Moving to a new neighbourhood can be challenging—especially when you’re unfamiliar with the area. This Thika Road neighbourhood guide is designed to help home seekers, renters, and investors understand what living along Thika Road is really like.
About Thika Road
Since the completion of the Thika Superhighway in 2009, the corridor has become one of the most attractive and affordable residential zones in Nairobi. The highway serves as a major gateway connecting Nairobi to Thika, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Meru, Embu, Nyeri, and the wider Central Kenya region.
Stretching over 50 kilometres, Thika Road hosts a wide range of amenities including schools, residential estates, offices, shopping malls, hospitals, and key government institutions—making it a self-sufficient and highly convenient area to live.
Community
Neighbourhoods along Thika Road are home to a young, vibrant, and diverse population. Due to the presence of several universities and colleges, many students prefer living here for easy access to school. The area also attracts young professionals and first-time renters thanks to its affordability and accessibility to the city centre.
Property Prices
One of the biggest advantages of living along Thika Road is affordability.
Bedsitters: from approximately KSh 8,000
One-bedroom apartments: average around KSh 25,000
These prices (historically competitive) have made the area popular with young professionals. While rush-hour traffic can be a challenge in the mornings and evenings, improved infrastructure has significantly reduced commute times compared to the past.
Estates Along Thika Road
Some of the most popular and fast-growing estates include:
Roysambu
Garden Estate
Kahawa Sukari
Zimmerman
Githurai
Kahawa West
Kasarani
Juja
Ruaraka
Mwiki
Ngumba
These neighbourhoods offer a wide range of housing options—from budget apartments to gated communities.
Schools & Universities
Families moving to Thika Road have access to a strong mix of public, private, and international schools, including:
Primary & Secondary Schools
Lily Academy (Githurai)
St. Scholastica Catholic School
Cornerstone Academy
Ruaraka Academy
Thika Road Christian School
Peponi School
Mang’u High School
Universities & Colleges
United States International University – Africa (USIU-A)
Kenyatta University
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
KCA University
Pioneer International University
Mount Kenya University (Thika Campus)
Government Institutions
Several major government facilities are located along Thika Road, including:
National Youth Service (NYS)
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)
Kenya Institute of Survey and Mapping
GSU Headquarters
Kahawa Barracks
Kenya National Library Services
Hospitals & Healthcare
Residents enjoy access to both public and private healthcare facilities such as:
Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital
Thika Road Health Centre
St. Scholastica Uzima Hospital
Kahawa Wendani Hospital
Jacaranda Maternity
Restaurants & Dining
Food options along Thika Road are abundant, ranging from roadside vendors to international brands.
Fast Food & Casual Dining
KFC
Pizza Inn (TRM & Garden City)
Galitos
Chicken Inn
Pizza Mojo
Pizza Planet
Sit-Down Restaurants & Hotels
Sabor a’ Mexico (TRM)
Teriyaki Japan
Jambo Grill
Safari Park Hotel
Utalii Hotel
Hotel La Mada
Shopping Malls
Thika Road is home to some of Nairobi’s most popular malls:
Garden City Mall
Mountain Mall
Juja City Mall
Adva Mall (Ruiru)
Unicity Mall
These malls offer shopping, entertainment, supermarkets, banks, and family-friendly activities.
Things to Do
If nightlife isn’t your thing, Thika Road still offers plenty of leisure options:
TRM Funscapes: Indoor arcade games and family rides
7D Cinema at TRM: A unique movie experience
Garden City Mall: Outdoor events and family activities
Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani): Restaurant, sports bar, swimming pool, and events
Final Thoughts
Thika Road continues to attract renters, homebuyers, and investors due to its affordability, accessibility, and growing infrastructure. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or family, the area offers a balanced urban lifestyle with everything you need close by.