Members of the Eastleigh Business Community on Sunday held a meeting to discuss challenges facing the commercial hub, agreeing on a series of measures aimed at strengthening unity, improving the business environment and boosting political participation among residents.
The meeting was led by Eastleigh Business Community Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi and attended by Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, Eastleigh North MCA Ahmedkadar Dabar and other community leaders.
Business owners and residents turned out in large numbers, with leaders stressing that Eastleigh's future depends on unity and collective decision-making. They urged residents to set aside their differences and work together to address issues affecting the area, saying a united community is better placed to protect businesses and drive development.
The leaders noted that Eastleigh had grown into one of Kenya's leading commercial centres through the efforts of its business community and called on residents to protect that progress by speaking with one voice on matters affecting the area.
Among the key resolutions was a decision to discourage activities that could divide the community. The leaders agreed that the display of clan flags during celebrations, particularly during events usually held in August, should come to an end. They said anyone found carrying or displaying such flags along major roads in Eastleigh should face legal action, arguing that the practice fuels division among residents.
The meeting also resolved that celebrations marking Somalia's Independence should no longer be held on the streets of Eastleigh but instead be confined to designated venues to avoid disrupting business operations and public activities.
Political participation featured prominently in the discussions, with community leaders urging residents to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election. They said increased voter registration would give Eastleigh residents a stronger voice in electing leaders and influencing decisions affecting the constituency.
Members of the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) during the meeting in Eastleigh on June 28, 2026. (Photo: X/Yusuf Hassan)
Speaking during the meeting, MP Yusuf Hassan urged residents to become more actively involved in political affairs and ensure they are registered to vote.
"I urged the Eastleigh community to heighten political engagement, participate in socio-political matters at local, regional, and national levels, register in large numbers, and be ready to vote in the 2027 General Election," he said in a post on X.
The meeting further resolved to support the re-election of Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Eastleigh North MCA Ahmedkadar Dabar, saying both leaders should be given another term to continue implementing development projects. The leaders also declared their support for President William Ruto, saying the community feels recognised by his administration and would back his bid for a second term.
Addressing the endorsement, Yusuf expressed gratitude to the community for its confidence in his leadership.
"I’m deeply grateful for the ongoing support and confidence from the business owners and community elders, and for their strong endorsement of my MP candidature for Kamukunji constituency in 2027," the Kamukunji MP said.
He said he had worked to unite the people of Eastleigh throughout his time in office and had never pursued actions that would create divisions within the community. He added that his focus had remained on delivering development projects and improving the lives of residents across the wider Kamukunji constituency.
The MP reminded residents that he would be seeking re-election and urged eligible voters to register in large numbers ahead of the next polls.
"This time, come out and register; we need 30,000 more people to take votes," he said.
Eastleigh North MCA Ahmedkadar Dabar addressed concerns over the growing number of hawkers operating within the business district. He explained that many hawkers had been allowed to operate outside shopping malls with the approval of building owners. In contrast, the county government had allocated other spaces after obtaining permission from the governor.
He, however, maintained that kiosks along Jam Street that were demolished earlier this year would not be allowed to return.
"Those kiosks which were demolished, if they come back and are reconstructed, then hold me accountable," he said.
Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi said everyone living and working in Eastleigh had come to the area in search of better economic opportunities and stressed the need to create an environment where businesses can continue to thrive.
He added that, by virtue of his position, he remained aware of many of the issues affecting Eastleigh and was committed to working with leaders and residents to address the challenges facing the business community.
"We must work hard for our business people so that they can get better returns which are lawful," he said.
The meeting concluded with leaders urging residents to remain united, support lawful businesses and continue working together to safeguard Eastleigh's position as one of Kenya's leading commercial centres.
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