SECTION 9: A Colonial Relic Turned Modern Sanctuary for Thika’s Elite Class
The History of Section 9
Barely a stone’s throw from Thika town’s CBD and beyond the roar of traffic and swirl of commerce, lies an estate where time seems to slow down, an enclave of mature trees, colonial rooftops, and quiet dignity.
This is Section 9, one of Thika’s oldest and most exclusive neighbourhoods, whose name carries with it layers of history, culture, and changing urban identity. Section 9 is more than just a residential address. It is a living monument to how a colonial town evolved through segregation, independence and now modern integration, without losing its soul.
Section 9 stands as one of the most distinctive and enduring estates in the town and continues into the modern-day rhythm of a thriving Kenyan neighbourhood.
The Origins
Section 9 owes its name to a system imposed by the British colonial government in the 1940s o 1950s, when Thika was divided into numbered “sections” for administrative, residential and racial purposes. This zoning system was meant to separate populations and streamline urban control.
Each section had a specific function and population in mind:
• Section 1 was designated for government offices
• Section 2 became the town’s commercial hub for Indian traders
• Section 3 was reserved for African railway workers
• Sections 4 to 6 served agricultural and security functions
• Section 7 was set aside for African housing (e.g., Majengo)
• Section 9, the crown jewel of the plan, was reserved for white settlers and colonial administrators
Though most other section names have faded over time, Section 9 remains intact, both in name and in spirit.
The Birth of Section 9 Estate
Developed in the late 1940s to early 1950s, Section 9 was designed as an elite enclave for senior colonial staff and European settlers.
Its location was deliberately strategic, barely a short distance from Thika’s CBD and surrounded by natural and institutional buffers like Chania High School, the AP Police Line and the sacred Mugumo Garden (Mugo wa Kibiru site). These boundaries kept it private yet connected.
Location and Administrative Identity
Section 9 is located to the northwest of Thika CBD, approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometers from the town centre.
It neighbours Chania High School, Mugumo (Mugo Wa Kibiru) Garden, Thika AP Line and the Thika Town CBD.
The estate is sandwiched between Thika–Garissa Highway, Kenyatta Highway and the Nairobi–Murang’a/Nyeri Highway.
Administratively, it falls under Township Sub-Location, Biashara Location within Municipality Division of Thika Town Constituency. Politically it is within Township Ward of Kiambu County.
Section 9 is one of the most affluent, serene and peaceful neighbourhoods in Thika and its central location is one of the reasons it has remained so desirable for decades.
Population and Voters
Section 9 is a relatively low-density residential estate with large plots and spacious homes. While there is no publicly available population data broken down strictly by estate, estimates based on the area size and housing density suggest its population is estimated between 2,000 to 3,500 residents
It hosts approximately 1,200 to 1,800 registered voters
Note: Exact figures would depend on the latest IEBC voter register and census demarcation.
Schools and Landmarks
Mugumoini Primary School is the only public primary school within the estate. others include St. David’s Junior & Senior Schools A private school offering both primary and secondary education.
Hindi Mahila Mandal Nursery School, a community-based nursery/pre-primary school run by the Asian community, sits at the edge of the estate.
Health Facilities
There are two private health facilities within Section 9 namely: Thika Nursing Home and Laveen Health Services.
At the heart of Section 9’s uniqueness lies a spiritual landmark: Mugo wa Kibiru Garden, home to a sacred Mugumo tree tied to the prophetic Kikuyu seer, Mugo wa Kibiru.
The Gikuyu culture holds that this fig tree was never to be cut, as its fall would signify upheaval. The tree predates the estate and survived colonial intrusion, symbolising indigenous resistance and spiritual heritage.
Post-Independence Transformation
After Kenya gained independence in 1963, the rigid racial zoning laws were scrapped. The white settlers left the country, selling or abandoning their properties. Section 9, once restricted to Europeans, became available on the open market.
During this time, wealthy Indian families, many of whom had lived in Thika since the early 1900s, began purchasing homes in Section 9. These families had long been involved in commerce, retail, textiles and light manufacturing and had accumulated enough wealth to afford homes in formerly exclusive zones.
By the 1960s, their prosperity allowed them to shift from congested business quarters to more spacious, secure and quiet residential areas like Section 9.
The houses were also bought by the rising African elites and professionals. Today, Section 9 is now ethnically diverse, but Indian families still make up a significant portion of its residents, contributing to its economic activity, cultural richness and peaceful environment.
Over time, Section 9 transitioned into a multi-ethnic, upper-middle-class estate known for its stability and peaceful lifestyle.
Slow Shift to Mixed Use
Though still largely residential, Section 9 has slowly embraced mixed-use development. The defunct Thika Municipal Council and later county governments allowed selected plots to be converted to commercial entities.
This change has been gradual and somewhat controlled, maintaining the estate’s calm feel while allowing residents to benefit from nearby amenities and services.
Section 9 is generally home to middle and upper-middle-class professionals, civil servants, doctors, lawyers and businesspeople. The estate remains a preferred location for well-to-do families looking for peace, space and accessibility.
Infrastructure Snapshot
Most roads within the estate are tarmacked, though some are aging with some murram sections remaining.
The area is well lit with street lighting covering most of its areas. It enjoys relatively reliable water supply from THIWASCO with some people having storage back-ups.
It is well connected to THIWASCO sewer lines, though maintenance varies. Security is fairly good, supported by nearby AP base, private guards and strong community policing.
Proximity to CBD
Section 9’s close location to Thika CBD gives residents access to banks, hospitals, supermarkets and public offices as well as quick transport options with minimal commuting.
This has made it highly convenient for professionals, businesspeople and families who want urban access without urban chaos.
Conclusion
Section 9 is more than just a residential estate... It is a living archive of Thika’s colonial past, a canvas of post-independence transformation and a reflection of the town’s enduring class dynamics.
Born out of a strict colonial zoning system, it was once the preserve of European settlers. Today, it stands proudly as one of the few places in Thika where history, heritage and modernity co-exist almost seamlessly.
Its transformation from a whites-only enclave to a diverse, cosmopolitan neighbourhood mirrors Kenya’s own journey toward inclusivity and self-determination.
The sacred Mugumo wa Mugo Kibiru tree, standing quietly at its edge, continues to root the estate in Kikuyu prophecy and indigenous spirituality a subtle but powerful reminder that even in the most elite suburbs, the past is never far beneath the surface.
In a rapidly growing Thika where many estates are becoming congested and commercialised overnight, Section 9 has preserved its charm, its low-density plan, and its quiet appeal, making it the estate of choice for Thika’s elite, professionals, and long-time families.
Its relevance today lies not only in its historical prestige, but also in its strategic location, green serenity and balanced transformation. In many ways, Section 9 still sets the tone for what urban residential excellence in Thika looks like refined, rooted and resilient.
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