THE STORY OF KIANDUTU SLUMS – THIKA’S HIDDEN HEARTBEAT

By Jaymo Wa Thika

History of Kiandutu Slums

Kiandutu is one of the largest informal settlements in Thika, Kiambu County and also in the country. Its origins trace back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, during a period of rural-to-urban migration, following the expansion of Thika's industrial base.

The earliest settlers were migrant labourers and squatters who couldn’t afford formal housing in nearby areas like Ofafa, Section 9 and Thika CBD.

Many were displaced from colonial villages or came from rural areas in Murang’a and Nyeri seeking industrial jobs in Thika's factories. 

Where was the name Kiandutu Derived from?

One version on where Kiandutu derived its name indicate that the name was coined from two Kikuyu words:

“Kĩandu” = stump (in Gĩkũyũ) and “- tu” = diminutive suffix; loosely translating to as “place of stumps” — in referencing the tree stumps that remained after large tracts of indigenous forests were cleared by squatters and early settlers to make way for housing.

The second version says that it was a village loosely referred to as GĨCHAGI KĨA-ANDŨ-TU.

In Kikuyu,

• “Kĩa” means "place of" or "belonging to"

• “Andũ” means "people"

• The suffix “- tu” is a diminutive, meaning “small” or “insignificant.” It can also carry a tone of dismissal or downplaying.

Literally meaning a “Place of just small/insignificant people” or “Place of mere people” / “People of no significance”

This name was not officially given by authorities — rather, it emerged as a local nickname or label, possibly as a form of stigmatisation by outsiders, a humble self-identification by early settlers who were squatters or marginalised.

Over time, it got shortened and pronounced as “Kĩandũtu.”

NB:

The name Kiandutu had no significance with jiggers (ndutu in Kikuyu) as most people tend to believe.

Location and Administrative Boundaries

Kiandutu is situated northeast of Thika CBD, near the Thika–Garissa Highway.

It falls with Kianjau Sub-location, Kamenu Location in Makongeni Division of Thika Town Constituency.

Politically, it is within Thika Township Ward of Kiambu County

Kiandutu borders Athena, Mũkĩra wa Reli (to the south) and Thika CBD is about 3 km away, only separated by Thika Garissa Highway.

Kiandutu also neighbours several factories eg Njuca Consolidated Ltd., New Paleah Millers, Bakex Millers, Bidco Africa, Mjengo Ltd., among others.

Population and Size

As of recent local administrative estimates (2023), Kiandutu hosts over 25,000–30,000 residents, though this number fluctuates due to high mobility.

The slum size is estimated at 60–70 acres, though unplanned sprawl makes measurement imprecise.

It is divided into several villages/zones or clusters with informal housing mostly made from mabati (iron sheets), timber and mud.

Major Landmarks and Institutions

• Kianjau Primary School

• Garissa Road Primary School

• Broadway High School

• Kiandutu Health Centre

• Kiandutu Police Station

• Several vibrant churches and mosques such as AIC Kiandutu and Masjid Rahma

Nicknames

Some of the notable nicknames include Ndula, Bosnia, Diaspora, among others.

Culture and Social Fabric

Kiandutu is a melting pot of ethnicities—primarily Agikuyu, but also Kamba, Luo, Luhya, and Somali, Borana and many other Kenyan communities.

The residents are known for very strong community bonding, vibrant youth groups and savings groups (chamas), a unique street culture, shaped by hustle, music, and survival, informal leadership, including "area reps", elders (Wazee Wa Kijiji) and respected youth figures.

There is some traditional and urban music influence – Genge, Mugithi, and Benga, with roots reggae being the most popular.

"Nyama Choma Capital" Era

In the early 2000s, Kiandutu was famous for its affordable and tasty nyama choma joints, attracting even middle-class visitors from Thika and Nairobi. Several butcheries in the area were known for hosting large crowds especially on weekends.

🏘️ Affordable Life in Kiandutu: A City Within a Slum

One of Kiandutu’s most defining features is its low cost of living, which makes it a refuge for low-income earners, daily labourers, and hustlers trying to make ends meet.

Housing is extremely affordable, with single rooms made of mabati (iron sheets) going for as little as Ksh 500 to 1,500 per month, depending on location.

The slum is dotted with food eateries (vibandas) and street kitchens serving hearty meals for everyone—githeri or madodo for Ksh 20, chapati and beans for Ksh 30, or nyama soup with ugali, boiled goat legs and heads, mutura etc for under Ksh 50. 

There's a wide variety of clothes and shoes (new and secondhand), with prices as low as Ksh 10–50, making it possible to dress decently on a shoestring budget. 

The existence of affordable barber shops, salons, water vendors, and mobile charging kiosks also supports an ecosystem designed to accommodate every financial ability.

In Kiandutu, you don’t need much to survive—just grit, community, and hustle.

