Young entrepreneurs seize opportunities in Eastleigh, Nairobi's thriving business hub

Eastleigh, a business hub in Kamukunji Constituency, attracts hundreds of visitors each day in search of opportunities.

Nestled amid sprawling slums, it has long been a crucial economic hub for residents of these communities and the larger Nairobi. Here, individuals explore a variety of options, from launching their enterprises to securing jobs in local shops.

The extensive market provides a wealth of opportunities that cater to a wide array of needs.

Joseph Muchoki arrived in Eastleigh at 23 and has never regretted his decision to settle there over the past 26 years. He has found the area to be incredibly beneficial for both himself and his community.

"I used to live around Kituamba Section Three, but I saw countless opportunities in Eastleigh that weren't available elsewhere. This is where I've thrived for the last 26 years," Muchoki told The Eastleigh Voice.

He discovered a niche in barter trade, known locally as "Mali Mali," where he buys household plastic items and exchanges them for unwanted clothes from different neighbourhoods, including California. He then resells these clothes at a profit.

"This business is great because it helps declutter people's homes. They give away clothes they no longer wear, and in return, I provide items they need. Most people, especially women, prefer kitchen items like flasks, cups, glasses, and plates, which is what I focus on," he explains.

Traders purchase items at wholesale shops along 14th Street in Eastleigh on September 3, 2024. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Muchoki has witnessed significant improvements in his life through this venture, including moving to a better neighbourhood and being able to educate his four children, including his eldest, who is now 26.

"Eastleigh offers many opportunities; one just needs to be smart and proactive to succeed. There's something for everyone here," he emphasises.

Alexander Musyoka, who hails from Kiamaiko, starts his day at 3 am to head to the market for fresh fruits, which he supplies daily to his clients in Eastleigh. He moved to Eastleigh three years ago and has since found it to be a haven, never considering leaving.

"The buying power of Eastleigh residents is high; they purchase in bulk and daily, making business here very profitable. The environment is also conducive for trade," he observes.

Musyoka primarily serves the local Somali community, which forms a significant portion of the population. He appreciates that they tend to be less demanding than other customers, making sales easier and more lucrative.

He sells seasonal fruits such as mangoes, melons, pineapples, oranges, apples, and avocados, always taking advantage of what's in season. "I've built a loyal customer base over time. After selling, I make my rounds mainly around California and other areas. I've also brought in some younger people to help cover more ground and increase sales," he shares.

Musyoka believes that Eastleigh offers genuine opportunities for building a better life. "There are countless chances here; all one needs is the determination to keep pushing forward," he emphasises.

While many come to Eastleigh to shop, this business hub offers significant opportunities for people from neighbouring slums and other parts of Nairobi, who also come to engage in trade. I can tell you that everything one might need is readily available here.

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

Purity Muthoni, now 24 years old, has spent her entire life observing her mother run a thriving business in Eastleigh. After gaining valuable insights and experience, she has taken over the family business, which specialises in vehicle and motorcycle spare parts. This venture has not only supported her upbringing but has also funded her education, allowing her to pursue her dreams.

"I watched my mother work in this shop and learned how to sew and manage the business. I saw her dedication and resilience, and it inspired me to carry on the legacy. This area offers many advantages, such as a steady flow of customers and a strong community of traders, making it easy to thrive in Eastleigh. I would choose this location for a business any day," she shares with pride.

However, as Eastleigh continues to evolve and attract a diverse range of traders, the competition has intensified significantly. Purity notes that this increased competition poses challenges, particularly when it comes to securing retail space. "We currently face stiff competition from both local businesses and residents in the area, which worries us. Many new shops are opening, and the market is becoming saturated," she explains.

Moreover, she highlights the rising costs associated with doing business in Eastleigh. "With costs rising, Eastleigh is slowly becoming more expensive. Rent prices are increasing, and as new buildings go up, we fear we may struggle to find a suitable place for our business," she admits.

Despite these challenges, Purity remains optimistic. She understands the importance of adapting to the changing market and is committed to finding innovative ways to maintain her business's success. "I believe in the potential of Eastleigh and the community here. While the challenges are real, I'm determined to navigate them and continue growing our family business.

Eastleigh has transformed dramatically over the past few decades, evolving from a simple neighbourhood into a thriving commercial hub. It started as a modest area with small shops and informal markets, primarily serving the local community.

As the population grew, so did the demand for various goods and services. Entrepreneurs began to recognise the potential in Eastleigh, leading to the establishment of numerous businesses, particularly in trade and retail. This influx attracted more people from nearby slums and other parts of Nairobi, boosting the local economy even further.

With this growth came the rise of high-rise buildings, as developers sought to meet the demand for commercial space. A significant milestone in this transformation was the construction of BBS Mall, which introduced modern shopping experiences and became a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Construction workers arranging stones at a construction site in Eastleigh on August 15. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)