In need of shopping? Here is how to navigate busy streets of Eastleigh

Navigating the busy streets of Eastleigh can be overwhelming for anyone unfamiliar with the area, a factor that discourages many from visiting as often as they would like.

However, as the festive season approaches, the Eastleigh Voice offers you a guide to help you navigate the bustling streets and avenues quickly upon arrival, allowing you more time to shop for a variety of goods, from clothing and furniture to kitchenware, spices, and electronics.

Here are some tips to make your next visit a seamless and enjoyable experience:

Start by familiarising yourself with the key avenues, streets, and landmarks. Eastleigh is divided into three main avenues and 19 streets. It is bordered by General Waruinge Road, which connects Juja Road to Jogoo Road, separating Eastleigh from California.

Traders and shoppers are pictured at the Eastleigh Social Hall Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

Those arriving from Juja Road will pass Pumwani Hospital and the BBS Mall before reaching the main Eastleigh area, which begins at Yusuf Haji Road by Yare Towers. Yare Towers, located at the second roundabout from Pumwani Hospital along General Waruinge Road, is a well-known landmark that helps guide visitors through the shopping areas. It also marks the starting point for the numbering of the streets and avenues.

From Yare Towers, the avenues are counted in ascending order, with First Avenue starting there, followed by Second Avenue further down General Waruinge Road, and Third Avenue, which leads to the Airbase Police Post. The latter is mostly residential, though a new commercial mall is currently under construction.

The streets, on the other hand, are numbered in descending order, starting with 12th Street at Yare Towers, followed by 11th Street, and continuing down to 1st Street. Each street is separated by a road, making it easier to navigate.

Boda boda (motorbike) riders and taxi drivers often refer to malls by their street numbers. If you get lost, simply look out for the street signs, which are visible on all 19 streets and can also be found on Google Maps for tech-savvy visitors.

For those coming from the city centre via Juja Road, another route to the malls is through Muratina Street, which starts outside Eastleigh North Police Station (adjacent to BBS Mall) and runs all the way to Mathare. While less congested, this route requires some familiarity with the 12 streets to navigate to your preferred mall.

A view of Eastleigh's Ninth Street. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Muratina Street also offers the fastest access to Jam Street, the jewellery hub of Eastleigh, where gold and silver are sold, and currency exchange services are readily available.

Armed with these tips, visitors can easily walk through the streets to their desired malls.

"Most people prefer using public transport to get here and then leave in a taxi after shopping, as carrying their purchases around can be cumbersome. However, self-driving is also an option, with parking available in several spots, though not always directly outside the malls. You may find parking at hotels or the BBS Mall," says Mercy Waiyego, a frequent shopper.

Traders in the area advise visitors to ask for directions if lost, as locals are usually happy to help.

"Someone will point you to a mall, and if it's a bit far, you can hop on one of the many motorbikes available," says Ann Wambua, a hawker selling carrier bags.

Inside the malls, shops are numbered, making it easy to find your way to the correct floor.

Shopping in Eastleigh doesn’t have to be overwhelming with these tips. Many traders encourage visitors to ask for directions if they feel lost.

"The presence of traffic officers along the streets is also helpful for those who may feel uneasy asking strangers for directions. This is particularly useful during peak hours, which start in the early afternoon and continue into the evening," Wambua adds.

Most malls open early, so for those looking to avoid the crowds and traffic along General Waruinge Road and the surrounding streets, it's best to shop in the morning.