Limuru Town found in Kiambu is bustling with life. The town was founded in the 1920s. The town emerged as a result of the railway line which was constructed by the British from the 1890s. The name ‘Limuru’ is a corrupted version of the Maasai word “ilmur”, which refers to donkey dung. Many urban areas in Kenya including Nairobi owe their founding to the construction of rail way line from Mombasa to Kisumu.
Most of the areas around Limuru were classified as “white highlands” and these are some of the first areas where tea and coffee growing was introduced.
Limuru also owe its existence to the Bata Shoe Company headquarters as well as the tea plantations around the town. The most active part of the town is the bus park or terminal which provides transport to various destinations including Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Mai Mau, Thika and Ruiru among others.
Taxis
At the main Limuru Bus Park, you can hire a taxi if you need more luxurious means of travel. Each day, you can find over 15 taxis parked waiting for clients.
Retail business in Limuru
In Limuru, there are many wholesale and retail outlets. The major ones are Cleanshelf, Naivas and Khetia’s supermarkets. Khetia’s and Cleanshelf are located near the bus park while Naivas Supermarket is located along the road to the highway.
Banks in Limuru
The people of Limuru Town are served by various banks such as Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Family Bank, National Bank of Kenya, Kenya Commercial Bank and Equity Bank Limited among others.
Education
People of Limuru are served by various academic institutions such as St. Paul’s University whose main campus is located along Limuru Road. The university also has campuses in Nairobi, Nakuru and Machakos. St. Paul’s main campus was transferred from Frere Town in Mombasa to Limuru in 1930.
In 14 September, 2007, the learning institution was awarded a charter to operate as a university. Professor James Kombo is the current Vice Chancellor.
Religion
People of Limuru are mostly Christians. They are served by the Catholic Church, Seventh Day Adventist as well as many protestant churches.
Parking Spaces in Limuru Town
When you are in Limuru Town with your car/vehicle, you have an option of paying for public parking owned by Kiambu County government for which you pay Ksh. 50 as at the time of going to the press. To make the payment, dial *419# and follow the prompts. The second way to get parking is private space for instance the parking next to Cleanshelf supermarket where you pay Ksh. 100 per day to park your vehicle.
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