Why Eastleigh is Nairobi’s economic powerhouse: Stories of hustle, culture and community

Eastleigh is more than a neighbourhood—it’s a vibrant story of resilience, ambition, and community, whose energy is felt by all who walk its bustling streets, yet remains a mystery to many beyond its borders.

Known as a business hub, few truly see the life behind the trade, the culture, discipline, and quiet dignity in how people move through their day.

Eastleigh is a world of its own—where purposeful routines and trader precision thrive amid constant noise, crowds, and movement, yet the neighbourhood somehow feels safe and grounded.

Amid the bustling chaos, Eastleigh moves with an unspoken order—children head to school, traders pause for tea, and neighbours exchange greetings with effortless familiarity.

Despite the crowds, there is a surprising sense of calm, as if the very hustle of Eastleigh protects and holds its people together.

Eastleigh does not just function, it thrives, powered by people who have turned challenges into opportunities and made their corner of Nairobi a symbol of possibility.

A conversation on a matatu

One morning during my usual commute, I sat next to Andrew Kimani, a man heading to Nairobi’s CBD to deliver items to his online clients. When I told him I worked in Eastleigh, his tone changed from casual to respectful.

“You know, can I tell you something?” Kimani asked.“I really admire the warrias,” This is a nickname Kenyans often use for Somalis, which I’m told means “boy” or “young man”. It’s a term filled with respect, even if it sounds casual.

Kimani continued, “They’re truly impressive when it comes to getting things done. If you ask me, right after the Kikuyus, it’s the Somalis who lead in business and hustle here. They have this unmatched drive and focus. You see it in how organised their markets are, how quickly they adapt, and how hard they work. It’s not just about making money, it’s about building a legacy, a community, and a future. Eastleigh wouldn’t be what it is without their energy."

"But Somalis here in Kenya are used to it, the hard work, the hustle, the stereotypes. They keep pushing forward anyway, proving time and again that resilience and determination are their strongest assets.”

“Don’t get me wrong, the Luo’s are strong in politics, but in trade, Somalis are unmatched,” he chuckled.

His words went beyond stereotypes, capturing the quiet respect many Kenyans hold for Eastleigh’s vibrant economy and the unwavering work ethic of its people.

A view of the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi. (Photo: BBS Mall)

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• Eastleigh
• Eastleigh
• BBS Mall
• Jam Street
• eastleigh business hub
• Eastleigh’s food culture
• Shawarma
• Ethiopian Injera
• Desert Ground
• Why Eastleigh is Nairobi’s economic powerhouse: Stories of hustle
• culture and community

Voices from Eastleigh

To truly grasp the spirit of Eastleigh, I spoke with residents whose everyday lives embody its energy and resilience.

Khalid Ahmed, Entrepreneur: Hanan Shop, California

“If I had to describe Eastleigh in one word, it would be ‘resilient'. This community has faced countless challenges, from economic downturns to government crackdowns, yet it never breaks. Instead, it bends and bounces back stronger every time. People here do not just survive; they thrive in the face of adversity.

"When markets are shut down or businesses face hurdles, traders find new ways to keep going, adapting quickly, supporting one another, and never losing hope.

“While people are busy complaining in the CBD, we are busy innovating and looking for new ways, alternatives. When others see obstacles, we see opportunities. Where others pause, we move faster. It’s this relentless spirit of hustle and creativity that keeps us ahead, turning setbacks into stepping stones. We don’t wait for change to come; we build it ourselves.”

Eastleigh stands as a powerful example of what determination and unity can achieve—a place where hard work turns dreams into reality and every setback fuels a stronger comeback.

Khalid told me that this resilience is not just a trait; it is the heartbeat of the entire community.

Amina Hassan, tailor and businesswoman: BBS Mall

“Eastleigh is like a small world of its own. It’s loud, colourful, and full of opportunity. People work hard and support each other here. That strong sense of community goes far beyond the busy streets and markets; it stretches across the country and even into the diaspora,” Amina says.

