Everything You Need to Know About Nanyuki, Kenya
- BeyondForest
- Sep 25, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
At Nanyuki Cedar Mall Chandarana
0.)About Nanyuki
1.)Best Place to Live In Nanyuki
1.1)My Nanyuki Experience
5.)List of Schools In Nanyuki
Warning:"Eno Ne Nanyuki,moisho wa reli,waagha koech'uga ogokinya moisho ta yo" -Kajoni
This is Nanyuki End of the Railway line ,If you don't take care you are gonna end up like it"
The Town Nanyuki itself is 104 years old as of 2025. In the year 1920 when it was officially gazette as a town and while in Nanyuki town at Nanyuki Stage next is Nanyuki park ,inside the park there is an emblem stating how old Nanyuki is . Nanyuki is located in Laikipia county .
the reason why Nanyuki is called Mwisho wa reli is because the railway was intended to go up to Meru however when they reached the Nanyuki section Fun got the better part of the workers. Booze ,Fun and Women then all of a sudden the Map that was used to construct the railway got lost and that was it
At the Center of Nanyuki Town and ahead is the tallest building in Nanyuki Bemwaki Towers
Nanyuki Town can be accessed from the A2 highway that projects from Naromoru Town headed to Isiolo . Although Nanyuki can be said to be in Laikipia there is always a debate as to where Nanyuki lies .Does Nanyuki still belong to Nyeri county as the case for Kanyoni area in Nanyuki or does Nanyuki also belong to Meru county which is just next to Makutano.
Image of a Lorry at Naromoru headed towards Nanyuki
Nanyuki Town is sandwiched between two great towns Naromoru from Nairobi and north is Isiolo town. Nanyuki Town is very extensive as the Town starts all the way from Ichuga after KPLC.
Image of Affordable Housing In Nanyuki
If in Nanyuki at anytime you will definitely notice the tourism mood with lots of Landcruiser Tour vans at the car wash or mostly on the road ferrying whites with blacks as drivers or Tour guides very unfortunate.
Image of Nanyuki town at Ubii plaza
Nanyuki Town is a very different town as compared to other towns like Nairobi as in Nanyuki Town most buildings you see are rental apartments with the face being businesses of the Landlords thus many people live in Nanyuki Town. Nanyuki covers an area of approximately 17 KM2 (1700 Hectares) with a population of approximately 72,800.
Blue multi-story building at Nanyuki Town
Burguret,Gathiuru,Gwakania,Kania,Kamangura,Ichuga,Toll,Sweetwaters,Mongetho,Liki,Ruai,Muthaiga,Teachers and Makutano where majority of ladies in Nanyuki really prefer living are all neighbor hoods surrounding Nanyuki Town .Of course I cannot go without talking of the tallest building in Nanyuki which is Bemwaki Towers which is 12 storey building with a lift and very organized security .
Aerial view of Nanyuki town
According to a source is that majority of people working in Nanyuki who are employed formally work for the government . Apart from working for the government there is also a very huge number of non profit organizations in Nanyuki which offer employment .
To access or climb Mount Kenya there are three famous routes there is the chogoria route in Meru The Teleki valley in Naromoru and Sirmon in Nanyuki therefore Mount Kenya makes Nanyuki more famous than Naromoru as its the base for climbing Mlima Kenya .
Nanyuki and Naivasha both pose a very great similarities as most whites also live in Naivasha. To access Naivashafrom Nanyuki you will have to go with a 4NTE sacco which traverses from Nanyuki Town stage to Naromoru all the way to Naivasha and Nakuru .
The cost of travelling from Nanyuki to Nairobi on average is 800Ksh but can hike upto 1000Ksh especially during holidays . The final destination from Nanyuki is Nairobi Tea room . While most people would not want to go up to Nairobi CBD some alight on the way by asking the driver to drop them of at certain points
joskaki Initials for Joseph Kabuki Kingori.
The bearing point of Nanyuki Town. The famous JOSKAKI HOTEL , located along Lumumba road opposite Kanu Group. The building is allegedly believed to have been named after the owner who's the famous business mogul in town
From Nanyuki to Thika the cost is the same as from Nanyuki to Nairobi as the cabs charge the same amount for any passenger who boards regardless of where you are alighting . The cost of Nanyuki to Thika Blue post would cost as from Nanyuki to Nairobi which is 800Ksh
However nowadays the johnnies do not roam around Nanyuki like they used to due to cases of fighting as the johnies would be given a chance to come to town and Party however after series of conflicts with locals .Very rare you will see the johnies roam freely or even drink at Nyakio since they now have an inside bar at the camp.
