Nairobi, March 2 -- A few kilometres past Ngong town, a narrow river marks a quiet boundary between Matasia and Memusi, a historically rich but understated neighbourhood in Kajiado County.

Memusi is not loud with high-rise blocks, nor does it advertise itself with gated estates. Its brick-roofed homes tell the story of some of the area's earliest permanent settlers. Today, the community comprises nearly 700 households.

Because of its small, close-knit nature, rental yields here remain modest, at least by Nairobi standards.

A one-bedroom unit averages Sh10,000, while a two-bedroom unit fetches about Sh20,000, attractive for young families and people working in the capital city.

However, land prices here are quite premium with a quarter...