“Whether here or thousands of miles away, Eastleigh’s people stay connected, lifting each other up, sharing resources, and celebrating successes together. This bond creates a powerful network of support that helps many overcome challenges, no matter where they are.”

Mohamed Ali, Mobile Money Agent: Yare

“The energy here is unmatched. Even late at night, when most places quiet down, Eastleigh’s streets pulse with life, markets still buzzing, vendors calling out, and people moving with purpose. It’s as if the neighbourhood never truly sleeps. This constant rhythm isn’t just about business; it’s a testament to the community’s resilience and determination to keep pushing forward, no matter the hour.”

Fatuma Noor, youth leader

“Eastleigh is more than business; it’s a community. Young people gather not just for football, art, and music, but to share stories, dreams, and support one another. Here, the spirit of resilience is passed down through every conversation and every game played on the dusty fields. It’s a place where challenges are met with creativity and determination, shaping a generation that knows how to hustle, adapt, and rise together.”

James Mwangi, matatu driver

“When I hear ‘Eastleigh,’ I think hustle. It’s more than just a place to make a living; it’s where dreams are chased with fierce determination. It’s where people come together, not just to work, but to support each other through every challenge life throws their way. Despite the struggles, there’s a powerful sense of unity here, a reminder that in Eastleigh, you’re never alone in the grind.”

What makes Eastleigh unique?

Eastleigh’s strength lies in its people, mostly a Muslim-dominated community known for resilience, hard work, and mutual support.

Though often seen as predominantly Muslim, Eastleigh is home to a vibrant mix of communities—including Christians, Indians, and Rwandese—where churches like PCEA stand alongside mosques, reflecting its rich cultural and religious diversity.

“Religion plays a significant role here,” Kamal Abdulrahman, a journalist with The Eastleigh Voice, tells me.

“While Eastleigh is home to different faiths, including Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, we all share common values that shape daily life. These beliefs encourage hard work, discourage laziness, and promote respect and modesty. It’s this shared sense of discipline and mutual respect that helps hold the community together, creating an environment where people support each other and strive to succeed.”

Food culture

Eastleigh’s food culture is rich, vibrant, and uniquely woven into the rhythms of daily life, offering flavours that reflect both heritage and community.

Often, you will find a hotel or restaurant on the first floor of a building, with a mosque right below it on the ground floor. This close connection between faith and food reflects how the community balances spirituality with hospitality.

The flavours are bold and unforgettable. Trust me, once you taste Eastleigh’s flavorful dishes—rich with spices and tender meats like slow-cooked camel and goat—you’ll rethink the way you cook at home.

“Eating here is more than just a meal, it is an experience that celebrates heritage, community, and the warmth of shared traditions. The food has real flavour, be it Shawarma, Ethiopian Injera, Coastal pilau, and even a simple cup of tea tastes special because of the spices and the way it’s made. You can feel the care and tradition in every bite and sip,” Carol Wanjiru, a Nairobi-based businesswoman, says.

Eastleigh is known for its vibrant hustle and close-knit community, but it also holds a few unexpected surprises beneath the surface.

For example, many people think shopping here is always cheap, but that is not always true.

“Retail prices can be quite high unless you buy wholesale. This shows how the market here is smart and competitive, it’s not just about bargains, but about quality and supply too,” Wanjiru notes.

Respect for local customs

People here respect local customs, so dressing modestly is expected in many places.

While you cannot just sit anywhere in a hotel or café without following certain social norms, the hospitality is warm once you understand how things work.

That said, Eastleigh embraces diversity, with many Kenyans and visitors dressing as they choose, sometimes drawing curious stares, but rarely facing unkindness.

“You don’t have to cover yourself like some do here, but showing respect for the community’s values goes a long way, and you will not feel awkward.”

The business pulse

Eastleigh is Nairobi’s trading powerhouse, driven by a dynamic mix of retail shops, wholesale markets, and tech-savvy entrepreneurs who power vibrant, evolving commerce through platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and M-Pesa.

