How Membley Changed From Empty Plots to a Sh35 Million Property Hotspot

Membley has rapidly developed from a sparsely populated estate into a densely built residential area, with apartment blocks, hardware shops and gated courts replacing many of its former vacant plots.

The estate has largely grown through individual development rather than a master plan. Buyers acquired plots in different sizes, including 50 by 100, 100 by 100 and 40 by 80 feet, and built homes according to their needs. In some areas, homeowners pooled resources to establish semi-private courts with shared security. The result is a mixed landscape of apartment buildings, detached houses and small commercial outlets.

Job Kimani, a real estate agent at Zani Property Limited, said demand for property remains strong even as available land becomes scarce. Roadside plots designated for commercial use now sell for more than Sh35 million, while larger residential plots cost between Sh13.5 million and Sh15 million. Smaller 40-by-80 plots, which were once less sought after, now average Sh6.5 million.

Early investors have recorded substantial gains. Miriam Mukami bought her plot for Sh500,000 about 15 years ago, when the estate faced poor roads and security problems. She said the changes are now evident across the neighbourhood, with previously vacant plots occupied and access roads improved and consolidated.

Membley’s growth has been supported by its proximity to Kahawa Sukari, which was once the leading residential estate along Thika Road. As available land in Sukari became limited, buyers increasingly moved to Membley because of its location and improving road network, which provides access to Thika, Kiambu and Mombasa Road.

The growing population has also increased commercial activity, particularly in the construction sector. Hardware shops are common across the estate, while entrepreneurs such as Lavin Munene have opened electrical supply businesses and petrol station service shops. Demand for rental housing has also increased, with one-bedroom units costing at least Sh18,000 a month. Completed houses on smaller plots are selling for about Sh30 million.

The rapid increase in population and construction has created new challenges. Residents have organised through the Membley Residential Association, which coordinates efforts on security, hygiene and infrastructure.

Long-term homeowners are also concerned about maintaining the privacy, order and sense of community that attracted them to the estate as rental activity increases. Short-term accommodation, including Airbnb units, has emerged in the area, although residents say it has not yet caused major disruption.