If you are looking for houses to rent in Membley, you are probably after a quiet, family-style home outside Nairobi's busy centre. Membley is an estate off the Eastern Bypass near Ruiru, in Kiambu County. It is known for gated courts and standalone family homes. This guide covers what living in Membley is like, what to check before you move, and how it compares with nearby areas such as Kamakis, Kimbo, Ruiru Town, Toll and Tatu City.
Membley at a glance
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Off the Eastern Bypass, near Ruiru, Kiambu County |
| Type of homes | Mostly family homes - maisonettes, bungalows and apartments, many in gated courts |
| Feel | Residential and quiet, popular with families |
| Rent | No ISHI Homes listings published yet (as of 26 Oct 2026) |
As of 26 Oct 2026, ISHI Homes has no published listings in Membley, so we do not quote rents here. Live houses will appear on the Membley area page on ISHI Homes as agencies list them. Check back there for current prices.
Who Membley suits and who it does not
It suits:
- Families who want more space and a quieter street
- People who like gated living with a guard at the gate
- Those who work along the Eastern Bypass, Thika Road or in Ruiru
- People with a car, or who are happy to use boda bodas and matatus on the main roads
It may not suit:
- People who need to be in the Nairobi CBD every day without a long commute
- Those who want nightlife and busy shops on their doorstep
- Renters on a tight budget looking for a single room or bedsitter
Getting around
Membley sits off the Eastern Bypass, which links to Thika Road and other parts of Nairobi. Most residents use a private car, matatus from the main roads, or boda bodas for the short trip from the estate to the stage.
Traffic on the bypass can be heavy at peak hours. Before you sign:
- Do a test trip to your workplace at the time you would normally leave
- Ask neighbours or the caretaker where the nearest matatu stage is and how often vehicles pass
- Check how far the house is from the main road - some courts are deep inside the estate
- Ask whether internal roads are tarmac or murram (dirt road), and how they hold up in the rains
Water and power
Water is one of the most important things to check in any estate around Ruiru. Some homes get county supply, some rely on boreholes, and many have storage tanks.
Ask the landlord or agent:
- Where the water comes from - county supply, borehole or both
- How many days a week water flows
- How big the storage tank is
- Whether water is billed separately and how
For power, homes are on Kenya Power. Ask if the house has its own prepaid token meter. A token meter means you buy electricity in advance and only pay for what you use. Also ask how often power goes off in that court, and whether there is a backup for the gate and security lights.
Safety in Membley
Many Membley homes are inside gated courts with guards, which many families like. Still, safety can differ from one court to another. Do not rely on general claims - check for yourself:
- Is there a guard at the gate day and night?
- Are there working security lights and a perimeter wall or electric fence?
- Is there a residents' association? Ask what it does about security
- Walk around in the evening to see how the area feels
- Talk to people who already live there
Shopping and daily life
Membley is mainly residential. You will find small shops and kiosks for everyday items, and bigger shopping is usually done in nearby areas such as Kamakis, Ruiru Town or along Thika Road. Ask neighbours where they buy groceries and how long it takes to get there. If you do not drive, check whether there is a shop within walking distance for small needs like bread and milk.
Schools and health
Families often choose Membley for its access to schools in the wider Ruiru area. Before you move:
- List schools that fit your budget and visit them
- Ask about school transport routes and whether buses pick up from your court
- Find the nearest clinic and the nearest hospital with emergency services
- Check how you would get there at night
Internet
Several home fibre providers serve estates around Ruiru, but coverage can vary by court. Ask the landlord which providers are already connected to the building. If you work from home, confirm this before signing, and test mobile data signal inside the house.
Pros and cons of living in Membley
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet, family-friendly estate | Long commute to the Nairobi CBD at peak hours |
| Many gated courts | Few shops inside the estate |
| More space than most city estates | Water supply varies - must be checked |
| Close to the Eastern Bypass and Thika Road | Some internal roads may be rough in the rains |
Membley vs Kamakis and other nearby areas
Kamakis is also along the Eastern Bypass and is busier, with more eateries, shops and nightlife. Choose Kamakis if you want activity close by. Choose Membley if you prefer a calmer, more residential setting.
Kimbo is close to Ruiru Town and Thika Road. It has a mix of apartments and family homes and tends to be more built-up.
Ruiru Town gives you the most shops, services and transport options, but it is busier and noisier.
Toll (Ruiru) is near Thika Road and has many apartments, which can make it easier for people who commute by matatu.
Tatu City is a planned development with its own homes, schools and businesses. It suits people who want a newer, more controlled setting.
Visit at least two of these areas before you decide. Compare the commute, water, security and rent side by side.
Before you pay anything
- Never pay before viewing. Do not send a deposit or booking fee for a house you have not seen.
- View the house in person. Check the water, power, security and the road to the main stage yourself.
- Use verified listings. Find verified houses to rent in Membley and nearby areas on ISHI Homes (homes.ishi.digital).