Amina Hassan recalled starting out in 2019 as a shop attendant earning just Sh8,000 a month.

After closing her first shop and saving Sh35,000, she began hawking goods along Jam Street—and within three years, she now owns three clothing stores in Bangkok Mall, Eastleigh’s renowned fashion hub.

Popular businesses here include clothing shops, beauty salons, rentals, and schools, as the community continues to grow.

While competition is fierce and traders must move quickly, a strong network of collaboration between suppliers and vendors helps create an efficient, well-oiled market ecosystem.

Digital tools have transformed business, enabling faster communication and transactions, though cash remains widely used due to trust and tradition.

Culture, religion and community life

Somali culture deeply shapes Eastleigh’s identity, as they are the majority here.

It is a place of constant activity where people aim for the best in life, from their businesses, their houses, the cars they drive and the places they live.

Religion deeply influences daily routines here; shops close for prayers, and festivals like Ramadan and Eid are celebrated with great joy and togetherness.

“Some people think that when we go for prayer, it’s just for show. Honestly, that’s where they’re wrong. Just like Christians and followers of other religions pray for personal reasons, it’s the same for us,” says Ahmed Shafat.

“I pray because I remember where Allah has brought me from. Performing dua (supplication) is an act of gratitude. Every day that I’m alive and able to work, which feeds my family and me and gives me a roof over my head, I am truly thankful.”

Community life thrives through events, youth clubs, women’s networks, and cultural traditions.

Young people in Eastleigh make the most of their free time in ways that reflect both culture and community.

You will often find them playing football in open fields like Desert Ground, a popular spot not just for sport, but for building friendships and team spirit.

Others gather at cafés to sip Ethiopian bun, spiced tea, or strong black coffee, simple drinks, but full of flavour and meaning.

These spaces become social hubs where conversations range from business ideas to politics, to music and dreams for the future.

In the evenings, some youth unwind at the gym, visit local mosques or hang out in small groups to watch football matches on big screens.

Social media

Social media plays a major role in Eastleigh, with many young people using platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp to create content, run online businesses, and market their skills—from trading and photography to video editing, art, and more.

Amid the daily hustle, Eastleigh’s youth remain grounded, finding joy, purpose, and a strong sense of community in their everyday lives.

Another thing to note is that women entrepreneurs are increasingly leading in the local economy.

Jifora Restaurant, for example, located in BBS Mall, is a luxurious and well-known eatery run by two women, a powerful example of how women are steadily carving their space in Eastleigh’s business scene.

The restaurant is not just about food; it reflects a larger shift where women are taking leadership roles in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Across Eastleigh, you will find more women running boutiques, beauty shops, restaurants, and even import-export ventures.

From street-level stalls to high-end businesses, women here are proving their strength, creativity, and business acumen every single day, often balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities.

Their success is helping break stereotypes and showing younger girls in the community that they, too, can lead, build, and thrive.

Innovation and resilience

Young people are embracing new business models, online marketing, and strategies, shaping Eastleigh’s future with innovation.

The future of Eastleigh looks promising.

While residents are open to change and growth, they also hope for improved infrastructure, better roads, reliable sewerage systems, and the continued rise of Eastleigh as a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

“We want the rest of Kenya to see Eastleigh not just as a market, but as a community full of potential and dreams,” says Fatuma Noor.

“Eastleigh is often misunderstood, but its contribution to Nairobi and Kenya’s economy is undeniable. Its people are judged unfairly, yet they build, grow, and inspire.”

“If Eastleigh were a person, it would be very busy and very handsome, because money makes you look good,” Kamal joked with a smile.

What they meant is that Eastleigh is full of life and always moving, and people here work hard and take pride in their appearance and success.

The energy, ambition, and financial hustle give the place and its people a confident, polished vibe that stands out.

This neighbourhood is more than just a trading hub—it’s a vibrant ecosystem of culture, commerce, and community, proudly standing as one of Nairobi’s most underrated powerhouses.