At the mention of Lanet Estate, the revered army barracks come to mind.

This estate hosts the 3 Kenya Rifles (3KR) which is an infantry battalion of the Kenya Army and the senior most unit of the Kenya Army. The Kenya Military Academy is also in this estate.

Road leading to the Kenya army barracks in Lanet.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Situated a few kilometres from Nakuru City, a large part of Lanet sits in Bahati Sub County while a section of it is in Nakuru East Sub County.

It is here that popular tweeting Chief, the late Francis Kariuki used to reside in Lanet Umoja 2.

Also Read: My Hood: The most desired estate in Nakuru City

The estate borders Kiratina estate on one side, Lanet Barracks as well as Wanyororo B on your way to Dundori.

A step into the estate from Kiondoo Trading centre, on the Nakuru Ol-kalou-Dundori Road, leads one to the military gates fully equipped with high security checks.

Read: My Hood: The making of Kiondo trading centre

The estate has seen notable growth in the last few years, with centres like Ndege ndimu, Lanet Umoja 1 and 2, Posta, and Islamia being established.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu Wycliffe Shavola, a resident at Lanet area says there are rarely any cases of insecurity, owing to the military presence.

Wycliffe Shavola is a resident in Lanet.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Apart from the Nakuru Ol-kalou-Dundori Road that is well tarmacked, feeder roads inside the estate are dusty. Locals state that rehabilitation of these roads is only done during the electioneering period.

The estate also boasts of hosting academic giants such as Anestar Boys and Moi Forces Academy.

Related: Lanet, Pipeline and Sobea threaten to replace Nakuru's iconic posh estates

Other schools in the area include Lanet Primary and Poters Girls’ Secondary School.

In terms of hospitality and social amenities, the estate has seen some growth with facilities such as Oasis Lounge and Mat farm Resort.

The latest entrant into the entertainment business is 8teen lounge which is slowly gaining popularity in Nakuru County.

8teen lounge is one of the new entertainment spots in Lanet estate.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Elphas Masanga- a resident reveals to Mtaa Wangu that the ongoing upgrade of Lanet Airstrip to an International Airport is also an added advantage to the locals as they feel part and parcel of Nakuru City.

“Lanet is a home to many Nakuru dwellers. In fact many work in the City but in the evening they come back to their plots in Lanet,” says Masanga.

But even as many strive to have plots and residences in Lanet, land prices in the estate seem to shoot up with every rising day.

Njoroge* a resident of Ndege Ndimu says land prices in the area shot up immediately after plans to construct an International Airport were announced.

Read: Murkomen Shines Ray of Hope on Much Awaited Lanet Airport

“We used to have an acre going for between Sh 2 million to Sh 4 million but the moment the issue of Airport came up, the land value increased. Now, an acre goes for nearly Sh 7 million or even Sh 10 million in some cases,” he says.

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My Hood: Anticipated airport sparks growth in Lanet

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Pristone Mambili