Langata sub-county · Nairobi
Karen Ward
Karen is one of the 5 wards of Langata sub-county in Nairobi. It covers about 71.4 km² and had 24,500 people at the 2019 census. In our records it is affluent, low‑density suburban with institutional and forested areas.
From the ward boundaries and records on the Nairobi Maps map. Updated 2026-10-10.
Places in Karen
- Karen Estate
- Hardy
- Ngong Forest area
- Multimedia University area
- Manyatta village
- Kuwinda area
- Langata Road corridor
Zoning in Karen Ward
What the Development Control Policy 2026 allows depends on the zone. These zones cover Karen:
| Zone | Share of ward | Most floors | Coverage | Plot ratio | Smallest plot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karen (Hardy, Kuwinda, Karen C, Miotoni, Park Place) | 79% | 1 | 25% | 50% | 0.2 ha |
| Woodley | 10% | — | — | — | — |
| Galleria | 3% | 4 | 50% | 200% | 0.2 ha |
| Langata Road | 3% | 1 | 25% | 50% | 0.2 ha |
| Karen Triangle | 3% | 4 | 50% | 200% | 0.2 ha |
| Dagoretti | 2% | 16 | 50% | 800% | 0.05 ha |
Building or changing the use here?
Applications go to Nairobi City County on NPDMS. How planning approval works in Nairobi, which approval you need, and what to check on the plot first. Many projects also need NEMA’s environmental licence: NEMA licences in Nairobi.
Water and sewer in Karen
On the map, the City Water Reticulation and Trunk sewer layers show the water mains and trunk sewers near a plot in Karen. How to apply for a water connection or a sewer connection, Nairobi Water’s regions and the supply days by area.
Registration blocks in Karen
Wards next to Karen
Ward office
Karen Shopping Centre – Ngong Road next to Shell Petro Station – Inside The Nairobi Water Company Offices
Member of County Assembly in our ward records: Hon. Antony Maragu Muthoni.
Karen ward maps
Drawn maps of Karen Ward and its boundary, where we hold them, are listed here with their price and can be downloaded once bought — here or from the ward's panel on the map. If we hold none yet, you can ask us to find one at no charge.
Questions about Karen Ward
Which sub-county is Karen Ward in?
Karen Ward is in Langata sub-county, Nairobi City County, alongside Mugumo-ini, Nairobi West, Nyayo Highrise and South C wards.
What is the population of Karen Ward?
24,500 people at the 2019 census, on about 71.4 km² — around 343 people per square kilometre.
What zoning applies in Karen Ward?
Mostly the Karen (Hardy, Kuwinda, Karen C, Miotoni, Park Place) zone (about 79% of the ward), then Woodley, Galleria and Langata Road. Each zone sets its own floors, ground coverage, plot ratio and smallest plot under the Development Control Policy 2026.
How do I find a parcel in Karen Ward?
Open the Nairobi Maps map at Karen, zoom in until the parcel outlines appear and tap a parcel — or type its LR, block or FR number into the search box.