Areas and Suburbs in Nairobi

Here is another piece I have written for www.expatarrivals.com

Areas and Suburbs in Nairobi

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Nairobi is a prominent city in Africa, both financially and politically. It is important that expats moving to Nairobi familiarise themselves with the areas and suburbs of the city in terms of housing, schools, hospitals and access to facilities.

Expats will find that the more upper class suburbs are situated to the west and north-central parts of Nairobi. These areas include Karen, Langata, Lavington, Gigiri, Muthaiga, Spring Valley, Kilimani, Kileshwa, Hurlingham, Runda, Nyari, Westlands.
Eastern parts of the city tend to be more industrial. However, low income residential housing can be found in neighbourhoods like Eastleigh, which is densely populated by immigrants as well as refugees.  

Exclusive neighbouhoods in Nairobi

Karen and Langata

Karen and Langata are two of the most exclusive areas in Nairobi and offer residents modern, high-end living options for both expats and wealthy Kenyans. The Nairobi Hospital and the Karen Hospital are two of the country’s top hospitals which are located close by. The areas are also home to a number of well-known private schools, such as Brookhouse, Banda and Hillcrest International, all of which are located close of Langata road. A modern shopping complex called Galleria offers the areas residents a range of choices when it comes to dining and shopping. There are also two private golf clubs, and many shopping arcades close. The only down side to living in Karen or Langata, are that the areas are quite isolated. Although, public transport it is available, expats living in this part of Nairobi should have a car.

Runda

Runda is a self-contained neighbourhood, which has a bit of a rural touch. Runda Estate is Nairobi’s largest gated community and comes equipped with a state-of-the-art security system and an active residents association. Accommodation in these areas usually come in the form of large, modern houses which sit on huge plots. The Village Market, one of Nairobi’s upmarket shopping centres, is located close by and offers a large multiplex cinema, a great food court, restaurants, supermarkets and dozens of boutique stores. Runda is popular with expats with kids as there are a number of kindergartens, primary and secondary international schools nearby, including the International school of Kenya, the German School and Roslyn Academy.

Ridgeways

Ridgeways is another self-contained neighbourhood close to Runda. It is suituated within the Karura Forest and is the former home of Kenya’s colonial elite. Now the area offers luxury housing options for well-paid diplomats as well as wealthy Kenyans. While residents have access to all the facilities in neighbouring Runda, Ridgeways main attraction is the exclusive Windsor Golf Club.  

Gigiri

This suburb is popular amongst expats employed at the various foreign embassies in Nairobi or the UN offices. There are large American and Canadian populations in this area. The German School and the International School of Kenya are located close by so this is a great option for expats moving to Nairobi with kids. 

Muthaiga

Muthaiga is often refered to as the ‘Beverly Hills of Nairobi’ as it is home to some of the richest Kenyas, diplomats and highly paid expats. The majority of roads in Muthaiga are gated, so it is very safe with its 24-hour security patrol. Residents have easy access to shopping malls in Gigiri, Westlands and Parklands, as well as in the city centre.  Those with children appreciated living close to a range of good international schools as well as the prestigious Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. Expats in Muthaiga have access to great sport and recreation facilities at the areas country clubs.
 

Affordable living in Nairobi

Seeing as not everyone can afford to live in such luxury in Nairobi, there are a number of more affordable areas in Nairobi for expats who are earning more modest incomes. Brookside, Lavington and Kileleshwa offer comfortable housing at reasonable rates.

Lavington

A leafy suburb which lies halfway between the busier areas of Hurlingham and Westlands. The area is home to a number of modern apartment blocks and the Lavington Green shopping arcade. Lavington is popular with famillies who are looking for space and accommodation with a garden. The Braeburn and Braeside schools are located here which is another advantage for expats with kids.

Kileleshwa

This is quiet, green neighbourhood in Nairobi which is popular with middle class Kenyans, as well as many expatriates. Kileleshwa is home to the popular Kenton College, an international school. While there are no major supermarkets here, expats can visit the small, local shops called dukas for essential items, such as fruit, bottled water, milk and bread.

City living in Nairobi

Single expats who are looking for a more social and active lifestyle in Nairobi opt to live in neighbourhoods such as Westlands, Kilimani and Hurlingham.

Westlands

Westlands is located just 3km to the northwest of Nairobi’s city centre and is a convenient location for young professionals looking to live close to their place of work. The area has plenty of shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars to keep expats entertained. The Sarit Centre is a large shopping plaza where residents can buy almost anything they could need. Spring Valley is the quieter part of Westlands where large apartment blocks give way to bungalows and large, detached houses. Some roads in the area are gated and have security staff to monitor people entering. 

Kilima and Hurlingham

These areas which are surrounded by the Dennis Pritt Road to the north and Ngong Road to the south have a range of modern and old accommodation options. Most of the apartment complexes are high-rise and come with swimming pools and 24 hour security. The better complexes also have gyms, saunas and health clubs. These newly built apartments are very popular with all sorts of expats and Kenyans, from young professionals and aid workers to small families. Shopping centres close to these areas include the Yaya Centre on Argwings Kodhek Road and Adams Arcade and Junction on Ngong Road. Along Lenana Road expats will find plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and eateries. There are also two cinemas and a casino in Hurlingham.