My Hood: What to expect if you plan to live in Ngata gate estate
The road that leads to Ngata gate estate where the wealthy in Nakuru live.
Approximately 40 minutes after you leave Nakuru city centre on board of Ngata Sacco matatu you arrive at the Ngata gate.
Right at this stage, you are greeted by boda boda riders ready to take you to your destination.
Walking to your house is also an option but from what I understand from the boda boda guys at the stage, is that most of the houses are located quite a distance away from the main highway.
Therefore, many of the boda boda operators in this estate have taken advantage of this and charge amount ranging from sh. 50- sh. 150 depending on where you are going.
A group of boda boda operators at Ngata gate stage on May 8, 2024.
Most of area as you approach the estate are gated communities coupled with farm lands, the sound of birds chirping in a distance as silence reigns supreme bringing to life the adage "matajiri hawataki kelele".
Indeed, this is the case as some of the most affluent people in Nakuru and also within the country have residences in this estate.
Benson Kemoi has been a resident in the area for over 15 years.
He says that Ngata gate is mostly an agricultural area as many residents have large track of lands where they practice small scale farming.
Benson Kemoi during an interview with Mtaa Wangu in Ngata gate estate on May 8, 2024.
"For those who would want to rent houses in this area, a one-bedroom apartment goes for sh. 5,000 and two bedroom would go for about Sh 7,000 to Sh 8,500. However, the rent prices have gone up recently. This can be attributed to the increase of land value in the area," he says.
He however adds that the area is mostly occupied by older people.
"Within the estate we have various entertainment joints but they are quite expensive," he says.
Evelyn Chelagat conquers with Benson revealing that by 7 pm most of the businesses are usually closed as people are already within their homes.
In matters security, she says that they are not doing badly as the Ngata Police Post offers regular patrols in the area.
A post showing entrance to Ngata police post that has improved security in Ngata gate estate.
As far as availability of water is concerned, Chelagat notes that most of the people in the area depend on rain water harvesting, while others especially during the dry season will buy water.
Mtaa Wangu learnt that the main challenge for many of the residents in the area is the poor roads leading into the residential areas, as they make it difficult for drivers to navigate the area leading to vehicles being damaged repeatedly.