🏪 Kiandutu’s Vibrant Commercial Hub

At the heart of Kiandutu lies a bustling economic zone fondly referred to as "Kamukunji Ndogo" or "Eastleigh Ndogo", drawing inspiration from Nairobi’s famed marketplaces. 

This area serves as the unofficial Central Business District (CBD) of Kiandutu, where business never sleeps. The narrow, dusty streets are lined with stalls, vibandas, and temporary structures selling everything from mitumba clothes and shoes, plastic household goods, curtains and carpets, to electronics, cosmetics, and school supplies.

Traders push their wares with energy, and shoppers from the Thika CBD, nearby estates like Section 9, Kiganjo, Makongeni and even Landless flock here daily for good deals. 

Just like Eastleigh in Nairobi, the area is known for its lively bargaining culture, tight-knit Somali and Kikuyu business communities, and the constant hum of commerce. Whether you’re looking for a Ksh 50 shirt, a school bag, or a cheap mattress, Kamukunji Ndogo is the place to go — Kiandutu’s answer to affordability, accessibility, and street entrepreneurship.

Myths, Fears and Realities

Feared Reputation:

Kiandutu was once notorious for crime, illicit brew dens, and gang activity, especially in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.

Areas like Molo, Kwa Mutatu and areas around Mukira wa Reli were associated with insecurity.

Myths:

• “Kiandutu is lawless” – FALSE: The area has improved security through community policing and regular police patrols.

• “It is only for the poor” – FALSE: Many small business owners and skilled artisans reside here.

Truths:

• Social challenges: Poor drainage, poor sanitation, high poverty levels, unemployment, drugs abuse and early pregnancies do exist.

However, Kiandutu residents are known for their resilience, hard work and aspiration to rise.

•  Political Manipulation:

Kiandutu, like many informal settlements in Kenya, has often been treated by politicians as a "poverty vote basket" — a vulnerable community easily swayed by handouts, empty promises, and token appearances during campaign seasons. The deep-rooted poverty, high unemployment and lack of basic services create fertile ground for political exploitation.

During elections, jobless youth are often mobilised with small payments or alcohol to attend rallies, intimidate opponents, or even cause violence, turning them into tools of political warfare.

Politicians prey on the desperation of residents by dishing out cheap tokens like unga, lesos, motorcycle reflectors or T-shirts, only to vanish once elected. Development agendas are postponed, and the slum’s struggles are conveniently repackaged into campaign slogans.

While the community is full of politically aware and intelligent individuals, poverty has been systematically weaponised here, trapping Kiandutu in a cycle where votes are traded for survival, not sustainable change.

Prominent Personalities from Kiandutu

Several notable individuals trace their roots to Kiandutu including Dr. Susan Gitau, Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi (wife to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua), several local musicians in the gospel and gengetone scenes among others.

Community Clusters and Structures

Kiandutu slums have been divided into zones include:

•  Kwa Mutatu

•  Centre Base

•  Mosque

•  Molo among others.....

Structures:

•  Youth groups like Kiandutu Youth Association

•  Chamas and savings groups

•  Church-based welfare cells

•  Village elders (Wazee Wa Kijiji) among others

Economic and Social Activities

Its population consists of mostly low-income earners unable to finance major renovations.

However, the slum also boasts of middle-income earners and small-scale traders, hawkers and street vendors, informal workers, casual labourers, mechanics, bodaboda riders, artisans, Muslim clerics and madrassa teachers.

The main economic activities include street vending (fruits, vegetables, cooked food), food stalls, tailoring, welding, informal transport (bodabodas and tuktuks), new and secondhand (mitumba) clothes dealers, scrap metal dealers, salons, barbershops, among others

Social:

•  Local football teams, especially youth leagues

•  Talent shows, street rap battles

•  Churches and community empowerment programs

What People Don’t Know About Kiandutu

•  The highest number of artisans, casual labourers and public transport employees in Thika come from Kiandutu

•  It has hosted several UN-Habitat and Red Cross pilot projects

•  It is home to youth-led innovation in recycling, fashion, and music

•  Many graduates and diploma holders live there but lack employment

Relationship with Thika CBD and Surrounding Areas

(i) Thika CBD - Main economic hub

Many Kiandutu residents work here as hawkers, cleaners, security guards, shop attendants.

(ii) Mukira wa Reli:

A link area for more cheap housing, near the rail line. It serves as a corridor between CBD, Kiandutu, Athena and Kiganjo areas.

(iii) Thika factories:

Key employment base—especially Bidco, Thika Cloth Mills, Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers, etc.

🔚 Conclusion

Kiandutu is not just a slum. It is a symbol of resilience, urban transformation, and youthful energy in Thika.

Despite the challenges of poverty and poor planning, it remains a crucial part of Thika’s economic and social system. With the right investments in infrastructure, education, and empowerment, Kiandutu can evolve from a survival zone to a thriving informal economy.