Aerial view of Nanyuki
Nanyuki town is a metropolitant town as the town has almost all tribes in Kenya and even different nationalities who flock the city each and every single day. The fact that Nanyuki town is closer to Laikipia ,Meru ,Nyeri and Samburu we can clearly state that most residents in Nanyuki would be Meru's, Kikuyu's and samburu people .
With the majority of Nanyuki residents saying that Likki estate is the best place to live in Nanyuki.There are other places to live in Nanyuki and your budget is kind of the major determining factor to where you want to live. Other comments suggest Cottage where a one bedroom would range for 10,000Ksh and for the Ultra rich Muthaiga estate is a place to live in Nanyuki
Likii Estate |
Cottage |
Muthaiga |
Sportmans (Sportee) |
Mukima |
Majengo Estate |
Ruai |
Toll |
Ichuga |
Murera |
Matanya |
Teachers |
Barracks |
Makutano near Gawanaz |
Baraka Estate |
Thingithu |
My Nanyuki Experience
Am at Ubii plaza and where am standing 7:55 am no activity,7:56 no activity.7:57 no activity,7:58 no activity,7:59 no activity and when the clock ticks 8:00am the big movement begins and majority of cars are SUV's headed towards Braeburn Nanyuki
Image of SUV from Braeburn Nanyuki
If its a big car and its not tinted you will see a white if its a big car and its tinted its definitely an African
Whites Shop at Chandarana ,blacks shop at Quickmart
Most Prevalent brand of Car is the Toyota Landcruiser with slightly a majority having Roof racks
Old African Women are on the farm by Day, Old White Women are on Dance Class during the day
Majority of Tourists are white on Land Cruiser Tour vans while the driver is black of course
What about the white child who lives in Naromoru and the Dad takes him to Nanyuki braeburn everyday as they enjoy the vast landscape and view of Mount Kenya-Best Roadtrip ever
I once saw a white come out of a flower shop ,just saying
I haven't seen any white bring their car at the carwash mostly Africans and most are drivers who drive Landcruiser Tour vans
I once was at the window and saw whites bring their Hilux double cabin at the carwash. The car washers were very enthusiastic inviting them in seems they kind of tip well or they were about to be ripped off. They conversed then after some few minutes they started washing the car while the whites were still inside
I once saw a white do a morning run it was 8:30 still haven't seen an African taking a morning run
Its 7;20 on a Monday Morning while am commuting from Naromoru to Nanyuki I spot a Landcruiser J120 belonging to Helena Montesen and her Hubby they are either going on a Safari (Roof rack packed with bags)while am going to work
Whites own the big cars, Africans are mostly walking, on boda-boda or driving hatchbacks and sedans
Where am Standing the Landcruiser Tour vans are either empty passing and if they are full with whites obviously
Whites are more courteous if you give them right of way you can see them symbolize with a high five after they get through Inside the Mercedes Benz bus that's written White water rafting (I guess they are going to Sagana) all passengers are whites the driver is the only black
Braeburn Nanyuki has both Entry and Exit due to the traffic caused by parents as majority of students don't take the bus but instead are dropped by their parents
White moms I see them mostly drive their kids to school-Braeburn
Oooh I forget too easily, the whites go to Dugu hardware specifically if they are building
While am at the third floor at the window I can see mostly whites with shorts since their cars are not tinted and for the tinted cars which belong to Africans i would bet my two balls they are wearing trousers
1.)In terms of Wildlife Nanyuki houses 5 conservancies with Ol-pejeta conservancy being the main a (not-for-profit) wildlife that helps to conserve wildlife and provide a sanctuary for great apes
2.)Nanyuki is just less than 32 kilometers from the second highest mountain in Africa .Mt Kenya
3.)Nanyuki houses the British Army Training Unit Kenya which hosts 10,000 Trainees per year
4.)The Nanyuki Airbase which was opened by the Kenya Air force is the primary airfield for fighter aircrafts
5.)Nanyuki townhouses various malls and supermarkets including cedar mall and Nanyuki Mall
6.)In terms of real estate, the famous Maiyan which is over 84 acres of natural landscape is a major investment in the land which is usually fully booked from Thursday till Sunday
Image of Sarova Maiyan Nanyuki by stejos_tours
7.)Nanyuki is few kilometers from major cities like Nairobi city 200km, 180km from Nakuru town, and 61 kilometers from Nyeri
8.)Nanyuki is one of the few counties in Kenya that the equator passes through
Yellow sign in Nanyuki with map of Kenya, marked "Equator
9.)Nanyuki is a maasai word meaning a 'place of red water' was founded by British settlers and majority of them still live there
10.)Nanyuki has some of the best schools such as Braeburn,Moi Equator,Brickwoods, Nanyuki High school
FAQ About Nanyuki
In which county in Nanyuki Found
Nanyuki is located in Laikipia County, one of Kenya’s 47 counties in the former Rift Valley Province. It’s the county’s main urban centre and one of five sub-county headquarters in Laikipia alongside Doldol, Rumuruti, Lamuria, and Nyahururu—all governed from this county
Why Is Nanyuki famous
The reason why Nanyuki is famous would be obviously because of the British who train at Nanyuki through BATUK commonly referred to as Johnnies. Though Nanyuki is famous for one other main thing which is Mount Kenya.
