Many expatriates and foreign investors set up camps in Nairobi due to the city’s advanced infrastructure and easy entry and exit from the country. As well as strong rental yields and a growing real estate industry, Nairobi has it all: Chinatown, Little Mogadishu, and even Nairobi’s own Beverly Hills.
As anyone, both local and foreign, can live anywhere, most of the time, foreign investors from the same region or country invest in an area of the city to be close to other Europeans, Indians, Chinese, Somalis or Americans.
Nairobi Chinatown
If there is a population that has been effective in settling around the world and setting up its own towns, that is the Chinese. Nairobi is no different and although Chinatown here is not as expansive and established as in other parts of the world, it is very vibrant and alive.
- The Kilimani area of Nairobi is Kenya’s Chinatown and most of the foreign investors in this area are of Chinese origin.
- The Chinese invest in Kilimani by setting up wholly owned or joint ventures and investing in commercial and residential properties, both rental and otherwise.
- When you visit Zen, a popular Chinese joint that offers Chinese gastronomic delights located in Kilimani, you literally enter the hustle and bustle that characterizes a Chinatown.
Nairobi Mogadishu
Eastleigh, located in Nairobi’s Eastlands, is Mogadishu’s little city (Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia).
- Initially, the area was occupied by a significant number of Somali immigrants, but recently, wealthier Somalis are investing in this area, buying land and investing billions of dollars in high-rise commercial and residential properties.
- Little Mogadishu is making a name for itself as a growing area that contributes substantial amounts of resources to the growth of the city due to the immense trade that takes place here.
- However, poor infrastructure and insecurity characterize Little Mogadishu.
Nairobi’s Beverly Hills
Foreign investors from the United States and even Europe invest and reside mostly in Muthaiga, popularly known as Nairobi’s Beverly Hills.
- Located 20 minutes from the city center, Muthaiga is a very trendy suburb that is in close proximity to the Gigiri area which is home to the United Nations Complex, Canadian Embassy, and US Embassy, etc.
- Muthaiga is also close to residential areas popular with Westerners, such as Runda and Ridgeways.
- The area is ideal for foreign investors due to its proximity to the city, favorable climate and environment, high security, efficient infrastructure including golf courses, and its easy access to international schools such as the German School of Nairobi, etc.
- Most wealthy American and European foreigners, international organizations and NGOs, diplomats, and the wealthiest Kenyans invest here in high-end residential and commercial properties.
- The interest of these special groups has raised the cost of property in Muthaiga with an acre of land in these areas in excess of up to Ksh500 million.
For Americans and Europeans who want a more out-of-town vibe, opt for the Karen surbab in southwest Nairobi.
Indian/Asian people in Nairobi
The Indian/Asian city of Nairobi is situated in parts of Nairobi known as the Westlands.
- The area is packed with Indian restaurants, temples, commercial and residential properties owned and developed by the South Asian community.
- Even for those members of the South Asian community who do not own property, they prefer to lease and operate from here.
- Aga Khan IV spent her childhood in the Westlands.
- Until recently, the area has been a residential area, although it is now growing as a business district.
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