather there is also very friendly and things like cold are hard to contract.
Property market in the area
Syokimau’s property market has been quite hot for the last decade and will not cool down any time soon. The area hosts various estates, standalone houses, apartments, commercial and industrial zones. This means that investors have a variety of property options to choose from. Moreover, its accessibility to JKIA Airport, Syokimau train station and the Express-Way has ramped up demand. Below is a breakdown on the rents and prices of various units in the area;
| Type of Unit | Rent Range (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Bedsitters | 10,500 – 15,000 |
| One-bedroom | 15,000 – 40,000 |
| Two-bedroom | 25,000 – 50,000 |
| Three-bedroom | 35,000 – 90,000 |
Estates in Syokimau
1. Sunpark Residences
A development by MySpace properties, this estate blends family and modern living. The spacious apartments and services such as; swimming pools and community areas make it a good place for both young and big families. The estate consists of 1 Bedrooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 Bedroom + DSQ, 3 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms + DSQ.
| Unit Type | Sale Price Range (KES) | Estimated Monthly Rent (KES) | Service Charge (KES) |
| 1 Bedroom | 6.5M – 7.5M | – | – |
| 2 Bedroom | 8M – 9M | 50,000 | 3,000 |
| 2 Bedroom + DSQ | ~9.5M | – | – |
| 3 Bedroom | 10M – 11.5M | 70,000 | 3,500 |
| 3 Bedroom + DSQ | ~12.5M | – | – |
2. Syotani Villas
Syotani Villas in Syokimau, located along Katani Road, generally feature 5-bedroom, all-ensuite, luxurious villas. This is a good gated community for people with big families. It offers a secure place, gated community and large lots with controlled development.
3. Bustani Estate Syokimau
This estate is located just next to the main road and near Gateway mall. If you want an easily accessible estate in Syokimau, this could be a great place to look. The estate majorly consists of 3-bedroom Maisonettes and similar variations with a DSQ. Rents in this estates typically range at around Kes 60,000 exclusive of service charge.
4. Athi View estate
This estate consists of 4-bedroom semi-detached Maisonettes in a gated estate. It is located 2.5 kilometers from the main road and just adjacent to Syokimau-Airport road. The estate is well-cabro-paved and security is assured with a 24/7 manned gate leading to the estate.
Rents typically go for around Kes 90,000 in the estate.
5. Stima Sacco Village
This is an older development but one of the best in Syokimau in terms of family living. Even though it is quite a distance from the main road, it makes up for this with great rents. Moreover, it is a very vibrant place for people with families with an active playground for children. The estate consists of detached 3-bedroom + DSQ units with rents of about Kes. 55,000 – 65,000.
If you are house-hunting in the area here is some insights to get you better deals. First, if you are looking for apartments, most of them are located near the main road. However, if you want a unit in the estates, then you will have to move a bit further from the main road as most estates are located here. Also when inquiring about rents, always make sure that you ask about service charge fees, most of the estates and even apartments in Syokimau charge this.
Market Analysis
Syokimau has grown really fast over a short period of time. What started out as a buffer zone east of JKIA has rapidly changed into a high-end residential area. With this comes a lot of demand for homes and as the case in all markets, high demand pushes prices up. According to the Hass index, Syokimau has been ranked as the best performing satellite town with land prices increasing by over 20% in some years.
The infrastructural developments happening near the area have also spiked prices. The Nairobi Expressway alone which boosted accessibility, drove land up by as much as 17.5%. Recently, developers in the area are building gated apartment complexes which are serviced. Gated apartments such as Sunpark Residences & New Rise Gardens exemplify this trend among developers. The reason being the ROI on such developments is far better compared to just building Villas, Bungalows or Maisonnetes.
The future outlook for Syokimau is very promising but this depends on ones needs. If you want to buy land to build a residential home, make sure you buy land in a gated community with strict enforcement on zoning. This will prevent the encroachment of tall apartments on your home which reduces the resale value of your place.
However, if you are just looking to invest in the area, buying an apartment would probably be the best idea. The sustained demand means that your apartment will rarely lack a tenant. You can also choose to place it on Airbnb seeing its proximity to the Airport and the train station. With an acre going for about 22 million – 32 million, Syokimau is slowly changing into a “Premium” market where majority of the people will be forced to rent as buying is out of their reach.
How to get to syokimau
Syokimau ranks pretty well in terms of its accessibility. Having an international airport, an Expressway and a Train station all in one area is very rare. Moreover, feeder roads within the area are majorly tarmacked adding to the easy of movements.
For commuters, to get from Nairobi CBD to Syokimau, you will pick a bus plying to Kitengela. Buses to the area are picked at Railways bus station and they normally charge a maximum of Kes 80 bob to Syokimau.
As I have previously pointed out, the feeder roads in syokimau are also well accessible. The major roads in the area include the following;
- Syokimau Katani Road
- Syokimau Airport Road
- Mwananchi Road
- Kiungani Road
- Community Road
- Parliament Road
- Quarry Road
Pros & Cons of living in Syokimau
i. Pros of the area
a. Exclusive gated estates and communities – Living in gated estates offers residents privacy and a sense of prestige, creating a secure and serene environment. These communities often have well-maintained common areas and shared amenities that enhance quality of life.
b. Security especially for manned premises – manned premises provide constant surveillance, which significantly reduces crime and promotes a safe living environment. This gives residents peace of mind, particularly for families and professionals.
c. Great accessibility – syokimau is strategically located near major highways and the commuter rail, making it easy to travel to Nairobi and other neighboring towns. This connectivity is ideal for working professionals and businesses.
d. Controlled development – the area’s development is regulated, which helps maintain orderly growth and prevents haphazard constructions. This ensures that the neighborhood remains attractive and functional over time.
e. Highly appreciating property values – property investments in Syokimau have historically shown strong appreciation, offering potential financial gains for homeowners. This makes it an attractive area for both investors and long-term residents.
f. Syokimau Residents Association’s role – the Residents Association actively enforces zoning laws and addresses community concerns, ensuring that residents’ interests are protected. Their involvement helps maintain the area’s standards and livability.
Cons of the area
a. Some internal roads are inaccessible during heavy rains – poor drainage in certain parts causes flooding, making roads impassable during the rainy season. This can disrupt daily commutes and access to essential services.
b. Air pollution, noise, and dust from industrial activities – proximity to industrial areas like steel mills exposes some residents to air and noise pollution, which can affect health and quality of life. Dust accumulation also increases maintenance needs for homes and vehicles.
c. Limited access to social amenities in some areas – as Syokimau is still developing, not all neighborhoods have nearby schools, hospitals, or shopping centers. Residents may need to travel farther for basic services, which can be inconvenient.
d. Rapid growth affecting infrastructure – the fast pace of development has outstripped infrastructure capacity, leading to challenges like inadequate sewerage and drainage systems. This can result in occasional flooding and strain on utilities.
