My Hood: Why Kenlands estate remains a pot of memories for Nakuru's 90's babies
A section of Kenlands estate that makes up a vibrant centre of the area.
For the ‘90s babies who grew up in Nakuru around Shabab, Kenlands estate is one that holds dear memories.
"I grew up in Shabab estate in the early 90s. Back then, the first ever movie library/ movie shop was in Kenlands, " a resident, Abdul Mohammed, shares with Mtaa Wangu.
As he reminisces on his childhood, Mr Abdul notes how he and his friends would walk from Shabab to rent movie tapes.
"Back then, life was all about renting out movie tapes, watching them with your friends, and going to school to discuss your favourite scenes," Mr Abdul shares.
Some of the roads in Kenlands estate taken on January 30, 2024.
Also looking back at the memories Kenlands holds for them, another Kenlands resident, Dan Lemayan shares," Over the years, the one thing that has stuck to memory about this estate is Denise."
Dan then goes on to narrate how Denise was a famous drinking joint back then.
"I remember looking forward to the weekends when I'd meet my boys and we’d enjoy cold beers. The joint would be lit with activity, laughter, and excited chatter whenever a beautiful lady walked in.”
Currently, all that's left of Denise is a memory of the lively local and a section of the estate named after the iconic joint.
In this day and age, however, Kenlands is known for affordable spacious houses loved by students and young adults.
Kenlands estate is attractive to young adults in Nakuru city.
A bedsitter here rents for Sh6,000, a one-bedroom between Sh10,000 and Sh18,000 while a two-bedroom ranges between Sh12,000 and Sh24,000.
Other amenities that can be found in the estate are pharmacies, churches, lots of butcheries, shops, and supermarkets.
Like any other place filled with young adults and student inhabitants, the estate is also filled with lots of mama mboga options and vibandas to grab a quick and affordable bite.
Apart from the affordable rent and amenities, another thing that attracts the young adults to this estate is its close proximity to Nakuru CBD.
Lastly, most young adults tend to be lovers of the bottle making Kenlands estate ideal given its wide variety of drinking spots to choose from.
"I recently moved from Shabab to Kenlands estate and I love how spacious houses are here. Also, water here isn't as scarce as my previous estate. However, depending on what part of Kenlands you live in, insecurity may be an issue given its proximity to Ronda estate. Another thing I'd point out is the lack of tarmacked roads. So I'm always showing up to class covered in dust,” university student Joan Mwende highlights.