Where Is Nanyuki from Nairobi
Nanyuki lies roughly 196 km (122 mi) north of Nairobi by road the drive typically takes 3–3.5 hours, mostly along the scenic A2 highway.
Which tribe lives in Nanyuki?
Nanyuki is a vibrant melting pot of ethnic groups. The majority population consists of the Kikuyu (roughly 60%), alongside significant numbers of Kalenjin (e.g., Nandi, Pokot), Maasai/Samburu, Turkana, Meru, Borana, Somali, Asian Kenyan and European settler
How far is Nanyuki from Ngare Ndare?
Nanyuki lies about 40–47 km (25–29 miles) west of Ngare Ndare Forest, depending on the starting point. The drive takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour via mixed paved and rough roads. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended—especially during rainy conditions
Is Nanyuki a good place to live?
Nanyuki offers a serene, highland lifestyle with cooler temperatures, stunning Mount Kenya views, wildlife access, strong expat community, fiber internet, reputable schools, and growing amenities. Despite higher prices for goods, limited job options beyond agriculture + tourism, occasional power outages, and its remote location (≈200 km from Nairobi), it remains safe and family‑friendly
How old is Nanyuki?
Nanyuki was founded in 1907 by British settlers as a small colonial market town. It was officially gazetted as a township on 24 November 1920
The distance from Nairobi to Nanyuki is approximately 147 km driving takes around 3–3½ hours with a Cab especially Nanyuki express the cost may range from 800Ksh depending on peak seasons .Over the decades, it has evolved into a key regional hub with military, tourism, and agricultural significance.
Nanyuki is generally cool due to its high elevation of about 1,947 meters above sea level. Despite being on the equator, temperatures average between 10°C and 25°C. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while days are mild—making the climate pleasant and suitable for farming and tourism.
There are no wild bears in Nanyuki itself, but Ol Jogi Conservancy—about 20 km north—is home to Africa’s only bear, a grizzly named Potap, brought from Russia in 2003 and residing in its private wildlife refuge
Nanyuki town is traversed by two rivers: the Nanyuki River and the Likii River, both originating from Mount Kenya and winding through Laikipia County into the Ewaso Ng’iro system
Nanyuki offers scenic, strategic land investment benefiting from tourism with the presence of Mount Kenya , agricultural potential (closer to Timau known for flowers for exports ), and improved infrastructure like the A2 highway and upcoming. Plot prices (KSh 1–5 m/acre) are rising, with growth fueled by nearby conservancies, BATUK presence, and economic development
Want To Learn Activities To Do In Nanyuki Click Here >>>>
What is unique about Nanyuki?
Nanyuki is uniquely located along the equator, offering cool weather year-round due to its high altitude near Mount Kenya. It blends urban charm with wildlife conservancies, British colonial heritage, and a vibrant tourism economy. Its equator marker and military presence also make it a strategic and symbolic town.
Nanyuki Express is among the best public means to get from Nairobi to Nanyuki or vice versa. Nanayuki express cabs would be categorized as the best competitor that really beats 2NK at their game . Nanyuki cabs shuttle can also be booked online
Nanyuki express has various products whereby from Nanyuki to Nairobi shuttle which has 11 passengers with very roomy space for your legs cost 800 Ksh while a 14 seater would cost 700 .
