Kamukunji's Airbase Ward: A tapestry of cultures where diversity spurs growth

Airbase Ward in Kamukunji has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Once a quiet area, it is now characterised by rapid growth and development.

The construction of high-rise buildings, some reaching up to 20 floors, is a testament to this change. Land prices have surged as demand increases, painting a picture of progress and expansion.

The ward's growth is not limited to infrastructure. Airbase Ward is notable for its multiculturalism, with diverse communities coexisting and thriving together.

Different ethnic groups from across Kenya live harmoniously, often sharing the same apartment buildings.

This intermingling extends to their daily lives, where it is common to see people from various backgrounds sharing meals and enjoying each other's company.

The Oromo community has a significant presence in Airbase Ward, yet other Kenyan tribes are also well represented.

This diversity fosters a unique cultural interaction that brings unity among the residents. Oromo-owned restaurants serve non-Oromos, Kikuyu-owned shops cater to Oromos, and Kamba-owned kiosks welcome customers from all backgrounds.

This blending of cultures and businesses has attracted more investors to the area, contributing to its economic growth.

Wilfred Bolu, originally from Kitui, operates a small restaurant in Airbase Ward, where she sells Kenyan delicacies like chapati and githeri.

Wilfred Bolu who runs a small restaurant in Airbase Ward. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Business success

Bolu attributes the success of her business to the diverse community, especially the Oromo, who frequent her restaurant.

"Without them, my business would not have been working. The diversity is helping grow my small restaurant," she noted.

The Oromo community is well-known for its coffee brewing businesses here. Khalid Koropicha, a macchiato coffee seller for over two years, remarks that his biggest customers come from various communities.

"Here it is hard to know who is who. This coffee will all be bought by others," he says.

The Somali community, though smaller in number, is an avid consumer of Oromo cultural foods like Anjera.

Unlike the Somali Anjera which is usually small in size and made of wheat flour, Oromo Anjera is larger and sometimes made from Teff.

One Oromo Anjera can feed two people and is usually served with meat soup.

Abdiaziz Ibrahim, a resident of Second Street says he enjoys Oromo Anjera with his friends from different backgrounds including some who are Kikuyu.

Abdiaziz Ibrahim. He says he enjoys Oromo Anjera with his friends from different backgrounds. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

He notes that here tribe and clan do not matter and everyone embraces diversity.

"It's my favourite food. Our ward is growing because of how we have embraced each other," he said.

The ward's children also benefit from this cultural diversity. The local Quranic schools locally known as Duksi, are attended by kids from different communities, fostering bonds from a young age.

Educational facilities in Airbase Ward contribute significantly to its growth. The ward is home to two public secondary schools: St Teresa Boys and Maina Wanjigi Girls. Additionally, the largest community-integrated school, Ansarul Sunnah, is located here, offering education to children from various backgrounds. The school usually performs well in the National Examinations.

The ward also boasts the only technical and vocational training college in Eastlands, providing valuable skills to the youth and enhancing the local workforce.

Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College's foundation stone was laid on 30th June 2016 by William Samoei Ruto who was by then the Deputy President of Kenya.

Airbase Ward, part of the Eastleigh division continues to grow rapidly due to its communities embracing diversity.

The first commercial mall of this ward on Third Avenue is under construction and will be completed in a few months.

An upcoming mall at Third Avenue, Second Street in Eastleigh's Airbase Ward. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Residents are committed to the ward's development, working together to overcome challenges and improve their community.

However, the ward faces some issues. Garbage disposal is a significant problem, with trash often seen on pavements despite the well-tarmacked roads.

Insecurity and persistent water shortages are some of the issues that residents hope will be addressed by the relevant authorities.