Eastleigh Business District Association rebrands, unveils 2025 goals at annual meeting"
EBDA believes that its performance in 2024 exceeded expectations, and the association is optimistic about achieving even greater success in 2025.
The Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) held its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, an event that brought together the association's top leadership, including Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi Yare.
During the meeting, the association reviewed its accomplishments in 2024 and laid out its goals for 2025.
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One of EBDA's key achievements in 2024 was dispelling the perception that Eastleigh businesses do not pay taxes. To address this misconception, the association provided the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) with a free office space for nine months.
This enabled KRA to monitor tax compliance in Eastleigh and observe the district's significant contributions to tax revenue.
The association also highlighted its efforts to maintain peace and security in Eastleigh during last year's nationwide demonstrations in June and July. While other areas, such as Nairobi's Central Business District, experienced looting and unrest, Eastleigh remained peaceful.
In a bid to promote cohesion among different communities, EBDA engaged with the Kikuyu Council of Elders. The meeting focused on fostering understanding about the benefits of Eastleigh's business ecosystem for all Kenyans, not just the Somali community.
The discussions aimed to encourage cooperation and unity between the two communities, emphasising the importance of collaboration in business and social activities.
A section of the members of EBDA listening to the speeches during Sunday's Annual General Meeting. (Abdirahman Khalif)
EBDA's involvement in social initiatives was another notable achievement. The association provided food donations worth millions of Kenyan shillings to people affected by floods in Kamukunji Constituency. Additionally, EBDA initiated the construction of a library at North Eastern Province Girls High School in Garissa, which is expected to be completed early this year.
The association also held meetings with international stakeholders, including ambassadors from China and France, to promote Eastleigh as a business hub. These discussions sought to establish partnerships and highlight opportunities for international collaboration with Eastleigh-based businesses.
To maintain a conducive environment for business, EBDA organised several cleaning activities in Eastleigh. These efforts aimed to ensure the district remains clean and attractive for business owners and visitors.
Furthermore, the association launched a membership registration drive to encourage wider participation among local businesspeople.
2025 goals
Looking ahead to 2025, EBDA announced its decision to rebrand as the Eastleigh Business Community. Chairman Ahmed Yare explained that the new name is shorter, more memorable, and better aligned with the association's mission.
"This is a shorter name and captures the theme much better. It is also friendlier," said Ahmed.
Among the association's top priorities for 2025 is addressing the issue of hawkers operating in Eastleigh. The presence of hawkers has been causing challenges, such as blocked mall walkways, traffic congestion, and safety risks for pedestrians. The association plans to relocate hawkers to designated areas to improve traffic flow and enhance safety.
"We want to move hawkers and improve security. We also want to improve water supply, sanitation, and the sewage system," Ahmed said.
The completion of the library at North Eastern Province Girls High School is another key focus for 2025. EBDA is committed to finishing the project and providing the students with a resource that will enhance their education.
A section of the members of EBDA listening to the speeches during Sunday's Annual General Meeting. (Abdirahman Khalif)
The association also plans to intensify efforts to register as many members as possible. This move is aimed at creating a unified and vibrant business community in Eastleigh. By bringing businesspeople together, EBDA hopes to establish a collective voice that can effectively address challenges and advocate for solutions.
Maintaining cleanliness in Eastleigh remains a top priority. The association has outlined plans for continued cleaning activities to ensure the district remains an attractive business destination.
During the meeting, Secretary General Omar Hussein emphasised Eastleigh's significant contribution to Nairobi's economy, stating that Eastleigh generates 40 per cent of the city's annual revenue.
"Eastleigh produces 40 per cent of Nairobi's total annual revenue, so we want better services, and through EBDA, we shall push for these services," said Omar.
EBDA believes that its performance in 2024 exceeded expectations, and the association is optimistic about achieving even greater success in 2025.
By rebranding, addressing key challenges, and fostering unity among businesspeople, EBDA aims to strengthen Eastleigh's position as a leading business hub in Nairobi.
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