Top 10 popular streets in Nairobi
Did you know that Nairobi is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities? Since it became a city in 1950, Nairobi has evolved into a fast-paced metropolitan center with bustling streets, tall skyscrapers, and noisy vehicles.
Nairobi is divided into two primary areas: downtown and uptown, comprised of multiple avenues. Known as the “Sun City,” Nairobi has a lot to offer, including the best restaurants that provide the best Kenyan cuisine, wildlife attractions and sanctuaries, fantastic shopping malls, and some of the top clubs for a night out if that’s your thing.
Exploring the streets of Nairobi is one of the best ways to experience the best parts of the city. Whether you like leisure walks or a quick trip around, the streets of Nairobi will always have something for everyone.
Here are the Top 10 popular streets in Nairobi that are worth exploring.
Biashara Street
‘Biashara’ implies business in Swahili. If you live or have visited Nairobi, you’ll know that this street lives up to its name. Known initially as Bazaar Street, the street serves as a commercial center.
It is a famous street, particularly among women, because it sells supplies for making all kinds of garments and decorations.
The street is also recognized for retailing many baby products, including clothing, toys, and other accessories. Some of the best eateries and cafes on Biashara Street include Valley Coffee Shake and Mikayi African Dishes.
Harambee Avenue
Harambee Avenue is a worthwhile route to visit, whether for official purposes or pleasure. Along the streets is home to some of Nairobi’s most important government offices.
As a result, it is relatively safe to explore because the security is excellent. Harambee Street also includes several rather tall and well-designed buildings that are well-maintained, giving the street a pleasing aspect.
Kenyatta Avenue
Before it got its name from the first president of the Republic of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, this street was initially called Sixty Avenue. In Nairobi’s uptown district, Kenyatta Avenue is the city’s broadest and most picturesque street.
In addition, the famous All Saints Cathedral church and international hotels are located on this route. Kenyatta Avenue is also known for the numerous banks that line the street.
These banks include Kenya Commercial Bank, Family Bank, National Bank, Barclays Bank, Equity Bank, and other financial institutions.
Kimathi Street
Kimathi Street, named after Kenya’s freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, is another prominent Nairobi street. You’ll notice Dedan Kimathi’s iconic statue, ideally placed along the street as you go along it.
Sarova Stanley, Tribeka Lounge, Kaldis Coffee House, and Al Yusra are just a few beautiful restaurants, clubs, and cafés that you will find along Kimathi Street.
Luthuli Avenue
After a series of projects under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Luthuli Avenue has become among Nairobi’s most beautiful and famous streets.
The street currently has new settings such as footpaths, bicycle lanes, parking points, and resting benches that are well-defined and attractively separated by young trees.
Luthuli Avenue is recognized as an electronic shopping paradise because it has the most electronics retailers in the city.
Mama Ngina Street
Mama Ngina Street was named after the First Lady of Kenya, Mama Ngina Kenyatta. This street is one of the no-nonsense streets in Nairobi, with very clean and welcoming with well-maintained buildings.
Even before the Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Mama Ngina Street was still one of the best-maintained streets in the city. The road has some sightings, such as the Maru Art Gallery, and the best eateries, like Hilton Nairobi and Highlands and Potters House.
Also, the street has the IMAX movie theater, a 225-seater theater showing all the latest movies.
Moi Avenue
Moi Avenue is another prominent street in the city. Because of the Nairobi Railway Station and the numerous government offices found around the route, Moi Avenue was previously known as the first station and government road.
After taking office, this street was renamed after Daniel Arap Moi, Kenya’s second president. Moi Avenue, which City-Hall Way, Kenyatta Avenue intersect, and Haile Selassie Avenue, is one of the city’s oldest roads.
This street is also bordered by galleries and business complexes, such as Mr. Price near the Kenya National Archives, where people can shop. Jeevanjee Gardens, an open garden that acts as a resting space for visitors, is located near Moi Avenue.
Muindi Mbingu Street
Another unique street in a city that never sleeps. Muindi Mbingu Street was formerly known as Steward Street until being renamed after Samuel Muindi, a prominent figure in colonial Kenya.
You will find some tattoo parlors, shopping malls, banks, and bureaucracies along this street. There are also some restaurants on the street, such as Ambondoz and Swahili Plate, and excellent spots for people to hang out.
Ronald Ngala Street
Ronald Ngala Street, which runs from the Tom Mboya Street intersection to the river, is one of the busiest streets in the city’s downtown area.
Several supermarkets, shopping stalls, and buses to Githurai 44 and 45, Thika, Umoja, and Kariobangi can be found on this street. The Ronald Ngala Post Office is also nearby.
Tom Mboya Street
Tom Mboya Street is one of Nairobi’s oldest and busiest streets, running from Khoja Bus Terminus to Moi Avenue and connecting to Haile Selassie Avenue.
This street connects the inner and outer CBDs and is named after one of Kenya’s founding fathers, the late Tom Mboya. From one end of Tom Mboya Street to the other, several exhibitions, malls, and notable buildings such as the Afya Center and Kenya National Archives.
Additionally, Tom Mboya Street is a popular pick-up and drop-off location for matatus and buses, and it may be congested, especially during rush hours.
These streets are among the most exciting and popular places in Nairobi. However, you must use extreme caution when walking or driving down these streets. Nairobi is one of Kenya’s most exciting cities to visit.
