Pipeline estate in Nakuru takes prides in hosting one of the many oil depots of the Kenya Pipeline Company.

The establishment of KPC depot in the area is the reason behind the name of the cosmopolitan Pipeline estate that is found some few kilometres from Nakuru City centre off Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.

The estate borders Nakuru’s Barnabas estate on one side, Lake Nakuru National park as well as Lanet’s Ndege Ndimu.

For those making their way to Nakuru city, Pipeline is the perfect stopover to have a bite.

A spot check by Mtaa Wangu reveals mushrooming businesses right from the famous Pipeline junction to the main entrance of the KPC depot.

Maryanne Wafula is among the many traders who are making ends meet through various businesses at Pipeline Centre.

Though she resides at Eldorado, she has made Pipeline her business home where she runs a small grocery shop besides selling charcoal.

Maryanne Wafula packages charcoal at Pipeline junction where she runs a grocery shop and a charcoal business on June 20,2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Lack of a business environment at Eldorado is what made her shift to Pipeline and start business.

She informs Mtaa Wangu that Pipeline has tremendously grown as compared to a decade ago when she came to Nakuru.

She is however quick to note that unlike before, life as a businesswoman at Pipeline estate has continued to come with blessings and harsh times in equal measure.

“I cannot complain when it comes to business but the challenge is the harsh economic times we are going through as a country,” says Ms Wafula.

Also Read: My Hood: The Rise and Rise of Kiamunyi Estate

The pipeline centre is also characterized by the mushrooming choma joints, bars and restaurants and guest houses as well as miraa baze where young people always meet to unwind.

Some of the commercial buildings in Pipeline estate.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

The parked petroleum trailers near the Kenya Pipeline Company’s gate is another signature of the estate that is now a home to many traders and investors as evidenced by the apartments that are coming up.

And did you know that there is only one major supermarket at the Pipeline Junction where those who want to do shopping will always make their way to?

John* a security guard in one of the shops reveals to Mtaa Wangu that the area used to experience insecurity cases but things have changed with several investors installing CCTV cameras on their business premises.

He narrates a robbery incident that happened three years ago as an eye opener to traders and investors in the area.

“Since that incident where robbers broke into one of the shops here, business persons have been very cautious” he says.

Plots of 50 by 100 at Pipeline are now going for between Sh1 million to Sh2.5 million while rent ranges from Sh. 2,000 to Sh. 15,000 depending on whether it is a bedsitter, single room or 2 bedroomed house.

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Read: My Hood: The making of Kiondo trading centre

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My Hood: How Pipeline estate has grown into a business hub

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Pristone Mambili