Buruburu, popularly referred to as Buru is located approximately 7.5 Kilometers from Nairobi CBD. It is subdivided into five phases that are in two different constituencies, Makadara Constituency and Embakasi West Constituency, both in Nairobi County. Phase 1 is in Kariobangi South Ward, phases 2 and 3 are in Harambee Ward, phase 4 is in Viwandani Ward and Phase 5 is in Maringo/Hamza Ward.
Brief History of Buruburu
The origin of the Buruburu estate can be traced back to the 1962 Regional Commission, which advocated for the expansion of Nairobi, for housing and development purposes on the eastward side. This program adopted a mortgage housing finance strategy that would provide housing for the emerging Nairobi middle class. Before then, the postcolonial government had built rental houses that were mainly inhabited by high-income earners.
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This program was designed in the year 1974 and covered 85 hectares of land. It took a decade to complete the 5 planned phases, with each phase consisting of 1000 units. Most of the units in these 5 phases were maisonettes with 3-4 bedrooms as well as 2-3 bedroom bungalows.
After its completion in the mid-, the Buruburu estate was a desirable neighborhood to live in. Only top business people, government officials, professionals, and a few expatriates on short-term assignments in the country could afford to live here and were proud to be associated with the estate. The estate was a model for future developments in other commonwealth countries in Africa.
But over the years, the estate has declined due to neglect and rapid urbanization. Construction of extensions to existing houses, illegal structures/businesses, prostitution, insecurity, and keeping animals have also contributed greatly to this decline in its value.
Low and middle-income earners now mostly inhabit Buruburu estate.
Map of Buruburu Neighborhood
Estates neighboring Buruburu
Kiambiu slums, Ofafa Jericho, Jericho, Hamza, Umoja, Kariobangi south, Old Donholm, Outering estate, Pioneer estate, Harambee estate, and Rabai estate
Places of Worship in Buruburu
Vosh Church intl
Full Gospel Churches of Kenya
ACK St. James Church
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Buruburu Baptist Church
Healthcare services in Buruburu.
Aga Khan University hospital buruburu
Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital
Avenue Healthcare Buruburu clinic
Hono clinic
Njiru Health center
Nature pharmacy limited
Bliss medical center Buruburu
Umoja health center
Summed Pharmacy limited
Coptic hospital
St. Marys Mission Hospital
Penpharm Pharmacy
Token pharmaceuticals limited
Canaan pharmaceuticals limited
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Read Also: Comprehensive Guide to Ongata Rongai Neighborhood
Fitness center/ gyms in Buruburu
Get Fit gym and aerobics
Lystra Gym and Spa
Power flex gym and Aerobics
Henrys fitness, gym, and training facility
Gold rock gym fitness center
Wazito fitness centre
Beauty/SPA Parlour in Buruburu
Pure bliss Nail spa
Nail master spa
Amigoz spa
Lystra Gym and spa
Buruklyn finest clinique
Havilah nail spa and beauty parlor
Schools in Buruburu
Universities/ Colleges
Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts
SOS Technical Institute
Unity College
East Africa School of Theology
Shepherds College
Highschools
Buruburu Girls highschool
Buruburu High School
NPC Secondary school
Apostolic Carmel Girls School
Primary schools
Thomas Burke primary school
Wanja and Kim primary school
Bidii Primary school
Baraka primary school
Happyland Primary School
ACK St. James primary school
River Road Primary School
Harambee primary school
Buruburu One Primary
Kindergarten schools
Shepherds junior school
Barbie kids kindergarten
Taji junior campus
Chalk farm junior school
Bright beginnings kindergarten school
Dominique junior academy
Banking services in Buruburu
ABSA bank
K-rep bank Kenya
Standard bank
Commercial bank
Equity bank
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Bars and Clubs in Buruburu
Taurus lounge
Spice Lounge Buruburu
B Lounge Buruburu
Club Pynts Buruburu
Sky fall Bar and Lounge
Internet providers in Buruburu
Safaricom Home Fiber
Zuku fiber
Wavelink Network 0748 111 304
Rental houses in Buruburu
Single rooms Ksh4, 000 to Sh5, 500,
Bedsitters Ksh8, 000 to Sh13, 000
One bedroom Ksh12, 000 to Sh17, 000.
Two bedroom Ksh19, 000 to Ksh30, 000
Three bedroom Ksh33, 000 to Ksh50,000
Advantages of living in Buruburu
Close proximity to Nairobi CBD.
Buruburu estate is located in a convenient location where residents can access employment opportunities, schools, and other essential facilities with ease in and around Nairobi Central Business District. The close proximity reduces commuting time and is affordable, especially for residents who commute to the CBD on a daily basis.
Affordable housing options
There are a variety of rental houses to choose from and of different sizes that suit students, individuals, and families that also fit their budget and lifestyle.
Well-connected transportation
Buruburu is accessible through major roads such as Jogoo Road, Mumias South Road, and Rabai Road providing convenient transport to different parts of the city and the country at large.
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Disadvantages of living in Buruburu
Declining property values
Due to neglect and rapid urbanization, Buruburu has over the years experienced a property value decline.
High population density
During peak hours Buruburu estate experience congestion and overcrowding, which sometimes results in increased traffic increasing commuting time. The high population density also comes with many challenges such as a high rate of spread of communicable diseases, noise pollution, and increased crime rates.
Poor infrastructure
Most roads around Buruburu are poorly maintained, and there is inconsistent provision of basic utilities such as water and electricity, poor drainage, and poor garbage collection services. All these challenges can impact residents lives negatively and create lots of inconveniences.
Conclusion.
The valuable insights provided by this neighborhood guide offer a glimpse into the history, amenities, services, advantages, and disadvantages of living in Buruburu estate. Therefore anyone seeking to live/ visit this neighborhood can read this article to have a general overview of the estate. Additionally, if you would like to explore different locations, you can visit our Youtube channel to view our engaging video guides to different towns in Kenya.