From Ngara to Juja: How Thika Road estates got their names
By David Nthua, October 20, 2025Thika Road is the road network that connects Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, stretching from Globe Roundabout in Nairobi to Blue Post Hotel, just before the start of the Kenol–Sagana–Marua Road. It is one of Kenya’s busiest highways, linking the capital city to central Kenya.
Along this major road are many estates and towns, each carrying a name with a story, some from rivers, others from colonial settlers, and others from local sayings.
Muthaiga
Muthaiga is one of Nairobi’s oldest and most affluent suburbs. The name comes from a traditional tree known among the Kikuyu for its healing powers.
People in the area used its bark to make medicine.
When colonial settlers built homes near Karura Forest, they adopted the name from the locals. The name stayed, turning Muthaiga into a mark of prestige.
Ngara
Ngara sits close to Nairobi’s city centre. Its name is believed to come from the word “Ng’ara,” which in Kikuyu means “to shine.”
The area got its name because it was among the first to have permanent buildings that reflected light during the early days of Nairobi’s expansion.
Kasarani
Kasarani got its name from the Gatharaini River that runs through the area. In Kikuyu, “Gatharaini” refers to napier grass that grows along the riverbanks.
Over time, settlers found it difficult to pronounce the name correctly, and it changed to “Kasarani.” Today, Kasarani is a busy residential and sports hub, home to the famous Moi International Sports Centre.
Roysambu
Roysambu’s name traces back to the colonial days. It was first called “Royal Suburbs,” an estate for Europeans living outside the city.
With time, locals found the pronunciation difficult and shortened it to “Roysambu.” The name has stuck, and the area has since grown into a vibrant neighbourhood filled with students and young professionals.
Juja
The name Juja was brought by Lord William McMillan, a white settler who owned a ranch in the area. He brought two statues from West Africa, which he named “Ju” and “Ja.” His property became known as “Ju–Ja Farm.”
The name later became the official title for the town that grew around the area.
Zimmerman
Zimmerman estate was named after Karl Fritz Paul Zimmerman, a German taxidermist who set up a wildlife skin preservation factory there during the colonial period.
Though the factory closed long ago, the estate kept his name and is now one of Nairobi’s busiest residential areas.
Witeithie
The name Witeithie comes from the Kikuyu phrase “Witeithie Gwaka Gwaku,” meaning “help yourself to build your home.”
The area was opened for settlement after independence, and land buyers were encouraged to build using their own effort. The word “Witeithie” became the identity of the area.
Kahawa Sukari
Kahawa means coffee and Sukari means sugar in Kiswahili. The name came from the combination of two nearby farms, one growing coffee and another growing sugarcane. It is now a residential area popular among middle-class families.
Allsopps
Allsopps was named after a European-owned brewery that once operated near the area. The factory became so well known that the nearby settlement adopted its name.
Thika and Ruiru
Thika’s name is believed to come from the Kikuyu word “Thika,” meaning to rub or wipe away.
Some say it came from the Thika River, which marked an ancient boundary. Ruiru, on the other hand, takes its name from the Ruiru River, which flows through the town.
Every name along Thika Road tells a story, of rivers, people, and history. These names are not just signs on roadboards but living memories of Kenya’s past and growth.