Phase two estate in Nakuru East sub county is one of the estates that houses county units.

The estate has close to over 500 county houses.

However, do you know how this estate was established?

Well, Mtaa Wangu has traversed the estate talking to various residents and has established that as the name suggests 'Phase 2', was established after phase one.

Read: My Hood: Tracing the birth of Barnabas estate

In fact, the estate derives the name from Flamingo Phase 1 or commonly referred to as Flamingo 1-an estate that stretches around NCCK to Kimathi in Flamingo Ward.

According to residents, Phase 2 estate that sits in Kivumbini Ward was established in the late 1970s as an extension on Flamingo Phase 1.

Phase 2 estate now borders Kaloleni C estate on one side, Flamingo Phase 1 and the Kenya Wildlife service offices in Nakuru.

Francis Ng'ang'a- who was among the first residents to occupy the houses in Phase 2 reveals to Mtaa Wangu that initially the houses had no fence around and that one would access their neighbours easily.

Francis Ng'ang'a sewing suits at his shop in Phase 2 estate on November 15, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

He is however quick to note that with increased population leading to insecurity, most tenants started fencing off their homes with wood and later iron sheets with everyone having their own compound.

Indeed, a spot check around the estate reveals improvised own compound with a gate perhaps a clear indicator how locals are now concerned about their security.

"We did not have the fences and enclosed compounds you currently see. You would spot a house number and even be able to see what your neighbour is doing. But things have changed as you can see," says Ng'ang'a.

Ng'ang'a who is commonly known among locals as 'Mash' adds that the occupants of the houses were civil servants from the defunct Municipal Council of Nakuru and workers of various companies and factories in Nakuru.

Watch: A brief history of Flamingo, Phase Two.

He however points out that majority have retired and now moved to their own plots leaving behind their sons and daughter who now live in Phase 2.

Also Read: My Hood: An estate that does not allow sale of alcohol

It is an estate that prides itself in having housed various politicians and business people among them former Shauri Yako Councillor Rose Lai as well as Nakuru businessman the late Azubedi who had a house for his servants.

Currently, Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria has a house in the estate.

Despite the estate having good reputation, James Kihoria Nandwa- a resident, reveals to Mtaa Wangu that rent arrears remains a challenge especially after the transition from Municipal Council of Nakuru to the county government under devolution.

James Kihoria, a phase 2 resident during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on November 15, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

He says, initially the houses had a rent ranging from sh 250 to sh 800 but now the rent stands at sh 3500.

Kihoria notes that with the ongoing tussle over rent arrears, there is need for the county administration to come up with strategies that include public participation on the way forward.

Related: My Hood: An estate plagued by poor roads, insecurity and rise of Lake Nakuru

"We need proper management of these estates that have county houses. If there is need for waiver on arrears so be it then we agree on how we can pay the rent moving forward," he says.

pmambili@gmail.com

My Hood: How Phase two estate has evolved since the 1970s

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Pristone Mambili