Ongata Rongai
| Ongata Rongai | |
|---|---|
 Ongata Rongai
|
|
| Coordinates: 1°24′S 36°46′E / 1.4°S 36.77°ECoordinates: 1°24′S 36°46′E / 1.4°S 36.77°E | |
| Country |
 Kenya
|
| County | Kajiado County |
| Population (2009) | 40,178 |
| Time zone | EAT (UTC+3) |
Ongata Rongai is a town located in Kajiado County, Kenya. The town, situated 17 kilometers south of Nairobi and west of the Ngong hills, lies 1,731 meters (5,682 feet) above sea level. Known locally as Rongai, the suburban town is a fast-growing community with an approximate population between 66,042 and 147,000. Ongata Rongai is situated within the Kajiado North electoral constituency.
Historically occupied by Maasai ethnic peoples, present-day Ongata Rongai grew from a meeting of a cattle market in the northernmost tip of Kajiado county and the quarry township in present-day Kware. The cattle market and the quarry spread rapidly and joined in the late 1950s.
Due to rapid real estate development starting in the 1990s, Ongata Rongai has evolved into a high-population Nairobi suburb covering around 16 square kilometres. Greater Ongata Rongai is a medium-to-low population area. The neighborhoods of Kandisi, Rimpa, Nkoroi, Merisho, Olekasasi, Tuala and Maasai Lodge are located to the south and east of Ongata Rongai.
Ongata Rongai has a diverse population due to its proximity to Nairobi. Ethnic communities represented include Maasai, Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo and Kiisi.
Rongai is a multi-class area which is however dominated by the middle class. Although largely located within Nairobi metropolitan, it does not fall within the administrative boundaries of the city and is separated from Nairobi city proper by the Mbagathi river. It is itself divided into two administrative locations, Nkaimurunya and Rongai, which are separated by the Magadi road. Within Ongata Rongai there is the Kandisi river, a tributary of the Mbagathi river. It has two major industrial ventures: Kitengela glass, an artefacts manufacturer tucked away in the far-flung Tuala township area, and Tam feeds, an agro-processing industry located in Gataka.
Notably, Ongata Rongai is famous for its customized public service vehicles operating on 125/126 route (otherwise known as 'nganya' or 'pimped matatus'). Such vehicles usually have animated graphics on the outer body while the inside is fitted with free wi-fi, numerous speakers and LCD screens for loud music surrounding. The 'Catalyst','Tupac Shakur','Phantom 808' 'Skyfall 007','Sparxx','Phanta Manela' and 'Kifaru' are rides that have come to be known as Nairobi's finest public service vehicles. Rongai is also the home of many known artists and celebrities, the likes of Sharama, Chiwawa,Baby t, X-tatic, DJ Mo and many more..
...
Wikipedia