Eastleigh booms as East Africa’s borderless marketplace, drawing diverse traders and entrepreneurs

Eastleigh is a vibrant melting pot where diverse communities from across East Africa come together, creating a unique borderless marketplace rich in migration, trade, and identity.

This mix of nationalities forms the backbone of the workforce, driving the growth of the neighbourhood. Originally a mixed-income suburb during colonial times, Eastleigh’s transformation began in the early 1990s with investments from the Somali diaspora.

Around this time last year, the Property Developers Welfare Society of Nairobi confirmed that the area was experiencing a real estate boom, with over 100 buildings under construction, translating into thousands of manual labour jobs for new arrivals.

These developments, alongside ever-expanding business centres, restaurants, offices, schools, and the prominent BBS Mall, have sustained a continuous influx of people into the neighbourhood. Most come in search of employment or goods to stock their businesses.

It is not uncommon to hear stories of individuals from neighbouring counties and countries working as labourers on construction sites or owning small businesses such as salons, barbershops, food stalls, and more.

However, this dynamic is being partially disrupted by what locals perceive as unfair trade practices by some Chinese nationals who have entered the retail sector. They are allegedly taking over retail operations in the area through unfair competition, posing a threat to entrepreneurs who have long thrived in Eastleigh.

Eastleigh's security

In addition to a supportive business environment, locals believe the neighbourhood’s general state of security is a key factor enabling the influx of people from other regions and countries.

Mohamed Ibrahim, a resident of California estate in Eastleigh who has lived in the area since 2000, recalled how the neighbourhood grew from a single Garissa Lodge in the 1980s to a bustling trading centre that has evolved into a major commercial hub hosting the largest mall in the region.

"Many people have come here from Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and even Burundi because of business. Eastleigh has become a regional commercial centre—and that, to me, is a major attraction. Secondly, the area enjoys ample security. People don’t settle in insecure locations, and for that, I’m grateful to the security agencies. Without this safety, people would not be flocking here," he said.

He urged security forces to maintain the peace and stability that has enabled people from diverse ethnic backgrounds not only to trade together but also to live side by side as neighbours.

"Somalis have fled insecurity at home to settle here. Tanzanians have come because business opportunities are better here, and others from across the region have converged for similar reasons," he added.

To encourage this coexistence, many hoteliers have diversified their menus to reflect various cultural tastes. African, Indian, Ethiopian, Somali, and Middle Eastern dishes and desserts are now part of everyday dining in Eastleigh.

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Abdulaziz Mohammed, originally from Kigali, is a shoe hawker in Eastleigh. We spoke to him on Waudo Street.

"Business is good here compared to other towns. Money moves quickly, both in small and large amounts. That’s why, in my view, the area attracts so many people. Business is conducted here day and night. Even at 2 am, you'll see people walking along the streets. It might seem strange, but they are simply doing business," he said.

Abdulaziz, who now prefers to be known as a Kenyan, noted that high rent prices prevent many traders from living in the neighbourhood.

"Many come in the morning, run their businesses, and leave in the evening, or arrive for the night shift," he explained.

Faiza Paul, a hairdresser in Eastleigh, believes the neighbourhood’s proximity to the Central Business District (CBD) is a major attraction. She also credits the rapid infrastructure development over the years for giving Eastleigh an edge as a prime marketplace.

"The many businesses, the affordable clothes that attract shoppers, and the friendliness of the people, mostly us Muslims, who form the majority, make it easy for people to coexist. The high cash flow enables residents to cope despite the high rental costs. You simply cannot survive here without money," she added.