Nanyuki express also offers parcel services where you can either lias with the office which is expensive or the driver which is much cheaper . It is advisable while using the parcel delivery service with the driver to let the person picking the parcel to pay instead rather than paying in advance .
To Book for a Nanyuki Express Cab you can book online by calling 0762028728 . The cost from Nanyuki to Nairobi is 800Ksh . The best thing about Nanyuki express cab they can pick you up along Thika road -Marua highway and also pick you up along Nanyuki - Marua A2 road . Nanyuki Express Main stage is Nairobi Tea room and Nanyuki stage .
To book a Cab is quite simple with Nanyuki express .If you do not live along the highway just make sure before you make the call to book for a cab whether to Nairobi or To Nanyuki you are closer to the highway as after you make a call to book. The person on the stage asks you which seat you want to be fixed then you pay the full amount through their till in order to show commitment then later you will have to wait for the Cab to be full since a cab has a maximum of 11 passengers and a very wide space you will communicate with the driver each and every till he picks you up from your picking point.(Everything about nanyuki)
A debate just ensued after someone commented about St christopher one of the commenters just pitched the comment by saying that "it's just a public school with a fancy name , swimming pool and school buses." Another commentator mentioned the word Braeburn but the fee budget being over 800,000Ksh would not fit with the author's post
The Fountain Learning Centre Nanyuki | 0114 549138 |
0722 441052 | |
Brickwoods Schools | 0722 789702 |
Highlands school (In Timau ) | 0796 349859 |
Brookwell Harmon school | 0725 808366 |
0796 333555 | |
0720 486604 | |
Mary immaculate primary school | 0722 998956 |
Mt Kenya Baptist | 0735 234640 |
Shalomark School | 0714 156932 |
St. Bakhita | 0721 475 705 |
Pcea Nanyuki Girls Boarding Primary School | 0722 959089 |
Likii Hill School | 0723 159418 |
Nanyuki primary | |
Nyariginu secondary school | 0745 777276 |
St Teresa Moi Equator Girls' High School | 0712 690572 |
NANYUKI BOARDING ACADEMY | 0725 891944 |
Nanyuki Garrison secondary school | 0708 116665 |
Inooro Secondary School Nanyuki | 0711893197 |
Bridge International Academy, Ichuga | 0732 160000 |
Mount Kenya Waldorf School | 0768 766745 |
St. Moses Primary School | 0733 944545 |
Laikipia Air Base Secondary School | 0722 891527 |
Hampton School | 0700 785581 |
Nanyuki High School | 020 213352 |
0715 019042 |
List of Hospitals In Nanyuki
Nanyuki Cottage Hospital | 0115 608746 |
Nanyuki Hospital | |
Aga Khan University Hospital Nanyuki | 0737 000022 |
Nanyuki Teaching & Referal Hospital | |
Bliss Medical Centre Nanyuki | 0780 100072 |
Consolata Maternity and Children's Hospital | 0791 622229 |
Mother Angela Huruma Hospital | 0721 389763 |
List of Garages In Nanyuki
Nanyuki hosts several reputable auto garages—both independent and dealership-affiliated—catering to mechanical repairs, tyre services, diagnostics, and auto body work. Key options include:
Best Care Mechanic Garage | 0722466091 |
Thirteen Kings Ltd | 0719 13 13 13 |
Auto Xpress Nanyuki | 0709 872000 |
Pathmost Garage | 0729 924 326 |
M.M.G garage | 0714413979 |
Makev Garage | 0722894340 |
Ndiithi's Garage | 0720237708 |
Makhraj auto world garage | 0725402240 |
List of Internet Companies in Nanyuki
0728 025205 | |
0713 691001 | |
0709 791000 | |
Maandy networks | 0728 110279 |
Hurucom Technologies | 0707 556977 |
0729 859277 | |
Safaricom Fiber Nanyuki | 0722 002669 |
Mawingu | 0111 194000 |
Metallic Solutions | 0725 377711 |
Challenges Facing Nanyuki
Suicide
Theft
Complaints emerge from residents that at certain places ,specific time it becomes risky thus it is very important to have someone who is very familiar with nanyuki alternatively be at the right place at the right time
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