Alcohol drowns development at Nairobi West

By Harold Ayodo

Nairobi West, which has gained notoriety as the centre of pubs in Nairobi, is transforming into a commercial and residential real estate hub. Property developers have recently embarked on construction of apartments and flats, taking advantage of the proximity of the area to the city centre.

Such shades are common in Nairobi West, which has the highest number of pubs in the city. Photo: Martin Mukangu/ Standard

Shoppers can opt for either Uchumi at Nairobi West Shopping Centre, Tusky’s at T-Mall, Uchumi (Lang’ata) or Nakumatt Mega (Uhuru Highway).

There are several churches in the area while Muslims can stroll to the mosque in South C along Muhoho Avenue.

Moi Educational Centre is among the landmark learning institutions with pupils from higher income families. Nairobi West Day Nursery School is among the public institutions located next to Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj School and Social Hall.

There are private hospitals, nursery schools, guesthouses, lodges and new commercial premises like the highrise Pima House with ‘To Let’ notices.

The shopping centre is usually a beehive of activity over weekends as revellers feast on nyama choma (roast meat) as their cars are washed at Birongo Square. Barbers shops are plenty along Muthaiti Avenue and taxis are lined next to the joints for revellers to drunk to drive. Sports lovers can stroll across for matches at the nearby Nyayo National Stadium.

Upcoming flats behind the mall.

Banks have capitalised on the flurry of business activities in the area by putting up their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) at strategic locations.

Old matatus

Other than the roads, the other anti-climax of Nairobi West is perhaps the old number 14 matatus, which pales shamefully against the more stylish Lang’ata (number 15) matatus. However, the matatus should not be a bother as one can board alternative ones that ply Lang’ata Road and alight at Nyayo Stadium stage and stroll home on the well-lit streets.