•  Today, the estate is one of Nakuru’s most desirable neighborhoods, offering residents secure living, tarmacked roads, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and easy access to Lake Nakuru National Park.

On the eastern edge of Nakuru, just a short drive from the city center, lies Naka Estate—one of the city’s most recognizable suburbs. Today, it is a bustling residential area divided into Naka A, B, C, and Parkview, with modern apartments, gated communities, and leafy streets. But behind its polished look, the estate carries a layered history, with two competing accounts of how its name came to be.

The first story traces Naka to the Nakuru Army Camp. Decades ago, the land around the estate was linked to military installations and training grounds. As Nakuru expanded, the shorthand “Naka” became a convenient way to refer to the area, and the name stuck even as the land was subdivided and transformed into a residential hub.

The second account points to the Nakuru Kalenjin Association, a land-buying group formed by members of the Kalenjin community. Like Kiamunyi—whose name was coined from Kiambu, Murang’a, and Nyeri settlers—this version suggests that Naka was named after the initials of the association that pooled resources to acquire land and establish the estate.

Both stories highlight the same truth: Naka’s roots lie in organized settlement and community vision. Whether born from military shorthand or a land-buying association, the estate has grown into one of Nakuru’s most desirable neighborhoods, balancing proximity to the CBD with tranquility and modern living.

And so, the question remains: Which version of Naka’s history have you always known—Army Camp or Kalenjin Association?

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Naka Estate has grown into a vibrant suburb that combines safety, accessibility, and modern living. Just minutes from Nakuru town, it offers residents secure gated communities, tarmacked roads, and a wide range of amenities—from schools and hospitals to shopping centers and recreational spaces. Its proximity to Lake Nakuru National Park adds a unique charm, making it both a residential haven and a lifestyle destination.

A view of residential  communities in Naka Estate, Nakuru

For anyone looking to enjoy Nakuru’s urban convenience with a touch of elegance, Naka Estate is the place to be.

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