How Kamakis Transformed From Farmland Into a Booming Property Hub

Kamakis Corner in Ruiru has grown from a farming settlement into one of the Nairobi region’s fastest-developing property hubs, driven by rising land values, new estates and expanding commercial activity along the Eastern Bypass.

Located on Nairobi’s eastern edge, Kamakis now features a mix of roadside restaurants, hardware shops, gated estates and active construction sites. Despite the rapid development, signs of the area’s agricultural past remain visible, with livestock pens and small farms still operating beside modern homes.

The area’s growth accelerated after the Eastern Bypass opened in 2009. Improved access connected Kamakis more directly to Nairobi and increased demand for land from developers and middle-income families seeking housing outside the city centre. Land that was once considered remote became a major investment target.

Long-time residents say the transformation has been dramatic. Bishop Samuel Mbugua, who bought land in the area in 1986 for Sh18,000, remembers when residents depended on River Ruiru for water and used muddy roads to reach their homes. Today, some roadside plots sell for as much as Sh60 million. “There was almost nothing here,” he says of the area’s early years.

Businesses have also benefited from the expansion. Kamakis has become known for its nyama choma restaurants, which attract visitors from Nairobi and nearby towns. Hospitality investor Anthony Kariuki, who purchased land in 2014 for Sh6.2 million, now runs a business along one of the area’s busiest commercial sections. He says hardware shops continue to perform strongly because of constant construction activity.

Residents, however, say infrastructure development has not kept pace with property growth. Many internal roads remain in poor condition, drainage systems are limited and some feeder roads become difficult to use during heavy rain. The situation has raised concerns about planning and the long-term sustainability of the area’s expansion.

Kamakis continues to reflect both its rural and urban character. Modern estates with paved driveways and rooftop terraces stand alongside homes where residents still keep livestock and grow crops. For many families, the area offers access to urban services while retaining a quieter suburban environment.