A popular residential neighbourhood in Nairobi is Embakasi which is off Mombasa Road. It is close to the largest and busiest airport in East Africa, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. As a fast-developing area with numerous factories and companies with their headquarters, Embakasi is a mixed development area with residential and commercial properties.
It is a densely populated area with low and middle-income earners. It gives off the vibe of a 24-hour economy because of all the activity that goes on in the area. Shops, restaurants, bars, transport, all run until late into the night.
History
It is said that Embakasi started from Embakasi Village which was where the Embakasi Prison which was a detention camp during the Mau Mau Uprising back in 1952-1960. The Brits needed manpower to complete their infrastructure projects and that is how Embakasi Airport currently JKIA came into existence.
Property Prices
Estates
Embakasi is in Eastlands together with other neighbouring estates such as Fedha, Pipeline, Tena, Avenue Park 1 and 2, Tumaini Estate, Imara Daima and more. These estates are well tarmacked, have proper lighting, and in some, there is a lot of greenery. These are family-oriented estates going by the type of residential homes.
There are a lot of bungalows, townhouses and flats. Nyayo Estate, a gated community with maisonettes and apartments has a consistent look which makes them look appealing to the eye. It is also a very clean neighbourhood with ample space for children to play outside.
Schools in Embakasi
When moving to a new neighbourhood, one of the main things you should consider is the schools. Taking your kids to a school close to your home means they won’t get stuck in traffic when commuting to and fro school. They also won’t have to wake up early just to catch the school bus.
In Embakasi, there are a variety of options to select from: Harvest View Academy, Good Testimony Junior School, Riara Group of Schools, United Fedha Academy Primary School, Great Commission Academy Primary School, Silver Gate Academy Primary School and Fountain Junior Primary School.
Restaurants
There are several affordable places to eat when in Embakasi. Along Jogoo Road, you will find roadside restaurants that sell tasty nyama choma. Other places include Pizza Inn, City Cabanas, Flame Grill, Spinners, Carribean Food Court. At the airport, if you are coming into Nairobi or leaving, there are places you can eat a full meal, a snack or have a drink. Visit Paul Caffe, Hardee’s and Amaica.
Hospitals
There are different hospitals in Embakasi: Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital – Embakasi, Wentworth Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, Bristol Park Hospital – Fedha, Pipeline Hospital.
Shopping Malls
People in Embakasi shop at Southfield Mall along Airport North Road, Tuskys which is opposite the Coca Cola plant and Tumaini Supermarket in Fedha.
Government Institutions
At JKIA, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Jetlink Express, Kenya Airports Authority, has its head office there.
Transport
Getting to Embakasi, you board a matatu outside Tuskys Supermarket along Accra Road in the Central Business District (CBD). If you are driving, the fastest way to get there is through Mombasa Road. Similarly, you could use Jogoo Road to get to Embakasi.