Residents of the leafy Kahawa Sukari ward in Ruiru have accused the Kiambu County government of arbitrarily, illegally, and exorbitantly increasing plot and land rates in the area.
They say that the government, led by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, conducted no public participation nor did it give any access to the Valuation Roll as required by the National Rating Act, 2025, and the Constitution.
“Increasing the rates from Kes. 1,500 to 17,550 is not only insensitive but also exploitative,” said Ms. Janet Kimiti, alias Mama Sukari.
She wondered why the county government under Wamatangi has been implementing the Kiambu County Valuation and Rating Act, 2016, which previous administrations had deferred.
Kahawa Sukari is a well-planned, controlled, and expensive residential suburb in Kiambu County, known for its peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere and spacious homes.
Located along the Thika Superhighway near Kenyatta University, it offers a more relaxed lifestyle than central Nairobi, though it can have issues like poorly maintained roads in some central areas. The estate’s name translates to “sugary coffee.”
It is situated along the Thika Superhighway, bordering Nairobi and Kiambu County, between Kahawa Wendani and Ruiru.
Atmosphere: Peaceful and serene, popular with families and professionals seeking a quieter suburban life.
Kahawa Sukari is considered a middle to upper-middle-income neighborhood, making it an expensive place to live.
It primarily consists of detached homes with spacious compounds, as opposed to the more densely populated, apartment-dominated areas nearby.
In terms of social amenities, the area has a variety of shops, markets, and restaurants, with a KFC and major supermarkets present, though central business areas can have poorly maintained roads.
It is a controlled and gated estate with strict management and development rules that require approval from the residents’ association as well as the county government.
The area, which is actually a ward represented by Eric Odhiambo, benefits from its close proximity to educational institutions like Kenyatta University, Amref University, as well as Kiriri Women’s University.
Security-wise, Kahawa Sukari has a fully-fledged police station with a traffic base and also features community policing initiatives and a strong sense of neighborhood organization for security and welfare issues.
The county has been offering waivers on penalties and interests for unpaid rates to encourage payment of outstanding arrears.
